Parasite 2019
Directed by
Joon-ho Bong
Made by
CJ Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Parasite (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Kim Ki-Taek, played by Song Kang-Ho, is an unemployed driver struggling to make ends meet with his family, which includes his wife Choong-Sook, portrayed by Jang Hye-Jin, son Ki-Woo, played by Choi Woo-Sik, and daughter Ki-Jeong, represented by Park So-Dam. They live in a cramped semi-basement apartment, relying on meager jobs, such as folding pizza boxes, to survive.
The family’s fortunes take a surprising turn when Ki-Woo’s friend Min-Hyuk, played by Park Seo-Joon, visits them before leaving to study abroad, gifting them a sizeable rock said to bring wealth. Encouraged by Min-Hyuk’s suggestion, Ki-Woo takes up a job as an English tutor for the wealthy Park family’s youngest daughter, Da-Hye, portrayed by Jung Ji-So. There, Ki-Woo impresses Mrs. Park, played by Cho Yeo-Jeong, during an interview, despite all his qualifications being forged by his sister, Ki-Jeong.
When Ki-Woo learns that Mrs. Park is searching for an art teacher for her son, Da-Song, he quickly recommends Ki-Jeong under the alias “Jessica.” They further infiltrate the Park family’s lives by having the current driver fired through Ki-Jeong’s cunning plan. Shortly after, they manage to get housekeeper Moon-Kwang, played by Lee Jung-Eun, dismissed under dubious circumstances, effectively positioning the entire Kim family in the employ of the Parks.
As the Kims settle into this new life, Ki-Woo begins to develop feelings for Da-Hye, leading to a steamy kiss between the two. However, the facade of their newfound security shatters during an unexpected incident when the Parks decide to cut their camping trip short due to heavy rain, forcing the Kims to hide the chaos in their lives.
During a raucous party that the Kims throw while the Parks are away, tensions escalate when Moon-Kwang arrives seeking something from the basement, unleashing a series of events that culminates in shocking violence. The hidden presence of Moon-Kwang’s husband, Geun-Sae, adds further complication to the Kims’ charade, leading to tragic outcomes that ripple through both families.
After a series of life-threatening revelations and emotional confrontations, the once happy facade of the Kims leads to their unraveling as the violence culminates in a shocking climax. Each member of the family is faced with dire consequences, with Ki-Woo reflecting on the aftermath: his sister Ki-Jeong succumbs to her injuries, and he himself endures a traumatic brain surgery, imagining a reunion with his father, Ki-Taek, whom he believes has survived.
In a gut-wrenching conclusion, Ki-Woo resolves that he will one day reclaim the luxurious life they lost, promising to save his father from the grasp of their tragic reality. As he gazes at the Park’s mansion, he catches sight of a flickering light conveying a Morse code message — a silent testament to the lingering hope of reunion amidst their chaotic lives. The film ends with a poignant reminder of the disparities between social classes and the lengths to which individuals will go to seek a better life, all while functioning within the unpredictable world they inhabit.
Timeline
Track the key events of Parasite (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Struggling in the Semi-Basement
The Kim family, consisting of Ki-Taek, Choong-Sook, Ki-Woo, and Ki-Jeong, struggles to make ends meet in their cramped semi-basement apartment. They rely on menial jobs, such as folding pizza boxes, to stay afloat financially.
The Gift of Fortune
Ki-Woo's friend Min-Hyuk visits before studying abroad and gifts the family a substantial rock, claiming it will bring them wealth. This unexpected gift becomes a symbol of hope for the financially troubled family.
Ki-Woo Becomes a Tutor
Encouraged by Min-Hyuk’s suggestion, Ki-Woo secures a job as an English tutor for the wealthy Park family's daughter, Da-Hye. He impresses Mrs. Park during the interview, despite his qualifications being fabricated by his sister, Ki-Jeong.
Ki-Jeong's Deception
When Mrs. Park looks for an art teacher for her son, Da-Song, Ki-Woo suggests Ki-Jeong, who adopts the alias 'Jessica.' This act further intertwines the Kims with the Parks, helping them secure more positions within the family.
Infiltrating the Park Family
The Kims cunningly devise a plan to have the current driver dismissed, paving the way for Ki-Taek to become the new driver. This marks a significant step in their infiltration, putting them in positions of trust within the Park household.
Ki-Woo's Growing Affection
As the Kims start living with the Parks, Ki-Woo develops romantic feelings for Da-Hye. Their relationship escalates when they share a passionate kiss, adding personal stakes to their deceptive living conditions.
Unexpected Camping Trip Change
The Parks decide to cut their planned camping trip short due to heavy rain, prompting the Kims to hide the chaos of their lives. This turn of events heightens the tension and urgency within the Kim family's precarious situation.
The Raucous Party
With the Parks away, the Kims throw a wild party at the mansion. The festivities take a dark turn when Moon-Kwang, the former housekeeper, arrives looking for something, setting off a chain of violent and chaotic events.
Unveiling Hidden Truths
The appearance of Moon-Kwang's husband, Geun-Sae, unbeknownst to the Kims, complicates their façade. Tensions escalate as secrets unravel, leading to unexpected confrontations and tragic consequences for both families.
Climax of Violence
The tensions reach a boiling point, leading to shocking violence and loss. As the Kims face the aftermath, each family member confronts the devastating results of their deception, changing their lives forever.
Ki-Jeong's Tragic Fate
After surviving a violent confrontation, Ki-Jeong suffers fatal injuries. Her death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the destructive consequences of the Kims’ quest for a better life.
Ki-Woo's Trauma
Following the violent events, Ki-Woo undergoes traumatic brain surgery, marked by confusion and hallucinations. He envisions a reunion with his father, Ki-Taek, whom he believes has endured the chaos.
Hope Amid Despair
Despite the tragedies, Ki-Woo resolves to reclaim the affluent life the family lost. He silently vows to save his father from their grim reality, showcasing his determination amidst despair.
The Flickering Light
As Ki-Woo gazes at the Park's mansion, he notices a flickering light signaling a Morse code message. This haunting image becomes a poignant reminder of hope and the possibility of reunion despite their chaotic lives.
Reflection on Class Disparities
The film closes with a reflection on the stark contrasts between social classes. It poses a question about the lengths individuals will go to in search of a better life, encapsulating the harsh realities within their unpredictable world.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Parasite (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kim Ki-Taek
Kim Ki-Taek is the patriarch of the Kim family, embodying resilience yet vulnerability in the face of hardship. His character portrays the complexities of a father whose desire to provide for his family leads him down a morally ambiguous path. He faces dire consequences as the deception unravels, showcasing the dramatic shift from hope to despair.
Choong-Sook
As the matriarch of the Kim family, Choong-Sook balances her love for her family with the harsh realities of their financial struggles. Her pragmatism and determination shine as she navigates the treacherous waters of their deception. She stands as a symbol of maternal strength amid the chaos that ensues.
Ki-Woo
Ki-Woo is the ambitious son who takes the first step in his family's scheme to infiltrate the Park household. Driven by the desire to change their fortune, he embodies youthful hope but also naivete. His character arc leads to a dramatic transformation as he confronts the reality of his family's deceit and its tragic repercussions.
Ki-Jeong
Ki-Jeong, the cunning daughter, plays a pivotal role in the family's infiltration of the Parks. With her sharp intellect and resourcefulness, she creates opportunities for the family, but her actions also push them further into moral ambiguity. Her arc is a reflection of the dangers that accompany ambition and deception.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Parasite (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting that reflects current social and economic issues. It captures the dynamics of class struggle in modern society, illustrating the lengths to which impoverished individuals will go to improve their circumstances amid a rapidly changing world.
Location
Semi-basement apartment, Park family mansion
The film contrasts the cramped and impoverished semi-basement apartment of the Kim family with the spacious and luxurious mansion of the Park family. The semi-basement symbolizes the struggles of lower-class citizens, while the Park mansion represents the opulence and privilege of the wealthy, highlighting the stark social disparities between the two families.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Parasite (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Class Disparity
Parasite delves deeply into the stark contrasts between the wealthy and the poor. It illustrates how social class determines one's opportunities and choices, revealing the lengths to which individuals will go to escape their circumstances. The film paints a poignant picture of the impact of wealth inequality on human relationships and morality.
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Deception
At its core, the film revolves around themes of deception and disguise. The Kim family's elaborate schemes to infiltrate the Park family's lives reveal how far they are willing to go to achieve a better life. This deception leads to unexpected consequences, emphasizing the fragile nature of their newfound status.
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Tragedy
The film escalates from a seemingly humorous struggle for survival to a tragic climax filled with violence and sorrow. The unraveling of the Kim family as a result of their deception highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the inevitable fallout of their actions. The tragedy serves as a powerful commentary on the harsh realities faced by those living on the fringes of society.
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