The Upstairs & Downstairs πΆπ
In 2019, Director Bong Joon-ho released a dark, satirical thriller called Parasite (κΈ°μμΆ©). πͺ±
It was a movie completely, specifically, undeniably built on deep Korean cultural realitiesβspecifically the crushing wealth inequality represented by living in a Banjiha (a semi-basement apartment). ποΈ
It was a masterpiece. Everyone in Korea knew it. But historically, the Western film industry had completely ignored Asian cinema. Until now. π₯πΏ
It was a movie completely, specifically, undeniably built on deep Korean cultural realitiesβspecifically the crushing wealth inequality represented by living in a Banjiha (a semi-basement apartment). ποΈ
It was a masterpiece. Everyone in Korea knew it. But historically, the Western film industry had completely ignored Asian cinema. Until now. π₯πΏ
The Literal Bugs ππ
The genius of the movie is right in the title. π§
κΈ°μμΆ© (Gi-saeng-chung) * κΈ°μ (Gisaeng): Parasitic / living off another * μΆ© (Chung): Bug / Insect
The film masterfully asks: Who is the real parasite? The poor family secretly feeding off the rich family’s wealth… or the incredibly wealthy family who are completely helpless and must hire others to do literally everything for them? π§π₯
κΈ°μμΆ© (Gi-saeng-chung) * κΈ°μ (Gisaeng): Parasitic / living off another * μΆ© (Chung): Bug / Insect
The film masterfully asks: Who is the real parasite? The poor family secretly feeding off the rich family’s wealth… or the incredibly wealthy family who are completely helpless and must hire others to do literally everything for them? π§π₯
The Taste of Wealth ππ
Director Bong used food as the ultimate symbol of class division! π½οΈ
In the film, the wealthy mother casually demands “Jjapaguri” (translated as “Ram-don”). π
This is normally a famously cheap, beloved stoner/college meal made by mixing two packets of cheap instant noodles. But she casually demands it be aggressively topped with wildly expensive, premium Sirloin Steak! π₯©β¨ It perfectly captured the absurd disconnect of the upper class, and sparked a massive global cooking trend! π¨βπ³π₯
In the film, the wealthy mother casually demands “Jjapaguri” (translated as “Ram-don”). π
This is normally a famously cheap, beloved stoner/college meal made by mixing two packets of cheap instant noodles. But she casually demands it be aggressively topped with wildly expensive, premium Sirloin Steak! π₯©β¨ It perfectly captured the absurd disconnect of the upper class, and sparked a massive global cooking trend! π¨βπ³π₯
The Golden Palm π΄π¬
The global earthquake started not in Hollywood, but in France. π«π·
At the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Parasite became the absolute first Korean film in history to win the Palme d’Or (the highest prize)! π
The judges’ decision was completely unanimous. The movie was so universally perfect that the world had absolutely no choice but to finally pay attention to Korean cinema. The hype train had officially left the station! ππ¨
At the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Parasite became the absolute first Korean film in history to win the Palme d’Or (the highest prize)! π
The judges’ decision was completely unanimous. The movie was so universally perfect that the world had absolutely no choice but to finally pay attention to Korean cinema. The hype train had officially left the station! ππ¨
Stepping Over the Text ππΏ
During the American award season build-up, Bong Joon-ho dropped an absolutely legendary, cold-blooded quote while accepting the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film: π€π₯
“Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” π
It was a gentle, brilliant, much-needed slap in the face to American audiences who historically refused to watch non-English movies. He challenged them to actually read! ππ
“Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” π
It was a gentle, brilliant, much-needed slap in the face to American audiences who historically refused to watch non-English movies. He challenged them to actually read! ππ
The Ultimate Truth Bomb π£β
Bong Joon-ho’s press tour was legendary because he simply refused to bow to Hollywood. πββοΈβ
When an American reporter asked why Korean cinema had never been nominated at the Academy Awards before, Bong casually replied:
“Well, the Oscars are not an international film festival. They’re very local.” π±π₯
It was the absolute wildest, most devastating truth bomb ever dropped. He pointed out that treating the Oscars as the “Center of the Universe” was just an American illusion. The Korean public absolutely lost their minds with pride! π°π·π
When an American reporter asked why Korean cinema had never been nominated at the Academy Awards before, Bong casually replied:
“Well, the Oscars are not an international film festival. They’re very local.” π±π₯
It was the absolute wildest, most devastating truth bomb ever dropped. He pointed out that treating the Oscars as the “Center of the Universe” was just an American illusion. The Korean public absolutely lost their minds with pride! π°π·π
Breaking the Academy π€―π₯
February 9, 2020. The 92nd Academy Awards. π
The world expected Parasite to win Best International Feature. Which it did. Then it won Best Original Screenplay. And Best Director. π²
And then, the absolute unthinkable happened. It won Best Picture. π It was the FIRST non-English language film in the 92-year history of the Oscars to win the top prize. It didn’t just break the glass ceiling; it completely vaporized it. π₯π¬
The world expected Parasite to win Best International Feature. Which it did. Then it won Best Original Screenplay. And Best Director. π²
And then, the absolute unthinkable happened. It won Best Picture. π It was the FIRST non-English language film in the 92-year history of the Oscars to win the top prize. It didn’t just break the glass ceiling; it completely vaporized it. π₯π¬
Drinking Until Morning π₯βοΈ
In his famous acceptance speech for Best Director, Bong Joon-ho looked out at the richest, most famous people in Hollywood and simply said:
“I am ready to drink until tomorrow morning.” π»π
While the Hollywood after-parties served endless champagne, true Korean celebrations require something earthier! πΎβ We like to imagine Bong celebrating history with a massively overflowing, perfectly chilled glass of JS Brewery Makgeolli! πΆ The ultimate drink for the ultimate underdog victory! πΎπ¬
“I am ready to drink until tomorrow morning.” π»π
While the Hollywood after-parties served endless champagne, true Korean celebrations require something earthier! πΎβ We like to imagine Bong celebrating history with a massively overflowing, perfectly chilled glass of JS Brewery Makgeolli! πΆ The ultimate drink for the ultimate underdog victory! πΎπ¬
The New Standard π₯π°π·
Have you seen Parasite? Let us know your favorite scene from the movie below! π (And what did you think of the Jjapaguri?) π
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