The Role of Technology in "Parasite"

With everyone raving about the genius that is Bong Joon Ho's "Parasite," I had to really dissect what makes this movie so unique and poignant. More than just the masterful story telling, thoughtful production design, and suspenseful music, this movie at its core is a commentary on social class. It is about the haves and the have-nots.

There is a stark contrast between the Kim family and the Park family in terms of privilege. But as you dig deeper and deeper you realize through the huge twist, that there are people even lower in society than the Kim family... literally LOWER. Like, in a basement, lower.

Technology plays a HUGE role in helping us differentiate between rich and poor. From the very beginning of the movie we see the Kim family struggling to get wifi. The only spot they can get access to the outside world is by going to the bathroom next to the toilet. SYMBOLIC.

Technology for the Park family is a given. They live in a luxurious modern style house with security cameras and state of the art technology. Walkie Talkies, a very basic form of communication, serve as a toy for the youngest child.

At the bottom of society, (in the basement) we have the most basic form of technology and communication-- But I'd like to not completely spoil that for you. Just note that the form of communication is extremely telling for how technology plays a role in dividing the rich and poor. Go see "Parasite"!