Global Film- Pans Labyrinth + Parasite Flashcards
(53 cards)
What are 5 key social/political themes of Parasite?
Class
Hierarchy and Social Structure
Inequality
Wealth vs Poverty
Capitalism, Colonialism and Hegemony
Family Dynamics
Moral Ambiguity
Gender Structures and Dynamics
What does the term ‘Hell Joseon’ refer to in Parasite?
A socio-economic context characterized by unemployment, inhumane working hours, socioeconomic inequality, and inescapable poverty.
Who are the ‘parasites’ in the film? And why
The Parks - they live and function based on the service of those around them
The Kims - they lie to the parks and scam them out of their money to climb the social ladder
The Basement Dwellers - they live under the parks, using their resources, electricity and food undetected and quite literally live underground like a parasite or insect
What are the six types of context to consider when studying a film?
- Social
- Political
- Cultural
- Historical
- Institutional
- Technological
True or False: The Kims and Basement Dwellers aspire to overthrow the rich.
False.
Fill in the blank: The American Dream has been imported to become the _______.
South Korean Dream.
What does the term ‘Cultural Hegemony’ imply in the context of Parasite?
The reverence and respect for higher social positions and the normalization of the existing social order.
What role does the English language play in Parasite?
It signifies status and represents the language of the colonizer.
What does the term ‘dirt spoons’ refer to in Parasite?
The Kims, representing the lower class.
What are the gender dynamics in The Park family?
Conform to traditional representations with Mr. Park as powerful and emotionally distant, and Mrs. Park as fragile and domestic.
How is gender represented in The Kim family?
Initially gender equal, with shared work and household duties, but shifts to replicate traditional norms upon entering The Park household.
What does the physical separation of the rich and poor symbolize in Parasite?
It makes the exploitation of lower classes easier to ignore.
What is the significance of smell in Parasite?
It serves as a metaphor for revulsion against those perceived as ‘lesser than.’
What does the final scene of Parasite represent in terms of cultural commentary?
The blending of identities and the implications of colonization and hegemony.
What is the impact of the film form on the themes of Parasite?
Cinematography and sound convey themes of class inequality and cultural hegemony.
What does the film suggest about social mobility in South Korea?
It reflects non-existent social mobility, where lower-class families either die, sink lower, or remain the same.
What is ‘Americanised’ refer to in Parasite?
Terminology, technology, and names that reflect American influence.
What is the significance of the Native American iconography in the final scene?
It creates a link between America’s historical colonization and present-day cultural dynamics.
Who directed Parasite?
Bong Joon-ho, a renowned South Korean filmmaker known for his unique storytelling and visual style.
In what year was Parasite released? What happened after it’s release?
2019, Parasite received critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Name three of Bong Joon-ho’s other films.
- Snowpiercer
- Okja
- Memories of Murder
These films showcase Bong’s diverse storytelling and thematic exploration.
What three key auteur traits do we see in Parasite?
- Social commentary
- Genre-blending
- Complex character dynamics
These traits reflect Bong Joon-ho’s distinctive approach to filmmaking.
What is Cool Capitalism?
A concept reflecting the commodification of culture and the merging of capitalism with lifestyle trends
Cool Capitalism critiques how consumer culture influences social dynamics and identity.
What is Hell Joseon?
A term used to describe the socio-economic struggles and disillusionment in contemporary South Korea
It refers to the challenges faced by the younger generation in a rapidly changing society.
