Parasite

Bong Joon Ho, 2019
R; Korean with English subtitles; 132 minutes

“Though we largely root for the Kims, Bong doesn’t allow anything as simple as rich versus poor, good versus bad. No wonder this movie speaks to global audiences—it’s a parable about our capitalist world.” —Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, Metro Newspaper (UK)

Bong Joon Ho brings his singular skillset home to Korea in this pitch-black modern fairytale. The Park family are the picture of aspirational wealth, while the Kim family are rich in street smarts but not much else. When, by chance or by fate, these two households are brought together, the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-age Ki-woo, the two Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the families. The Kims provide “indispensable” luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims’ newfound comfort.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it’s always more fun to see them in the theatre. This October, celebrate the season with giggles, shrieks, and spookiness.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online. Click here to purchase tickets online.