The Greatest Movie Of The 21st Century Just Keeps Getting Better

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Many good movies stay enjoyable over time, but truly exceptional films actually improve with age. They become even more meaningful as years pass and we gain new perspectives. Films like The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption, Apocalypse Now, and even Hannah Montana: The Movie were all fantastic when they first came out, but they’ve become even more celebrated and respected as time has gone on, proving just how great they really are.

Released in 2019, the critically acclaimed film Parasite tells the story of two families from vastly different backgrounds: the wealthy Parks and the impoverished Kims. When the Kim family cleverly inserts itself into the Parks’ home, a series of unsettling events unfold, stemming from a hidden secret in the house’s basement. This ultimately leads to a violent climax at a birthday party. Despite the shocking events, Parasite was a huge success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Parasite’s Core Message Is Even More Powerful Now Than In 2019

At its core, the film Parasite tells a harsh story about the deep divide between rich and poor. Director Bong Joon Ho powerfully illustrates the gap between the Park and Kim families, not only in their living standards and belongings, but also in how they view the world. The movie frequently suggests that the Kim family might be able to escape their poverty, whether through Ki-woo’s dreams or by blending into the Park family’s life.

The ending of Parasite is deeply disheartening. Ki-taek is left hiding in the basement of the Park family’s old home, likely to live out the rest of his days there. His only chance at freedom rests on his son, Ki-woo, becoming wealthy enough to buy the house – a feat the film strongly suggests will never happen. This emphasizes the harsh reality of Ki-woo’s future: a life of financial hardship and without his father.

Released in 2019, the film Parasite continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. The years since have brought significant global challenges – a pandemic, conflicts, political instability, and economic issues like Brexit and rising inflation – all of which have increased financial strain on low-income families, mirroring the struggles depicted in the film. Parasite hasn’t simply remained relevant; it’s become a powerful cinematic reflection of the hardships faced by families around the world.

Fear Not, There’s An Even Bleaker Interpretation Of Parasite’s Ending

The film Parasite concludes with Ki-woo waking up from his injury and discovering his father is still alive, hidden in the Parks’ basement, by communicating with him in Morse code. The movie then shows a hopeful vision of Ki-woo eventually buying the house and reuniting with his father. Initially, this scene appears to be solely a daydream of Ki-woo’s – a glimpse into the future he imagines.

Alternatively, the ending of Parasite could be seen as happening entirely within Ki-woo’s imagination. He does suffer a serious head injury, and the film suggests lasting effects are possible. Strange details in the final scenes—like the return of the rock that hit him—support the idea that the ending is a fantasy.

This reading suggests Ki-woo is simply fantasizing about the Morse code message and the possibility of his family buying the Park’s house. The truth is likely much harsher: Ki-taek is probably gone – either missing, imprisoned, or dead – leaving the Kim family with absolutely no hope, a bleak reality that the film Parasite forces both them and us to confront.

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2026-01-25 00:00