Re: “Bong Joon-Ho's Acclaimed Satire 'Parasite' Has Nothing Much to Say”

I am so glad to find someone else who had problems with the universal acclaim of this film. While agreeing with some commenters that you picked a couple of the wrong details to criticise (eg, the Kims found appropriate clothes from the donated pile in the gym), overall I disliked the film. I admired the superlative acting by a very talented cast, and the skill of the cinematography. But I can't understand why everyone else calls it "entertaining." It was very unpleasant to watch this family gaining the trust of the Parks by lying to them and conning them, even ruining the lives of their other employees so they could infiltrate their house. Yes, one found oneself emitting a wry laugh as one saw how the son was setting up the deceit to bring the next family member in. But it wasn't exactly humour. Yes, there was social commentary, but as you say, Rick, what was new about it? The Parks happen to be rich, the Kims are not. The rather similar Japanese film 'Shoplifters' addressed some of the same issues but more subtly, and the family in that film show more tenderness to each other and to the small girl they protect. The core problem of Parasite for me was that I couldn't sympathize with the Kims because of their repellent behaviour...It looked as if it were going to get interesting when the father suddenly said that Mrs Park was actually nice. But that didn't go anywhere. The dishonest behaviour continued, making me feel alienated and uncomfortable. And of course the bloodbath at the end is horrifying.