Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" has etched its name in cinematic history, not just for its Palme d'Or win at Cannes but also for sweeping the Academy Awards, becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. Beyond its accolades, "Parasite" has ignited global conversations about the chasm between social classes, portraying the intricate and often invisible lines that divide them. Central to this discourse is the film's nuanced use of "smell" as a metaphor for class division, ingeniously weaving this sensory detail into the narrative to underscore the deep-seated prejudices and systemic barriers that define the characters' interactions and destinies. This metaphor not only drives the plot but also invites audiences worldwide to reflect on the pervasive, often overlooked impacts of social stratification in their societies, making "Parasite" a pivotal piece in the dialogue on inequality.
Symbolism of "Smell" in "Parasite"
In "Parasite," Bong Joon-ho masterfully employs the metaphor of "smell" to underscore the invisible yet insurmountable boundaries delineating social classes. This sensory detail transcends its literal interpretation, encapsulating the pervasive yet often unnoticed social prejudices between the affluent Park family and the impoverished Kim family. The Kims' efforts to mask their scent—a tangible marker of their socioeconomic status—emerge as a poignant symbol of their desperate attempts to infiltrate a world that remains stubbornly out of reach, highlighting the futility of their efforts to transcend social boundaries (Sybil Davis, 2021).
The use of sensory metaphors in "Parasite" extends beyond mere narrative technique to critique the structural foundations of inequality.The film's deployment of "smell" not only adds narrative depth but also illuminates the ubiquitous, often subconscious, prejudices within social strata. The "smell" metaphor signifies systemic inequality and the social stigma attached to poverty (Farahbakhsh & Ebrahimi, 2021). Despite the Kim couple's efforts to disguise their lower status through deception and mimicry, this marker mercilessly exposes their true position within the social hierarchy to the Parks. By focusing on "smell," Bong not only emphasizes the material conditions wrought by economic disparities but also delves into the psychological and societal impacts, showing how deeply entrenched biases are. This metaphor elegantly conveys the insidious nature of class discrimination, where the superficial markers of poverty are inescapable and perpetually othering, solidifying the social standing of the underprivileged while obscuring the common humanity beneath these artificial divisions. Thus, "smell" in "Parasite" transcends its role as a simple plot device, emerging as a compelling metaphor for the social invisibility and marked otherness experienced by the lower class in a stratified society.
Class and Morality in the Narrative
In "Parasite," the film intricately examines how class divisions significantly impact moral judgments, offering a detailed exploration of ethics against the backdrop of social inequality. As the article "Class, Morality, and Capitalism in ‘Parasite’" suggests, the narrative challenges traditional moral stories by presenting both the affluent Park family and the struggling Kim family in complex shades, rather than simple dichotomies of good and evil. The Parks, outwardly kind but oblivious, indirectly perpetuate the oppression of the Kims through their ignorant consumption. In contrast, the Kims, despite resorting to deception and manipulation to escape their plight, garner empathy for their tenacity and wit in the face of systemic injustice (Sybil Davis, 2021).
The moral consequences of the characters' actions are deeply intertwined with their social standing, blurring the lines between victims and perpetrators. The film encourages viewers to ponder the ethics of survival within a capitalist system that sets individuals against one another in a ceaseless battle for upward mobility (Kapur, 2013). "Parasite" provokes reflection on how societal frameworks shape personal morals, indicating that ethical judgments cannot be separated from the realities of economic disparity and class conflict. This sophisticated portrayal highlights that in a profoundly unequal society, morality is often a privilege beyond the reach of the poor, emphasizing the need for greater empathy towards the actions driven by desperation (Sybil Davis, 2021).
Furthermore, the film critically examines capitalism, vividly portraying the systemic inequalities it creates. It adeptly depicts the relationship between the wealthy Parks and the impoverished Kims, emphasizing the vast differences in their living conditions, opportunities, and societal treatment. This disparity exemplifies the broader social divide where the rich's luxuries come at the expense of the working class's labor and dignity, encapsulating the parasitic nature of capitalist relationships (Chibber, 2013).
"Parasite" reveals how capitalism fosters a hierarchical society that values individuals based on economic contribution and status, leading to a cycle of exploitation. The rich rely on the poor for comfort and survival without acknowledging their humanity (Neel, 2021). The movie challenges viewers to question the morality of a system that commodifies relationships and transforms survival into a competitive game.
Academic perspectives support this critique, arguing that capitalism not only exacerbates the gap between the rich and the poor but also normalizes inequality and injustice (Gandal, 2007). By delving into class struggle and the inherent flaws of capitalism, "Parasite" encourages contemplation on the necessity of systemic change, urging audiences to imagine a society where wealth and resources are distributed more equitably, and human dignity is upheld across all social strata.
Real-world Implications and Reflections
"Parasite" extends beyond the silver screen to mirror real-world issues of class discrimination and social injustice, vividly illuminating the stark disparities and entrenched systemic barriers that divide societies globally. The film's intricate metaphors and themes serve as a poignant reminder of the universal struggles against economic disparity, urging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about privilege, poverty, and the invisible lines that segregate communities. It compels a reconsideration of potential solutions and shifts in perspective necessary to bridge these divides. Addressing these disparities requires more than policy changes; it demands a fundamental re-evaluation of societal values and a collective commitment to fostering equality and empathy across class lines.
Conclusion
"Parasite" masterfully intertwines a compelling narrative with profound social commentary, highlighting the pervasive nature of class discrimination and inequality. Through its nuanced portrayal of two families on opposite ends of the economic spectrum, the film invites viewers to reflect on the deep-seated issues that perpetuate social injustice. Its power lies not only in its storytelling but in its ability to provoke thought and inspire change in societal attitudes towards class and inequality. "Parasite" exemplifies how cinema can transcend entertainment, becoming a catalyst for dialogue and a mirror reflecting the complexities of human society, urging us towards a more equitable world.
References:
Farahbakhsh, A. and Ebrahimi, R. (2021) ‘The social implications of metaphor in Bong Joon-ho’s parasite’, CINEJ Cinema Journal, 9(1), pp. 87–116. doi:10.5195/cinej.2021.291.
Gandal, K. (2007) Class representation in modern fiction and film [Preprint]. doi:10.1057/9780230604193.
Kapur, J. (2013) Neoliberalism and global cinema: Capital, culture, and Marxist critique. New York: Routledge.
Neel, M. (2021) Analysing the film ‘parasite’ through a post colonial lens, Sociology Group: Welcome to Social Sciences Blog. Available at: https://www.sociologygroup.com/analysing-the-film-parasite-through-post-colonial-lens/ (Accessed: 11 March 2024).
Purakayastha, A.S. (2014) ‘Postcolonial theory and the specter of capital’, Journal of Postcolonial Writing, 50(3), pp. 369–370. doi:10.1080/17449855.2014.880279.
Sybil Davis, J.W. (2021) Class, morality, and capitalism in ‘parasite’, Left Voice. Available at: https://www.leftvoice.org/class-morality-and-capitalism-in-parasite/ (Accessed: 11 March 2024).
Comments