Well it’s nearly Oscars time so I’d better get this review done in time.

“Ladies and gentlemen remain seated please. We apologise for the delay but we are waiting on a critique on our nominees from an imbecile in Chad-stone, Osstralia.“

This South Korean film has created a lot of hype and nothing more evident than the full house in the Rivoli Cinema yesterday. It’s a film where I get to use the word juxtaposition, because this film is just that. The definition being: the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.

The first half gives us a picture of the slums of wherever this part of South Korea is. The family of 4 are intelligent, close but out of work. When the son obtains a tutoring job with a wealthy family in their stunning architect designed home, the opportunity opens for other members of the family to join him in other roles. It’s devious but relatively harmless fun but in one night upon the return of the displaced previous housekeeper, everything goes sour.

The juxtaposition comes from a number of scenes where the director is clearly highlighting the difference between the “haves” and the “have nots.” A couple of examples I liked were the magnificent front garden of the “house on the hill” viewed from the living room, versus the tiny basement premises of the poor family whose only view was out onto an impoverished street and often accompanied by a drunken bum urinating against a wall. The other scene consists of a massive flooding storm, bellowing water from up high in the city down into the slums. It’s a stunning piece of cinematography. 

My good friend The Senator thought the ending was a bit lazy, but it didn’t faze me too much. Overall the film has a couple of issues, but then again I may have got lost in translation. Parasite is magnificently shot, has a beautiful soundtrack that washes over the film unobtrusively and it will get you jumping in your seat a few times! 9/10

Just quickly as I’ve had a call from MGM to get a move on so my favourites and not so favourites this past year:

Favourites:

Joker- Apart from Joaquin Pheonix’s tour de force performance, I just loved this film.

Marriage Story – Adam Driver really surprised me with this excellent performance as did Laura Dern as the lawyer.

The Irishman – Joe Pesci at his evil, understated best.

Jojo Rabbit – Quirky and anything with Sam Rockwell in it..I’m in.

Parasite – see above

1917 – The first 20 mins especially but I felt it lacked the grit of Paths of Glory or Gallipoli.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood – A great movie for today’s societal challenges.

Not so:

Once upon a time in Hollywood – Self indulgent and predictable. Not sure where Tarantino is going.

Ford v Ferrari – Boring unless you like cars. Worst thing I’ve ever seen Christian Bale do and I’m a big fan.

OK, back to MGM….thanks for holding, Cheers