Bong Joon-ho spent more than a decade developing the script for 'Parasite', heavily researching class disparity before drafting the screenplay.

Why it matters: This long process allowed for a nuanced exploration of social issues, leading to an intricately layered narrative that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

The characters in 'Parasite' were inspired by real-life encounters Bong had while visiting poor and wealthy neighborhoods in South Korea.

Why it matters: This authentic perspective enhances the film's realism and draws viewers into its social commentary, making the story feel personal and relatable.

The role of Ki-taek was originally planned for a different actor, but Song Kang-ho was ultimately cast due to his previous collaboration with Bong Joon-ho and the desired emotional range.

Why it matters: Song's performance brought depth and gravitas to the character, significantly influencing the film's tone and audience connection.

The flood scene was created using a combination of CGI and practical effects, with a detailed set built to showcase the chaos.

Why it matters: This meticulous planning allowed for a visceral and impactful scene that elicited strong emotional responses from the audience, encapsulating the characters' despair.

The Park family's house was a meticulously designed set, built from scratch rather than using an existing location to ensure complete creative control.

Why it matters: The design visually represents wealth and class disparity, allowing the house itself to become a character in the story, symbolizing the divide between the two families.

Bong Joon-ho integrated dark humor into the screenplay, balancing tension with comedic elements to keep audiences engaged.

Why it matters: This tonal complexity creates a rollercoaster viewing experience, making moments of tension feel impactful while still allowing for unexpected bursts of laughter.

The film underwent extensive editing, with Bong and his editor, Yang Jin-mo, refining scenes to enhance pacing and emotional beats.

Why it matters: The editing choices shaped the film's rhythm and flow, making it more engaging and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats without losing narrative coherence.

Park So-dam, who played Ki-jung, was not an initial frontrunner for the role; Bong was impressed by her versatility during auditions.

Why it matters: Her strong performance contributed significantly to the films depth and emotional weight, garnering acclaim and helping the film to earn four Academy Awards.

Bong used wide-angle lenses combined with specific framing techniques, creating a sense of surrealism in the depiction of class structures.

Why it matters: These visual choices enhance the thematic elements of disparity, letting the audience feel the characters' tensions and positioning within their environments.

The sound design included specific cultural music choices that reflected the different social classes represented in the film.

Why it matters: These auditory cues further emphasize the contrast between the two families, immersing audiences deeper into the social commentary.

Bong incorporated personal touches to convey social issues, often drawing on his own experiences and observations of class struggles.

Why it matters: This adds a level of authenticity to the film's critique of societal inequality, elevating it beyond mere entertainment to a thought-provoking work.

The hidden bunker in the Park family's home serves as a crucial plot point, symbolizing the hidden class struggles within society.

Why it matters: This metaphor enriches the story, encouraging viewers to think critically about socio-economic issues that may be hidden beneath the surface.

Bong chose a specific color palette to visually represent the differing classes and emotions of the characters throughout the film.

Why it matters: This artistic choice contributes to the film's overarching aesthetic and thematic impact, guiding audiences emotional responses.

The film's unexpected ending was a result of extensive brainstorming sessions among the production team to make sure it was impactful yet thought-provoking.

Why it matters: By defying audience expectations, the finale leaves a lasting impression, sparking discussions about social class and morality.

The film's crew included members from various countries, enhancing its global perspective and rich collaborative environment.

Why it matters: This diversity in the production team allowed for a broader set of ideas, which contributed to the film's wide-ranging appeal and depth.

Subtle nods to South Korean culture and societal norms are woven throughout the film, giving authenticity to its setting.

Why it matters: These cultural touches resonate with domestic audiences while inviting international viewers to engage with South Korea's social landscape.

Bong emphasized moments of levity even in darker scenes, such as the interactions between Ki-woo and his family, to provide balance.

Why it matters: This strategy allows audiences to process heavy themes while maintaining emotional engagement, making the film's critique more effective.

The film adapts common themes found in Bong's earlier works, such as social inequality and moral ambiguity.

Why it matters: This thematic continuity connects 'Parasite' to Bongs broader filmography, enriching the viewing experience for audiences familiar with his style.

Cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo utilized unique camera angles that accentuated the verticality of the settings, emphasizing class divides.

Why it matters: This visual representation of hierarchy conveys essential aspects of the story, allowing viewers to grasp the film's themes at a glance.

The final shot of the movie was meticulously planned, representing hope yet remaining ambiguous about the characters' futures.

Why it matters: This complexity encourages viewers to contemplate the characters' journeys and the broader implications of social mobility.

After its release, 'Parasite' gained immense popularity on social media, resulting in a vivid fan culture and renewed interest in global cinema.

Why it matters: This cultural phenomenon expands the conversation about international films, increasing their visibility and bridging gaps between diverse audiences.

Bong Joon-ho strategically premiered 'Parasite' at the Cannes Film Festival, generating buzz and critical acclaim before its global release.

Why it matters: This initial exposure helped the film secure a wider audience and ultimately led to its success at the Academy Awards, setting a precedent for international films.

The cast participated in detailed rehearsals that involved improvisation to deepen their character interactions.

Why it matters: This approach allowed for naturalistic performances, adding authenticity to the relationships portrayed in the film.

The characters wearing face masks during a crucial scene was a direct response to the concern of social distancing and health issues during filming.

Why it matters: This unexpected element contributed to the film's social commentary and connected it to contemporary global issues, making it relevant to audiences.