In 2019, Bong Joon-Ho’s film, Parasite, stood out for its incredible storytelling, high intensity, and important themes, but why exactly is the thriller rated-R? Parasite is a Korean film following the impoverished Kim family as they begin manipulating their way into working for the wealthy Park family. The black comedy thriller is Bong Joon-Ho’s seventh film, proceeded by cinematic successes such as Barking Dogs Never Bite, Snowpiercer, and Okja. Parasite won four Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
Parasite begins when a university student, preparing to study abroad, gifts the struggling Kim family with a scholar’s rock and an opportunity for the Kim’s son, Ki-woo, to take his job as a tutor to a local wealthy family. Ki-woo accepts the job, and soon, enters a scheme to get the rest of his family jobs with the Parks. Ultimately, his sister becomes their art therapist, his father their driver, and his mother their housekeeper. Later, when the Parks go on a camping trip, the Kims bask in the wealth of the Parks house, but uncover a particularly disturbing secret that could ruin everything.
Parasite’s R-Rating Explained: Language, Violence & Sexual Content
Ultimately, Parasite earned its R-rating due to its language, graphic violence, and some sexual content. For the most part, Parasite’s dialogue includes an array of words and topics not appropriate for young viewers. This includes consistent use of swear words and mentions of sexual content and violence. Furthermore, Parasite includes a sex scene between a husband and wife that is graphic enough to merit an R-rating. Other, more brief moments of sexual content are also included in the film.
Of these three aspects, violence is likely the biggest reason for Parasite’s R-rating. The second half of the film, and the end in particular, depict intense scenes of violence that include gore, blood, and death. Plus, the movie includes aspects of holding individuals against their will and murder. Due to these blatant and graphic displays of violence, it makes sense that Parasite has an R-rating. The film is not only violent, but also disturbing in its plot lines. Parasite’s cast and characters enter a world that is especially dark and dangerous.
Why Parasites R-Rating Made For a Better Movie
Although Parasite’s R-rating makes it unsuitable for certain viewers, in the end, it made the movie better. Bong Joon-Ho’s movie explores the lengths at which humans will go to escape poverty, and more than that, to save themselves. The movie’s themes of poverty and class differences are vital, and they wouldn’t be nearly as emphasized without Joon-Ho’s use of violence and graphic content. By including such content, Parasite is able to show just how desperate the Kim family is. Plus, the film’s R-rating makes for a more intense and high stakes thriller. All in all, it helped shape the brilliance of the film.
