Most of the world first came to know South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho when his film Parasite won Best Picture at the 2020 Oscar ceremony. The victory was groundbreaking, but many film fans know that Bong has been one of the best filmmakers in the world for the last couple of decades.
Along with being hailed as the best movie of the year by many people, Parasite has also been called Bong's masterpiece. However, as excellent as the movie is, it's impossible to ignore his other incredible works, many of which are strong contenders for the title of Bong Joon-ho's best film.
Parasite: The Ensemble
Parasite follows a lower-class Korean family who sees an opportunity to climb the social ladder by attaching themselves to a wealthier family. The premise allows for Bong's first true ensemble film.
Though many of his films have had several central characters, Parasite is really the story of two families, and it is so fascinating how Bong handles the large cast. Everyone is fleshed out to the point that some of the best scenes are just the characters interacting.
Alternative: Okja (2017)
Bong made his first Netflix film with the ambitious sci-fi adventure, Okja. The movie follows a young girl who befriends a genetically engineered super pig. As the two form a strong bond, she must protect her new friend from nefarious forces.
This is another example of how talented Bong is at blending genres and tones together effectively. Okja is able to be a fun road trip adventure at times before blindsiding audiences with some heartbreaking drama. It's a lot of fun seeing what he does with a larger budget.
Parasite: Class Divide
Though he makes genre films, Bong always infuses his stories with timely and clever commentary. Parasite contains one of his most overt critiques in the depiction of the class divide between the two families.
As it turns out, Parasite could not have been released at a better time as 2019 was the year of poor-vs-rich movies. Knives Out, Us, and Joker were all high-profile movies that touched on this theme. However, none were as impactful as Parasite.
Alternative: Mother (2009)
The success of Parasite has led people to find Bong's smaller South Korean films, such as the thriller, Mother. The film centers around a woman who goes on a dangerous hunt for the person who committed a murder that her son has been blamed for.
The film features that same dark sense of humor than makes Bong's work so unique. It is also a deeply moving story with plenty of surprises and tension as well as a stunning central performance from Kim Hye-ja.
Parasite: The Slow-Burn
Bong's films have a real energy to them, yet he is able to achieve it without rushing his story. For Parasite, he takes a very deliberate, slow approach to the story which makes it all the more exciting.
The film remains funny and enjoyable even as the audience is unsure what it's about. When the pieces start coming together, it's a thrill to see the story play out. Then Parasite takes a sharp turn into a completely new area which is when things get really exciting. It's a wonderful ride to be on.
Alternative: Snowpiercer (2013)
Bong made his first English language film and worked with a much larger budget for the sci-fi action film, Snowpiercer. The movie takes place on a train that is always moving through a frozen wasteland. A rebellion breaks out among the mistreated poor passengers of the train.
It's a delight seeing Bong working on a bigger scale with an international cast that includes Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton. Snowpiercer is a thrilling and dark action story that is elevated above most films in the genre thanks to Bong's talents.
Parasite: The Reveal
Parasite is the kind of movie that should be seen without knowing anything about it. It is a very entertaining madcap caper for the first half or so, but the twist in the second half of the film really takes it to another level.
The shocking reveal is so weird and brilliant that audiences are immediately on the edge of their seat for the rest of the film. Though the humor is still in place, the tension skyrockets with some truly unforgettable sequences.
Alternative: The Host (2006)
People really started to sit up and take notice of Bong's talents with his monster film, The Host. When a grotesque and angry sea monster attacks the public, a man's young daughter is taken. He and his dysfunctional family must fight through government conspiracies and hunt the creature down.
The Host really showcased how unique of a talent Bong was. It is hilarious at times, frightening at others, action-packed, and even heartwarming. It all comes together in a thoroughly satisfying monster movie.
Parasite: The Climax
While the reveal in the second half of the film is a showstopper, that isn't even the most intense part of the film. As Parasite feels like it is reaching its end, the sense of disaster looms large over everything.
Finally, during the climactic birthday scene, the insanity really takes over. It is a shocking and brutal climax that somehow feels inevitable. And when the dust clears, the final moments beautifully bring Parasite to a heartbreaking and gripping end.
Alternative: Memories Of Murder (2003)
Bong gained a lot of acclaim for his second feature film, Memories of Murder. The film is the true story of the first serial killer in South Korea and the mishandled investigation that remains unsolved to this day.
The true-crime story largely focuses on the investigation rather than the crimes themselves. It makes for a dark and gripping look at corruption and incompetence that allows the murders to continue. Memories of Murder is a fascinating and brilliant thriller that launched Bong's career.