Parasite (2019) is a Korean movie which got international success and was rated highly due to sharp social commentary on class inequality with a thrilling, genre-bending plot combined together, but the dynamic of the movie is expressed from a SK point of view about economic pressures and modern class divides.

There are also cultural contexts to keep in mind that won’t translate into American culture such as:

  • Banjiha housing: The Kim family reside in a semi-basement apartment, which is a distinct urban housing type in Seoul born from historical 1970s civil defense laws.
  • Jjapaguri: The upper-class Mrs. Park orders jjapaguri (a mix of two instant noodles, Chapagetti and Neoguri) topped with expensive Korean beef Hanwoo, a specific local comfort food combo.
  • National health exams: There are specific plot points relying on South Korea’s public health system and annual medical checkup schedules.
  • Suseok: The gift of a decorative viewing stone satirizes traditional Korean middle-class aspirations for wealth and prestige.

Even if they could recreate an English-language remake of Parasite, would there have to be adjustments in order to suit American subculture? As in, Suseok isn’t a thing in America and Westerners don’t eat Jjapaguri, so they may replace that with something entirely different or swap Jjapaguri for another noodle dish or pasta.

Will a US remake really carry the same impact as the original if it were to be created? Would it be good or turn out terrible as it’s hard to capture what makes the original special for audiences?

  • IWW4@lemmy.zip
    6·
    17 hours ago

    Boon Joon Ho has been very clear about the Parasite TV show not being a remake. He says it is a story that takes place in the same universe.

    First and foremost, the only measure of success in US entertainment is eyes on screen. How much money it makes at the Box Office or number of watches. Nothing else matters.

    Now with that said, there is a long history of Horror movies making sharp social commentary in the US, actually when I think about it, the best social commentary in movies is in horror movies.

    • The primary subtext of Dawn of the Living Dead is the absurdity of consumerism in the US.
    • Invasion of the Body Snatchers is an allegory of the Red Scare, that took place in the 50s.
    • The Long Walk just did illustrated the shittiness of the draft and the stupidity of war.
    • They Live is a critique of how the Elite are controlling society.
    • Rosemary’s Baby is all about a women’s right to choose.
    • And many more.

    Would there have to be adjustments to suite American Culture?

    Yes of course.