Los Angeles Museum’s Exhibition Spotlights ‘Parasite’ Director Bong Joon-ho: Celebrating a Visionary Filmmaker’s Global Impact

The world of cinema was forever changed when Bong Joon-ho, a South Korean director, brought his darkly comedic, genre-blending masterpiece Parasite to the global stage in 2019. The film’s unprecedented success at the Academy Awards, where it became the first non-English language film to win Best Picture, was not just a triumph for Bong but also for the entire South Korean film industry. The film’s sharp social commentary, stunning visuals, and meticulous narrative construction captivated audiences worldwide and established Bong Joon-ho as one of the foremost filmmakers of his generation.

In recognition of his influence, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has curated a special exhibition dedicated to Bong Joon-ho’s career and his artistic journey. The exhibition, which showcases not only Parasite but also a range of Bong’s earlier works, offers an in-depth exploration of his unique filmmaking style, thematic concerns, and global impact. Through this exhibit, LACMA invites visitors to engage with the director’s multi-faceted approach to storytelling and to better understand the cultural, social, and political contexts that shape his films.

This exhibition is more than just a celebration of Parasite and its accolades—it serves as a tribute to Bong Joon-ho’s expansive body of work, which spans over two decades and includes a diverse array of genres, from sci-fi thrillers to black comedies, action-packed dystopias, and intimate dramas. Visitors to LACMA will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema, learning not only about his technical craftsmanship but also about the way his films reflect broader societal issues.

Bong Joon-ho’s Cinematic Journey: From South Korea to Global Recognition

Born in Daegu, South Korea, in 1969, Bong Joon-ho’s cinematic journey began with a deep fascination for storytelling. Growing up in a country with a tumultuous history, Bong’s films often reflect the complexities of South Korea’s political landscape, particularly its struggles with inequality, class division, and social stratification. While attending Yonsei University, he studied sociology and met fellow aspiring filmmakers, many of whom would later form a key part of the South Korean filmmaking community.

Bong’s early career began in television before transitioning to film, where he quickly gained attention with his feature debut, Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000). This film, a dark comedy about a man’s growing frustration with his life and his neighbors, set the tone for many of Bong’s subsequent works: a blend of humor, social critique, and a somewhat surreal approach to serious subjects. However, it was Bong’s follow-up, Memories of Murder (2003), that truly established him as a director of international renown.

Based on the real-life unsolved serial murders in Hwaseong, South Korea, Memories of Murder combined elements of true crime, police procedural, and dark humor to explore the societal and psychological impacts of the investigation. The film was a critical success and set the stage for Bong’s later exploration of social themes, including class struggles and the human tendency to repress uncomfortable truths.

The Breakthrough: ‘The Host’ and Global Recognition

After Memories of Murder, Bong Joon-ho took a brief detour into genre filmmaking with The Host (2006), a monster movie that, on the surface, may seem a far cry from the socially conscious thrillers he had made before. However, The Host was yet another example of Bong’s ability to combine different genres and tones to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. The film tells the story of a dysfunctional family fighting to save a loved one from a mutant creature that emerges from the Han River in Seoul. While The Host was indeed a monster movie, it also dealt with themes of environmentalism, governmental incompetence, and social distrust, all of which would become recurrent themes in Bong’s later work.

Upon its release, The Host became the highest-grossing South Korean film at the time, further cementing Bong Joon-ho’s position as a visionary director with an ability to both entertain and provoke thought. His deftness in handling genre films without sacrificing social commentary became one of his defining characteristics, and his ability to navigate both local and international audiences set him apart as a unique filmmaker capable of transcending cultural boundaries.

Expanding Boundaries: ‘Snowpiercer’ and Hollywood

As his reputation grew, Bong Joon-ho made the leap to international filmmaking with Snowpiercer (2013), an English-language film that took on the dystopian genre with a critical eye on class disparities. Based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige, the film is set in a future where the remnants of humanity survive on a train that constantly circles the earth after a failed climate-change experiment has made the planet uninhabitable. At its core, Snowpiercer explores the stark division between the upper class, who live in luxury at the front of the train, and the impoverished masses who reside at the rear, surviving on scraps and labor.

Snowpiercer received acclaim for its ambitious scope, sharp political allegories, and powerful performances, especially from Chris Evans, who plays the film’s reluctant hero. Despite some challenges in distribution, the film found its audience worldwide, further solidifying Bong’s status as a filmmaker whose works could engage with global themes while remaining distinctly South Korean in their critique of society. The success of Snowpiercer also marked a turning point for Bong, as he became one of the few directors from South Korea to break into Hollywood while retaining his signature voice.

The Masterpiece: ‘Parasite’ and Global Triumph

While Snowpiercer marked a shift toward international filmmaking, it was Parasite that truly catapulted Bong Joon-ho into the global spotlight. Released in 2019, Parasite is a masterful satire about the inequalities between two families: the wealthy Park family and the struggling Kim family, who con their way into the Parks’ lives. The film deftly explores the themes of class, privilege, and societal division, all while maintaining a perfect balance of humor, suspense, and tragedy.

The critical acclaim for Parasite was unparalleled. The film made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, also taking home Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. Its unprecedented success marked a major turning point for global cinema, highlighting the increasing prominence of non-English language films in the mainstream industry. The win not only demonstrated the power of Bong Joon-ho’s artistry but also opened the doors for other filmmakers from around the world to be recognized on a global stage.

At the heart of Parasite’s success was Bong’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. What begins as a comedy about class stratification slowly morphs into a dark thriller and culminates in a shocking, heartbreaking conclusion. The film’s sharp wit, strong performances, and incredible cinematography left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike, earning a place among the most significant films of the 21st century.

The LACMA Exhibition: Celebrating Bong Joon-ho’s Legacy

In recognition of Bong Joon-ho’s remarkable impact on cinema, LACMA has curated an exhibition that delves into the director’s creative process, thematic preoccupations, and cultural significance. The exhibition takes visitors through Bong’s career in chronological order, allowing them to experience how his films evolved from Barking Dogs Never Bite to Parasite and beyond.

At the core of the exhibit are visual displays of the scripts, storyboards, and production materials for Bong’s films. Visitors can gain insight into his meticulous planning process, which often combines visual storytelling with deep social commentary. The exhibition also includes several multimedia installations, including video clips from Bong’s films, interviews with the director, and behind-the-scenes footage that illustrates his collaborative process with actors, cinematographers, and other members of the production team.

The exhibit also explores the broader cultural and political contexts of Bong’s work. Through a series of thematic sections, visitors can learn about how Bong’s films reflect South Korea’s societal changes, from the rapid industrialization of the 20th century to the country’s ongoing struggles with class inequality, environmental degradation, and political corruption. The inclusion of critical essays and scholarly discussions further helps contextualize Bong’s work within global cinema and its increasing relevance in discussions about class, privilege, and justice.

For many, the exhibition is a way to engage more deeply with Bong’s legacy and his continued influence on global cinema. As Bong Joon-ho moves forward in his career, his ability to engage with complex social issues through genre films continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. This exhibition, in particular, serves as a celebration not only of his achievements but also of the potential for cinema to challenge societal norms, inspire change, and forge new paths for storytelling.

Bong Joon-ho’s Enduring Impact

The LACMA exhibition celebrating Bong Joon-ho is a fitting tribute to one of the most important filmmakers of the 21st century. Through his compelling narratives, diverse genres, and sharp social commentary, Bong Joon-ho has reshaped the global cinematic landscape. His films invite us to look beyond the surface and question the societal structures that shape our lives, urging us to see the world through new lenses.

As his influence continues to grow, the legacy of Parasite and his other films will undoubtedly inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences. In the context of an increasingly globalized world, Bong’s work exemplifies the power of cinema to bridge cultural divides, spark dialogue, and challenge perceptions. The exhibition at LACMA offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on his extraordinary career, celebrate his achievements, and look forward to the future of global cinema through the lens of one of its most visionary directors.