Why 'Parasite' is truly deserving of the Oscar win

The 92nd Academy Awards signaled a much-needed change in the prestigious award-giving institution for films and filmmakers. That a foreign language movie won a slew of key awards from Best Screenplay and Best International Film to Best Director and Best Picture is unprecedented, and should shake up how international films are (and should be) perceived in the United States. Joe Cianciotto.

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The monumental film is "Parasite," a South Korean movie directed by Bong Joon-Ho, whose previous works include the 2017 hit Netflix movie "Okja" and the critically acclaimed "Snowpiercer" (2013). The win shows the Oscars' newfound appreciation of things outside the scope of Hollywood, especially in the time of woke politics and the #metoo movement. Joe Cianciotto.

Of course, the important thing to note here is that "Parasite" surely deserved the haul of awards. Apart from the engrossing plot and storyline, the film offers a refreshing commentary on social injustice and the economic divide between the poor and the rich, concerns that encompass the modern world. The film is sad and funny in most places and even surreal in certain instances, but is gripping throughout with a cast of actors offering truly memorable performances. What's even more interesting and enthralling is that the events depicted are based on real events. Joe Cianciotto.

"Parasite"'s win shows —and it's about time—that knowledge of film language is not something monopolized by western directors. The universality of the themes of societal hierarchy and class divide is felt everywhere and is thus relevant to everyone. Ultimately, what sets "Parasite" apart is the director's vision, a keen understanding of the nuances of filmmaking, and the ability to depict wonderfully and unabashedly the all-too-familiar human situation. This film is a definite must-see. Joe Cianciotto.