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?

  • mlg@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    3 days ago

    Really depends on the director and how they adapt it.

    Despite Hollywood’s horrendous reputation around recycled IPs, their adaptations of foreign media have actually turned out quite good for several films, although arguably nothing compares to the original.

    The Departed was a remake of Infernal Affairs and there are still mile long threads to this day arguing about which one you should watch.

    tbf though I wouldn’t keep my hopes too high because there is a ocean full of poor adaptations and sequels, regardless of the quality of the original media or even when reusing the exact same film team.