The Century’s Best Film Isn’t from Hollywood
In a surprising yet widely celebrated decision, Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite has been named the best film of the 21st century by The New York Times. The announcement came earlier this week as part of the publication’s list of the 100 greatest films released since 2000—a project compiled with input from over 500 filmmakers, actors, and critics from around the world.
Beating the Titans of Cinema
The final top 10 list, revealed at the end of June, stunned many film enthusiasts. Parasite, a genre-defying black comedy from South Korea, outranked films from some of the most acclaimed directors in contemporary cinema, including Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, and the Coen Brothers.
In its official citation, The New York Times praised Bong’s ability to bend genres while crafting a searing commentary on class:
“Bong, a master of genre unbound by convention, fluidly shifts between broad comedy and blistering social satire throughout, then lights it all on fire with a paroxysm of tragic violence that’s as stunning as it is inevitable.”
From Local Story to Global Triumph
Parasite tells the gripping story of a low-income family in Seoul who scheme their way into working for a wealthy household. What begins as clever deception evolves into a dark and haunting exploration of social inequality and desperation. The film first made waves at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or, the first for a Korean film.
Despite being independently made on a modest $11 million budget, Parasite went on to gross over $258 million globally. Its critical and commercial success paved the way for historic wins across major international award circuits.
A Historic Oscar Sweep
At the 92nd Academy Awards, Parasite made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. It also won Best Director (Bong Joon Ho), Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film—a sweep that no other international film had achieved before.
The movie also claimed major honors at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, further solidifying its place as one of the most impactful films of the modern era.