[Los Angeles=Lee Isul, Entertainment Reporter]
"Bong Joon-ho has made Oscar history. 'Parasite' is a masterpiece that will be remembered by all of us for a lifetime."
A young director from the outskirts of East Asia made new history at the heart of North American cinema, the Academy (Oscar). Director Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' won four awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film (formerly Best Foreign Language Film) at the 92nd Academy Awards held on the 9th (Korean time June 10) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
The day after the grand Oscar event, on the 10th (Korean time June 11), the Dolby Theatre was still filled with the lingering excitement of the previous day.
Although the red carpet road in front of the Dolby Theatre was being dismantled, it was crowded with people wanting to hold on to the Oscar excitement from the day before. Various people gathered one after another, and notably, there was an increase in Chinese and Japanese tourists. Locals also visited the theater, taking photos and reliving the emotions of the previous day. The word 'Parasite' was heard here and there.
Julia Tacey (26), whom we met at the Dolby Theatre that day, said, "The atmosphere somewhat anticipated 'Parasite' winning, but the Best Director award was even more shocking," adding, "It clearly shows how the Oscars view Bong Joon-ho." She continued, "I got to know him through 'Snowpiercer' and was captivated by him through 'Parasite.' I also look forward to the drama version being produced with HBO."
Lisa Jutoko (38), who came from Japan on a trip, said, "I am proud of Bong Joon-ho's win. I watched the Oscar ceremony on TV and was moved. He fully deserved the award," nodding as she added, "There should be no borders when enjoying movies. 'Parasite' is a work that deserves full recognition as an art piece. I am happy and grateful to be able to enjoy such a great work."
In the center of the Dolby Theatre stands the Hall of Fame engraved with the year of the ceremony and the title of the Best Picture. Immediately after the ceremony ended, 'Parasite' was engraved for the 2019 Best Picture. Daniel Wilson (29) said, "Every year, right after the Oscars, the Best Picture title is engraved in the Hall of Fame. I came out to take photos in front of this year's new addition, 'Parasite,'" showing the photos he took.
Foreign reporters were also noticeable. Reporters from the U.S. and Japan, who had built friendships while covering the ceremony, were busy capturing 'Parasite' in the Hall of Fame early in the morning.
Andrew Mayall (25) said, "Is there anyone among North American youth who doesn't know 'Parasite' these days?" shaking his head. He said, "Knowing Bong Joon-ho and 'Parasite' is considered cool. It feels like discovering how fresh and amazing East Asian art films are. It's a treasure of a movie." He added, "I am really looking forward to his next film. After watching 'Parasite,' I became curious about his cinematic world and also looked up 'Memories of Murder' (2003) and 'Mother' (2009)." Then he asked the reporter, "If there are any Bong Joon-ho films I don't know about, please let me know."
Local media reported all day breaking news about 'Parasite's Oscar win, saying it sounded an alarm to the Oscars, which had a reputation for being exclusive and a white-only celebration. It was analyzed that this achievement played a role in injecting new vitality into Hollywood, which had fallen into mannerism. The global film community is focused on whether this success will be a meaningful growth and expansion opportunity for Korean cinema or just a temporary trend.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
