Parasite distributor responds to Trump attack: 'Understandable, he can’t read'
Trump seemed displeased by the fact the South Korean film had triumphed at the Oscars
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Neon, the US distributor of South Korean film Parasite, has responded after Donald Trump mocked the Best Picture winner at a recent rally.
While complaining about the Academy Awards on Thursday 20 February, Trump asked the crowd, “And the winner is a movie from South Korea. What the hell was that all about?
“We got enough problems with South Korea with trade,” Trump added before admitting he has never seen the film.
“On top of it, they give them the best movie of the year. Was it good? I don't know.
"Can we get, like, Gone With the Wind back, please?” he continued. “Sunset Boulevard. So many great movies.”
Trump then asked why Bong's film won when there is an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film – which Parasite also won at this year's ceremony – before asking if there was a precedent.
The president also laid into Hollywood star Brad Pitt (“a little wise guy”), teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, and Fox News.
Independent distributor Neon responded by suggesting that Trump’s comments stemmed from his inability to read the subtitles of the film, which is on the verge of making more than $200m (£154m) worldwide.
“Understandable, he can’t read,” Neon tweeted, sharing a clip of Trump’s rant.
Throughout this year’s award season, director Bong Joon-Ho urged Americans to be more open to watching foreign films.
In January, after winning a Golden Globe, he said that Americans would be introduced to “so many more amazing films” once they overcame “the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles.”
“I think we use only one language: the cinema,” he added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments