An unforgettable moment in Oscar history was when Jane Fonda opened the envelope for Best Picture on February 9th, 2020, and announced “Parasite“ as the winner. South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho had made history. However, his success was no accident: he had captivated the audience with charm and humility for months along the campaign trail. His victory was not just another Oscar but a statement for the future of cinema. Bong’s triumph posed a direct challenge to the Hollywood establishment, which often relies on tried-and-tested formulas. While the industry turns to sequels and franchises, Bong proves that genre can be combined with intellectual depth and that international narratives can resonate universally. It wasn’t just a historic moment for cinema; it was a rethink for the whole industry. The Academy, long dominated by American-centered narratives, recognized a foreign-language film and celebrated the idea that cinema knows no boundaries and that the most urgent, relevant stories can be told anywhere. Bong’s success celebrated a more inclusive, diverse vision of the world: one that often overlooks Hollywood’s narrow view of American exceptionalism.
But here’s the catch: Bong Joon Ho doesn’t need Hollywood. On the contrary, he has long proven that he can tell the most significant stories without the American film industry. He has perfected the art of telling stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought. His films combine societal commentary with genre, creating works that don’t simply fit into a box. They defy the constraints of traditional filmmaking and question conventions and expectations, both in tone and structure. Hollywood, which sticks to well-established formulas, is often afraid of subversion. But Bong thrives in this area. He does not follow the traditional three-act structure Hollywood loves to impose. Instead, he embraces the unpredictability of real life. His films unfold unexpectedly, showing that he trusts his audience to understand complex and ambiguous narratives. In an industry that is increasingly risk-averse, where studios rely on IP-driven content and franchises, Bong is a creator who believes cinema should break boundaries, not pander to the lowest common denominator, and “Mickey 17” is no exception.
However, Hollywood struggles to replicate Bong’s success, as his films are so unique that they do not fit into the narrow confines of the industry. Bong works with Hollywood, but not out of desperation for recognition: he knows the value of his work. Creative freedom is his top priority, and he is not willing to sacrifice it for commercial success. This is evident in his newest picture, “Mickey 17,” an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel. The sci-fi film could further solidify Bong’s connection to mainstream cinema, but he has already proven that the best stories emerge outside traditional structures.
What matters more to him is executing his creative vision, as he fought to secure Director’s Cut for “Mickey 17.” Whether the film will be a commercial success, especially with an estimated budget of over $100 million, seems less important to him. If Hollywood lets him down, he will still have the international market supporting him. In an era where mainstream cinema often compromises, Bong has shown that artistic integrity and commercial success can coexist, but they are not a necessity. The uniqueness lies in his ability to evoke emotions, open new perspectives, and reflect on societal or personal issues. The true value of art often lies in its authenticity, its creative expression, and the way it touches the audience.
Bong Joon Ho’s work is a blueprint for how cinema can be used as a tool for social transformation. His success is a reminder that movies don’t just have to follow the path of predictable blockbusters and established formulas. Bong has shown that the future of cinema lies in the hands of creators who are unafraid to challenge norms, push boundaries, and tell stories that matter. His influence reaches far beyond the confines of Hollywood. Globally, Bong has helped pave the way for international cinema to be taken seriously on the world stage just in the last few years. His ability to tell universal stories in a way that transcends language and culture has opened doors for filmmakers from all over the world. He has become a symbol of creative integrity in a time when the global film industry is increasingly dominated by franchise-driven content. As the world continues to change and the entertainment industry adapts to new challenges, Bong Joon Ho’s work will be more relevant than ever. In an age where audiences are becoming more discerning and studios are doubling down on commercial formulas, Bong’s ability to craft thought-provoking, socially relevant narratives offers a counterpoint to the rising tide of formulaic storytelling.
Bong’s films remind us that cinema is not just about making money: it’s about making people think, feel, and, ultimately, act. His unique voice has carved out a new space in the world of filmmaking, one that values creativity, integrity, and social relevance over mere profit. In a world where art is often sacrificed for commercial gain, Bong Joon Ho is a beacon of what cinema can and should be. The question, then, is not whether we can learn from Bong Joon Ho but whether we are ready to apply the lessons he imparts through his films to the world around us. As we watch his career unfold, we are witnessing not just a filmmaker at work but a cultural force reshaping what cinema can do, and we are fortunate to be part of it.
“Mickey 17” will be released in theaters from Warner Bros. on March 7th and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. You can read our review from Berlinale here. Have you seen it yet? If so, what did you think? Please let us know on on Next Best Picture’s X account.
You can follow Mia and hear more of her thoughts on the Oscars & Film on X @justmiaslife
