Martin Scorsese wrote a beautiful letter to Bong Joon Ho after 'Parasite' Oscar win

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho poses during a press conference in Seoul on February 19, 2020, after his film Parasite won the Oscar for Best Picture. - Bong's movie Parasite -- about the widening gap between rich and poor -- became the first non-English-language film to win Hollywood's biggest prize on February 10, prompting celebrations in South Korea. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

Martin Scorsese wrote Parasite director Bong Joon Ho a heartfelt letter after the South Korean filmmaker picked up the Best Director gong at the Academy Awards this month.

But while Scorsese’s letter, the details of which Bong Joon Ho kept mostly secret, was undoubtedly full of praise for his counterpart, the American director also said he wanted him to return to filming as soon as possible.

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Bong Joon Ho made this admission at a recent press conference, via Indiewire, to mark his triumphant return to his home country, remarking, “This morning I got a letter from Martin Scorsese. I can’t tell you what the letter said because it’s something personal.”

“But towards the end he wrote, ‘You’ve done well. Now rest. But don’t rest for too long.’ He continued by saying how he and other directors were waiting for my next movie.”

Director Martin Scorsese poses backstage after receiving a special tribute during AFI Fest 2019 in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 15, 2019. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Director Martin Scorsese poses backstage after receiving a special tribute during AFI Fest 2019 in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 15, 2019. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Bong Joon Ho made his admiration for Martin Scorsese very clear during his Oscar acceptance speech, when he said, “When I was young and studying cinema, there was a saying that I carved deep into my heart, which is, ‘The most personal is the most creative.’ That quote is from our great Martin Scorsese.”

“So when I was in school, I studied Martin Scorsese’s films. Just to be nominated was a huge honor. I never thought I would win.”

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At the same time, the Parasite director also shared his praise for Quentin Tarantino, noting, “When people in the US were not familiar with my film, Quentin always put my films on his list. Thank you so much. Quentin, I love you.”

While he also shared his great admiration for his fellow nominees, Todd Phillips and Sam Mendes, too, as he added, “If the Academy allows, I would like to get a Texas chainsaw, split the Oscar trophy into five and share it with all of you.”