Entertainment Blog #198 | The Host [2006] - She's Alive....

First, when I saw the poster of this movie, I remembered a movie from my childhood, and I thought that's it. I don't want to watch it again. But I accidentally went to the IMDB page of the movie, and then I realized I was in a complete misunderstand. The movie I watched in my childhood was "The Water Horse". And the movie I saw on internet is this one.

"The Host," a 2006 South Korean epic monster film directed and co-written by Bong Joon-ho, was released on July 2006, in South Korea. The film cleverly combines elements of horror, drama, and societal satire. Bong Joon-ho, known for his later masterpiece "Parasite," co-wrote the script with Ha Joon-won, drawing inspiration from a true story about environmental pollution. "The Host" received critical acclaim for its distinctive story, excellent acting, and social significance. It grossed US$90 million worldwide and received numerous awards, including Best Film at the Asian Film Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards. The film's success established Bong Joon-ho as an internationally acclaimed filmmaker.

"The Host" begins with an American military pathologist ordering his Korean subordinate to dump a significant amount of formaldehyde into Seoul's Han River. This reckless act creates a monstrous creature that emerges from the river to terrorize the city. One day, while seen hanging below a bridge, the creature grabs Hyun-seo, the main character's daughter, and disappears into the river. The family quickly learns that Hyun-seo is still alive and being held captive by the creature in its den.

The film takes an unexpected turn, blending horror, family drama, and dark comedy as Gang-du, his father Hee-bong, his sister Nam-joo, and his brother Nam-il embark on a perilous journey to save Hyun-seo.Throughout their journey, they will face not only the physical threat of the monster but also social and governmental barriers. The government declares the creature a carrier of a lethal virus, leading to a quarantine and a manhunt for Gang-du and his family.

As the family faces numerous challenges, the film delves into themes such as government negligence, environmental pollution, and human resilience. The emotional struggles of the characters, combined with the fundamental criticism of societal issues, contribute to "The Host"'s complex and organized nature. The climax is a moving and tense battle between the family and the creature in its den, which leads to a heartbreaking and stimulating ending.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to balance suspense and horror with moments of humor and genuine emotion. Bong Joon-ho's direction is masterful, building tension with both the creature's unseen terror and the family's human conflicts. The visual effects are impressive, especially given the film's release year, bringing the creature to life in a way that is both terrifying and strangely sympathetic.

"The Host" stands out not only as a monster film, but also as a social criticism, with themes of government negligence and environmental degradation. The dysfunctional yet relatable family represents a tiny section of society, adding depth to the story.

"The Host" is a gripping and stimulating film that goes beyond the typical creature characteristics, providing a compelling story, well-crafted characters, and a distinct blend of genres. It has appropriately established itself as a landmark in South Korean cinema and is still a must-see for fans of both socially conscious horror and environmentally conscious filmmaking.