The Host Movie Review

The Host (2006)

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Written by: Baek Chul-hyun & Won-jun Ha & Bong Joon-ho (screenplay)
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona
Rated: R
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Plot
In Seoul's River Han, a giant mutant creature has developed as a result of toxic chemical dumping. When the squid like monster scoops up the teenage granddaughter of humble snack-bar owner he resolves to track down the murderous beast.

Verdict
It's a monster movie infused with political satire, depicting a government that's uncaring and inept. The unlikely hero has a full arc and doesn't succeed because he's super human, but because he has help. The CGI is well done and the monster aspect of this is sufficient, but the movie goes above and beyond to have a message too.
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Review
The original Korean title translates to Monster. I love the start. An American doctor orders his Korean assistant to dump chemicals down the drain. The assistant's protests are ignored and he's forced to complete the task. That scene looks great, from composition to lighting. Years later, a creature is in the water. That's why you take care of the environment.

The monster looks good, and this taps into the fears of what chemicals in the water can do. This also ridicules the government for being bureaucratic and uncaring. They're trying to quarantine people and ordering them to remain calm while chasing them dressed in a hazmat suit.

Gang-du's daughter was taken by the monster and he claims she's still alive. The government dismisses him. Gand-du is the unlikely hero. He's a bit of a dope. At one point his father asks Gang-du's two siblings if they believe in Gang-du. They flatly respond, "No." It's a moment of levity as they prepare to face a beast.

The American title comes from the claim by doctors that the monster is the host to a virus. That virus is a bit of misdirection. The government doesn't want anyone to look into the origin of the creature. You've got to evade fault.

Gang-du and his family defy the odds and law to find his daughter. Gang-du has a neat arc. We first see him as an incompetent shop owner, but he steps up when the plot requires it. Most monster movies are about the monster, but in this movie it's about the family and how the government reacts. That's a cool angle, and this movie does a great job of exploring that.