The Host - Movie Review
I waited a long time for "The Host" to be available. the instant I saw it on eBay, I damn near turned over my chair placing a bid.
I have to say, I was not disappointed.
The Host, or Goemul - "Monster" as it is also known is Korean director Joon-ho Bong best work so far, with 14 Awards and 9 nominations. 
The film starts out reliving an actual event. Back in February of 2000 US Military researchers dumped some 20 gallons of formaldehyde into the Han River.
Move along a year or so later and we meet the Park family.
There is the joyful and lovely Hyun-seo. Sweetheart of a 10 year old that looks after her dad Gang-Du. Gang-Du and his father Hie-bong own a little food wagon at the beach. Gang-Du's sister Nam-Joo is on television in the Olympics going for a gold in archery. Which she chokes up on and comes home with a bronze. The younger brother Nam-il is introduced after Hyun-seo is eaten by the monster. The slimy mutated monster is not the most dangerous thing in the film by any means. Director Joon-ho Bong, shows us just how callous and judgmental we can be as human beings . Indeed the entire Park family shows a borderline and sometimes open disgust for each other, as does everyone they encounter. But like true dysfunctional, you mess with one and you messed with them all. The Parks stumble and struggle their way through underhanded "G-men", backstabbing friends, and each other to meet one goal. "Kill that slimy sonofabitch that ate or baby girl".
The Parks are not the only bungled and botched people in this film, however. The American and South Korean government manage to bungle things in true Big Brother style all the way through. Things go from bad to worse consistently every time the Park family encounters government men. From the self assured and pompous cop that threatens them to the American doctor that wants to dissect Gang-Du.
The music was sensual and touching when it needed it most. I especially liked the theme to Hyun-seo's escape. The sound effects were bone rattling every time. Thundering footsteps and bone crunching impacts that made you flinch, cause you knew it hurt. I love the visual effects for the monster. It was new and unique in its design. And more over, unlike most films, this beast doesn't care what time it is. Day or night, if he's hungry he is going to hunt. This allows you some great views of what a lumbering mass it is.
I don't want to give away too much of the film, as its a great thrill to watch. I highly recommend it.
