Movie reviews: The Host
When formaldehyde is dumped down the drain, a monstrous tadpole/lungfish... thing is created and goes on a rampage on the banks of the Han river, killing several people. One of those people believed to have been killed was a young girl named Hyun-seo. During the girl's funeral, her father, Park Gang-Du, is reunited with his political activist brother Nam-il and medal-winning archer sister Nam-joo. However, under the pressure of the Americans (who were responsible for dumping the formaldehyde in the first place), the Korean government rounds up everybody that was present when the monster attacked. They claim that the monster is responsible for spreading a deadly disease and want to keep it contained. While the family is in the hospital, Gang-Du's cellphone starts ringing and it is revealed that Hyun-seo is still alive. Gang-Du and the others break out of the hospital and set out to find Hyun-seo. However, some of the monster's blood splashed Gang-du in the face during the original attack and the authorities will do anything to make sure that the disease doesn't spread.
This was a hugely enjoyable film. If you like monster movies such as Godzilla, then you will probably feel the same. This isn't just about a monster eating the puny humans, the film also contains elements of a political satire and a family drama with a dark vein of humour running throughout. Take the instance when Gang-du and his family are mourning Hyun-seo's death, for instance. They just won't stop crying!
Gang-du's family really is a bunch of oddballs. Gang-du is a bit of a screw up and helps his father to run a little food stand by the river. He can often be found falling asleep on the counter. Nam-il is unemployed and often drunk. Nam-joo could have been a champion archer, but her indecision cost her the championship. The family all get their chance to shine during the final battle with the monster. Gang-du is pretty handy with a road sign (no, really). Nam-il duel-wields Molotov cocktails and Nam-joo obviously has her archery skills. When Nam-il slips and drops one of the Molotovs, Nam-joo steps up and uses the Molotov's burning remains to shoot the monster in the eye with a burning arrow.
The film ends on a rather bittersweet note. I won't reveal any details in case people want to watch the film themselves. It really is worth a watch. Four pointy hats.
Next time: Killer Klowns from Outer Space
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