The Host (2006) is a masterpiece from South Korea that has taken the world by storm. The movie won the Best International Film award at the Saturn Awards, and it’s not hard to see why. The movie follows the story of a mysterious mutation that causes a monstrous creature to emerge and wreak havoc. The Host is a must-watch for all thriller, horror, and mystery movie fans.
Synopsis
In 2006, an American pathologist orders his Korean subordinates to dump a chemical containing formaldehyde into the Han River via the sewage system. Years later, a strange creature emerges from the river that nobody takes seriously at first. However, as time passes, the creature grows and becomes more dangerous, causing people to flee from it. Amongst them are some members of the Park family, who run away from the monster in different directions to save their lives. Unfortunately, Gang Du(Park family father), is separated from his daughter, Hyun Seo, who is taken by the monster.
As a result, the Han River area is declared off-limits, and the Korean government quarantines everyone in the area, believing the monster has a virus that mutates as a result of the formaldehyde dumped into the river. Gang Du is quarantined too because he came into contact with the monster’s blood. While in quarantine, he receives a call from his daughter, proving that she is alive. However, the doctors think he is hallucinating since the monster has already swallowed Hyun Seo. Gang Du then embarks on a noble mission to save his daughter, facing off with the monster in the process.
Review
The Host is a movie with a unique storyline, excellent screenplay, and breathtaking cinematography. The movie effectively combines horror and comedy in a way that engages and entertains the audience. The character development is also top-notch, with the Park family members’ performances standing out.
One of the unique aspects of the movie is that it challenges the notion that the protagonist has to be an extraordinary person. Gang Du is portrayed as a foot-dragging, immature man, but he rises to the occasion when his daughter’s life is in danger. He uses his shortcomings as a strength and proves that anyone can be a hero under any circumstances.
The Host also deals with the issue of environmental pollution, highlighting the dangers it poses to the ecosystem and the creatures that inhabit it. The monster emerges from the pollution caused by formaldehyde dumped into the river, proving that the actions of humans can have dire consequences.
Conclusion
The Host is a must-watch for anyone who loves horror, thriller, or mystery movies. It has an engaging storyline, an excellent cast, and breathtaking visuals that keep the audience entertained from the beginning to the end. The movie also serves as a wake-up call on the dangers of environmental pollution and the consequences it can have on the natural world.
