The Host
A South Korean monster film by Bong Joon-ho
Bong Joon-ho's 2006 masterpiece is that rare thing: a blockbuster with sharp social critique.
South Korean cinema has a particular ability to take familiar genres and twist them into something entirely its own. The Host is a magnificent example: a monster film about far more than senseless destruction (although, of course, that happens too). Unlike its predecessor, the petrol-hungry Godzilla imitation Yongary, the monster in The Host is an original creation, both in behaviour and appearance.
There is a serious story beneath the surface, too: the film is based on a real incident in which the US military dumped large quantities of formaldehyde into the Han River. With a rare combination of a brilliantly written script, superb acting and political barbs, director Bong Joon-ho delivers another little masterpiece.
