March Monster Madness: The Host
March 17 - 30, 2024
The Host (2006) unleashes a mutated creature on Seoul, weaving a riveting tale of family, government secrets, and environmental consequences. A genre-defying masterpiece that thrills and makes an impact in the monster genre.
When a mutated creature emerges from the Han River in Seoul, it kidnaps a young girl, sparking a gripping tale of family, government incompetence, and societal chaos. The film blends genres seamlessly, delivering heart-pounding thrills, dark humor, and poignant family dynamics. As the dysfunctional Park family rallies to rescue the abducted girl, they confront the grotesque creature and uncover a government conspiracy linked to toxic chemicals. The Host defies monster movie conventions, offering a nuanced exploration of environmental concerns and the consequences of human actions. The monster itself, a product of careless pollution, becomes a metaphor for the societal ills plaguing South Korea. With its masterful storytelling, stellar performances, and groundbreaking visual effects, The Host captivates audiences with its ability to seamlessly shift between horror, drama, and satire. This Korean cinematic gem stands as a testament to Bong Joon-ho's storytelling prowess, solidifying its place in the pantheon of genre-defying masterpieces.
- Original Language Title: Goe Mool
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Principal Cast: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doo-na, Ko A-sung
- Country: South Korea
- Year: 2006
- Running Time: 119 min.
- Producer: Choi Yong-bae
- Screenplay: Bong Joon-ho, Hah Joon-won, Baek Chul-hyun
- Filmography: Memories of Murder (2005) Barking Dogs Never Bite (2002)
- Has Subtitles: Yes
- US Distributor: Magnolia Films
- International Sales: Cineclick Asia