REVIEW - "The Host" (2007)

Since the original Godzilla, Asian filmmakers have always been the masters of monster tales. (And tails.) They’ve always been able to add the soul, warmth and social commentary missing from American monster flicks, which thrive only for the purpose of flashy special effects. So leave it to them to create this somewhat art-house film of a monster movie. “The Host” is more of a Korean “Little Miss Sunshine” than a monster flick really. It thrives on strong characters and political metaphors to keep it moving. The monster is nothing more than a backdrop for the issues the film tries to touch up on. So if you’re looking for a big, special effects extravaganza with endless explosions and nonstop action, this isn’t the movie for you.

The film begins with an explanation: Toxic chemicals are poured in to the Han River and a creature mutates because of it. That’s the only bit of pseudo-science fiction we get from this movie. Several years later, we see people attacked by a huge monster near the river and a father watches it carry away his own daughter. The father, Park Gang-Du, his father, brother and sister all mourn the death of his daughter and are taken away by Korean authorities. America has issued a statement that a virus has gone lose and the monster is the "host" for this virus. Meanwhile, Gang-Du receives a call from his daughter via cell phone. Knowing she’s alive, he and the family eventually break out and try to settle their differences while rescuing their loved one.

It really is a beautiful story of sorts, but you can’t be expecting an all-out monster movie. You also need to be ready for the comedic moments. Even the most emotional and well written moments find a way to slip into domestic comedy. It’s just as well since the idea of how the monster came to existence reminds me of the three eyed fish from “The Simpsons”.

The characters are very likable. Strong and dimwitted all in one; the Park family makes this film out to be less of a monster movie and more of family drama. They all have some background; they all have realistic motivation and the finale they all arrive at is perfect-- Even if a little contrived.

Our characters are filmed with some of the best cinematography I’ve seen in awhile. Ranking high with “The Fountain”, this movie provides us with steady, well executed shots, gorgeous colors and lighting. For a film that doesn’t have anything too abnormal, (with the exception of a big fish monster) the cinematography is really outstanding.

The political backdrop to the film appears to be how America seems to butt in to Korea’s affairs. There’s security surrounding the virus outbreak and some of the ways the film shows the tension regarding possible infection are really funny. But is there really a virus? Is this not just a ploy for America to chime in and take control of the situation? Watch the movie. The concept is pretty scary. It really shows what a pre-Orwellian society might look like in such a reality.

The monster? Well The Host isn’t onscreen all that much really. Honestly, its design is rather silly, but it’s an effective monster for the situation. There are a few frightening moments with it and the CGI is okay. Any flaws with it are forgiven seeing that this is far and away better than most CGI driven films in America these days. The monster is simply used to stir political corruption and personal trouble for the Park family.

If a monster like that were to appear the situation might look rather similar. There are lots of similarities between this movie and the original “Godzilla”. In the original “Godzilla”, the situation was treated realistically in terms of atomic warfare. Godzilla was radioactive and extensive action was taken for those exposed with radiation. Today, things are much more confusing. Biological warfare is the fear that drives "The Host" and action is taken for that. (But, again, is the Host really carrying a virus at all?) Biological warfare seems to be a greater fear than nuclear threats these days, furthermore, political conspiracy is looked for in today’s world more than it was in 1954.

Also, like “Godzilla”, it focuses on how normal people react to the situation—The Park family. They question the virus, they act realistically toward the advent of this monster and their lives change, as anyone’s would, in such a situation.

The realism, drama, comedy and political commentary of this movie is what makes “The Host” a good “monster movie”. (If you really want to call it that.) It focuses on issues of today, owns strong, relatable characters and beautiful cinematography. It’s a shame really. Most people in America probably went to see this movie for a monster romp and were disappointed because it wasn’t. It’s better suited for fans of high-class indie movies, but at first glance this movie doesn’t look like such. So they were probably turned off. The audience this movie gets may be small, but I suppose those who find it, and enjoy it, are those who deserve to see it most.

***½ out of ****