The Host

Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals, big time! An American base dumps its toxic chemical waste into a nearby river. Over time, this results in a mutated amphibious giant monster that rises from the river and makes its surroundings unsafe. This is not a pure science fiction flick, as PARASITE director Bong Joon-ho also peppered the story with political allusions, satire and slapstick humor and broke attendance records in Korea with THE HOST. The spectacular digital effects were created by the US company THE ORPHANAGE (“The Day after Tomorrow”, “Hellboy”, “Hero”). “Stylistically, the visual texture of the film ranges from the defining influences of Japanese “Godzilla” productions to Italian neo-realism. The camerawork and the dynamic, consistent staging are of high visual precision. Even if there are unpleasant moments and the director plays with chills and disgusting effects, “The Host” is never a horror film, and despite all the similarities, this monster never wants to unfold the oppressive effect and archetypal power of “Alien”. “The Host” is a wicked, ironic and intelligent satire on contemporary South Korean society, a fresh ‘comédie humaine’ that is second to none - many other films look old in comparison.” (Rüdiger Suchsland, at: www.filmdienst.de)