Synopsis:
Gang Du's (Song Kang Ho) family is the epitome of dysfunctional. His son Nam Il (Park Hae Il) went from promising college graduate to cursing, molotov-throwing problem child; his daughter Nam Joo (Bae Du Na) could have become an archery star, but is now just the one who calms everyone down when things get heated. Gang Du spends his days running a snack stall near the Han River, and his only hope, indeed the family's hope, is on the shoulders of his youngest daughter, Hyun Seo (Ko Ah Sung). Unbeknownst to everyone, however, a horrible monster has been growing in the polluted waters of Han River, and it snatches Hyun Seo from their life. Unable to get any help from the authorities, the family is determined to get Hyun Seo back on their own, no matter what it takes.
Mini-Review:
I have been reading about The Host (Gwoemul) for while now, but have been holding out on a DVD purchase. Then the Hong Kong disc came out for $12.99, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I was impressed. It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. The mix of horror, humor and drama is something you don't typically see in movies. There are some extremely funny scenes in the movie, even when people are dying. There are sad moments, that mix humor. And, it works. You laugh sometimes, when your not sure you should, then the film makes you feel OK about laughing.
The story is straight forward. An American doctor (At an Army base) has his helper pour toxic chemicals down the drain, which pour into the river. Big mutant creature is born. Creature comes out and eats people. The story mainly revolves around one family. A Grandfather, his three kids and one of the kids daughters. During the initial attack on civilization, the young daughter is taken away by the creature (presumed dead). The government then think there is a virus being spread by the creature, and since the girls father had close contact with it, thinks the family is infected. The father then gets a call from the little girl, and off the family goes to save her.
There quite a few digs at the American government, but also at Korean government. At the end, the Americans blame the problems on "miscommunications". I will not go into the problems, as I don't want to give to much away.
The CG effects for the creature were really good. I thought it looked as good as any Hollywood movie, except for the final scene with the creature. You'll see what I mean.
I liked this movie allot. Not sure it's worth multiple viewings, but I am really glad I got to see it. Look for limited release in the US on 03/09.
The DTS soundtrack was very impressive and loud. The HK disc is Region 3.
Rating: Definitely watch, but not a keeper for me.
CROSE
Gang Du's (Song Kang Ho) family is the epitome of dysfunctional. His son Nam Il (Park Hae Il) went from promising college graduate to cursing, molotov-throwing problem child; his daughter Nam Joo (Bae Du Na) could have become an archery star, but is now just the one who calms everyone down when things get heated. Gang Du spends his days running a snack stall near the Han River, and his only hope, indeed the family's hope, is on the shoulders of his youngest daughter, Hyun Seo (Ko Ah Sung). Unbeknownst to everyone, however, a horrible monster has been growing in the polluted waters of Han River, and it snatches Hyun Seo from their life. Unable to get any help from the authorities, the family is determined to get Hyun Seo back on their own, no matter what it takes.
Mini-Review:
I have been reading about The Host (Gwoemul) for while now, but have been holding out on a DVD purchase. Then the Hong Kong disc came out for $12.99, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I was impressed. It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. The mix of horror, humor and drama is something you don't typically see in movies. There are some extremely funny scenes in the movie, even when people are dying. There are sad moments, that mix humor. And, it works. You laugh sometimes, when your not sure you should, then the film makes you feel OK about laughing.
The story is straight forward. An American doctor (At an Army base) has his helper pour toxic chemicals down the drain, which pour into the river. Big mutant creature is born. Creature comes out and eats people. The story mainly revolves around one family. A Grandfather, his three kids and one of the kids daughters. During the initial attack on civilization, the young daughter is taken away by the creature (presumed dead). The government then think there is a virus being spread by the creature, and since the girls father had close contact with it, thinks the family is infected. The father then gets a call from the little girl, and off the family goes to save her.
There quite a few digs at the American government, but also at Korean government. At the end, the Americans blame the problems on "miscommunications". I will not go into the problems, as I don't want to give to much away.
The CG effects for the creature were really good. I thought it looked as good as any Hollywood movie, except for the final scene with the creature. You'll see what I mean.
I liked this movie allot. Not sure it's worth multiple viewings, but I am really glad I got to see it. Look for limited release in the US on 03/09.
The DTS soundtrack was very impressive and loud. The HK disc is Region 3.
Rating: Definitely watch, but not a keeper for me.
CROSE
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