The Host (2006)

The Host (2006)

So… Yes, we’ll say that Korean films are less predictable than American films.
Yes, it’s more authentic, funnier, less polished, more original…
But… No, that doesn’t make it a good film !!!

Thirteen years before the very good Parasite (2019), Bong Joon-Ho had effectively revolutionised monster film(s). so, inevitably, at the time, people said: ‘The best comic horror film of recent times!’

But those who didn’t like it at all said things like: “I didn’t like this film at all. I found it cheap, unconvincing and extremely boring. Perhaps those who suffer from insomnia could find a solution here…. Good night!”

Mega horror and gore fans will ask why does it qualify as horror? And they’ll go on to say “No wonder everyone finds this film boring… Those who watch it thinking it’s a horror film will get bored anyway and turn it off after 20 minutes. A political comedy would be more appropriate!”

In short! To each his own way of seeing and to each his own point of view.

For my part, I find it refreshing to see the ease with which the Koreans turn genres on their head and achieve sensational results. This is an original blend of monster movie, family drama and political satire. It’s told with a fair amount of humour, and directed with pace and depth. The mischievous look at relations between the United States and Korea is just as successful as the conception of the scary river monster and the development of the characters, who are by turns irritating, touching or hilarious.

There are always ecological messages in this kind of film that justify the appearance of mutants. It’s always a message that holds water, but it’s hard to tell whether it’s just fun, imagination or real prevention.

The creature is spectacular. Not always ultra well made, of course, but each of its appearances is a treat. A fascinating monster, but the film isn’t really scary. It is nonetheless somewhat exotic and trashy, with a questionable tendency towards cult status, due to South Korea.

For my part, I find it refreshing to see the ease with which the Koreans turn genres on their head and achieve sensational results.

Of course, I recognise that this film isn’t for everyone, but I still enjoyed it, although I just don’t think it’s any good. It’s not necessarily what you’d imagine: it’s more a gripping story of a family desperately searching for their daughter who’s been kidnapped by a monster than a bloodthirsty monster who relentlessly hunts humans!

It’s fair to say that the actors fail to convince. They seem anonymous despite the roles they have been given. Perhaps this is due to the foreign culture. I often get the impression that Asians overact. But maybe they always do? In any case, it’s clearly a different culture. Fortunately, the portrayal of Asians in films has changed over time.

Historically, Asian actors were often stereotyped or relegated to supporting roles. However, recent years, if not decades, have seen a marked increase in Asian representation in the media.

This film is long, inconsistent, has some very irritating moments and some unbearable characters. It’s these crucial elements that make me give it a fairly low rating. But I would say that this feature film is worth seeing once!

In short: recommended for (almost) everyone. Some people say 16 and over! But it’s hard to decide. On the one hand, young people give the impression of seeing so much worse… but let’s not overlook the more sensitive ones who could well be traumatised too.