The Host

Koreans break from Starcraft to tangle with child stealing river monster.

Korean monster movie The Host is the highest grossing Korean film ever and has won a slew of awards. It is easy to see why. This film is brilliant and engrossing from start to finish.

Soon after being told of the origins of the creature, we are shown the simple lives of our central characters: three generations of a single family living together, running a small food store near Seoul's Han River and making just enough to get by. Before you are even sure of each of the protagonists' names, the creature makes its appearance and wreaks havoc upon the visitors to the river. When the youngest is taken by the creature, the rest of the family sets out on a rescue mission determined to bring her safely back home and kill the creature in the process.

What’s great about this film, besides showing the ineptitude of both the Korean and US governments in containing the creature and admitting their mistakes regarding the situation, is that the film is beautifully paced and each of the characters are fully realised and believable, brilliantly acted and are simply a joy to watch.

The film has its own quirky comedy, too. Some comedic situations are slightly over the top, yet still highly enjoyable as they really add to the character of each family member. The film never takes itself too seriously – every time it threatens to, something silly happens to always bring it back, although never in a predictable way.

The creature itself shows itself completely within the first 10 or 15 minutes, so there's no subtle build up of tension here. And note how I keep referring to it as a creature, rather than a monster. This isn't Godzilla or Gamera, but just a giant mutated tadpole-looking thing that happens to want a feed.

This film offers non-stop entertainment and the two hours simply fly by. Although it is essentially a monster movie with some comedy elements, there is an unquestionable emotional core that really draws you in and has you willing the family to succeed, all the way til the bittersweet ending.

The film is set for DVD release on July 18, and is most definitely worth checking out.