The head mortician at an American military base orders his junior to empty bottles of formaldehyde into Seoul's Han river. As a result, a creature mutates and grows to massive proportions, because coming out of the water and feeding on a selection of human flesh. Schoolgirl Hyun-seo is carried ... Read review
The Hosthas managed to become Korea's most successful film to date, winning acclaim both ... more
domestically and internationally, and it's easy to see why. At first glance, it looks like any other monster movie--an amphibious creature from the depths stalks a...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The Hosthas managed to become Korea's most successful film to date, winning acclaim both ... more
domestically and internationally, and it's easy to see why. At first glance, it looks like any other monster movie--an amphibious creature from the depths stalks a...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Man has made his newest predator The Park family seem to lead a quite ordinary and ... more
peaceful life; well maybe a little poorer than the average Seoul citizens. Park Hee-bong (played by Byun Hee-bong) is a man in his late 60s running a small snack bar o...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
From the director of Memories of Murder comes Bong Joon-Ho's THE HOST, a fantasy monster ... more
movie, which expertly mixes humor and horror. On its release in its native Korea it broke box office records, taking the opening weekend record and the highest sin...
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that takes ... more
over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact and most of humanity has succumbed. Wanderer the invading 'soul' who has been given Melanie's body knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies they set off to search for the man they both love.
Postage & Packaging:£0.00 Availability:3-5 working days
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that takes ... more
over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact and most of humanity has succumbed. Wanderer the invading 'soul' who has been given Melanie's body knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies they set off to search for the man they both love.
Postage & Packaging:£0.00 Availability:3-5 working days
1/5/08 Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that ... more
takes over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed. Wanderer, the invading 'soul' who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too-vivid memories.
Postage & Packaging:refer to website Availability:in stock
On the banks on the Han River, a crowd gathers to watch an unidentified object hanging ... more
onto a bridge. In an instant, the object reveals itself as a terrifying creature, turning the riverbank into a gruesome sea of blood.Amid the chaos, a little girl, Hyun-seo is snatched up by the creature right before her father, Gang-du's eyes. After receiving a mobile phone call from his daughter confirming that she has miraculously survived, the once-ordinary citizen gang-du and his family decide to wage war against the creature, despite both the Korean authorities' and U.S. army's every efforts to stop them.
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that takes ... more
over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact and most of humanity has succumbed. Wanderer the invading 'soul' who has been given Melanie's body knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies they set off to search for the man they both love.
Postage & Packaging:£0.00 Availability:3-5 working days
On the banks of the Han River, a crowd gathers to watch an unidentified object hanging ... more
onto a bridge. In an instant, the object reveals itself as a terrifying creature, turning the riverbank into a gruesome sea of blood.Amid the chaos, a little girl, Hyun-seo is snatched up by the creature right before her father, Gang-du's eyes. After receiving a mobile phone call from his daughter confirming that she has miraculously survived, the once-ordinary citizen Gang-du and his family decide to wage war against the creature, despite both the Korean authorities' and U.S. army's every efforts to stop them.
on the banks of the Han River, a crowd gathers to watch an unidentified object hanging ... more
onto a bridge. In an instant, the object reveals itself as a terrifying creature, turning the riverbank into a gruesome sea of blood.Amid the chaos, a little girl, Hyun-seo is snatched up by the creature right before her father, Gang-du's eyes. After receiving a mobile phone call from his daughter confirming that she has miraculously survived, the once-ordinary citizen Gang-du and his family decide to wage war against the creature, despite both the Korean authorities' and U.S. army;s every efforts to stop them.
Production Year: 2000 - Horror - Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Carmen Electra, Anna Faris, Kurt Fuller, James Van Der Beek, Keenen Ivory Wayans
Advantages: Great atmosphere with a dash of comedy Disadvantages: None really
The head mortician at an American military base orders his junior to empty bottles of formaldehyde into Seoul's Han river. As a result, a creature mutates and grows to massive proportions, because coming out of the water and feeding on a selection of human flesh. Schoolgirl Hyun-seo is carried off by the monster, much to her father, Gang-du's, distress. He is then carted off with his father because he was splashed by the monster's blood. While institutionalised, ... ...trapped in the sewers. The authorities don't believe Gang-du's pleas, so, with the help of his family, he breaks out to find his daughter. Will he ever find her?
Monster films aren't usually something I enjoy - Cloverfield, for example, bored me silly and many others have poor special effects. However, having confidence in Korean film, I thought that this one was worth a go. And it is generally an excellent film. Rather than go down ... more
The head mortician at an American military base orders his junior to empty bottles of formaldehyde into Seoul's Han river. As a result, a creature mutates and grows to massive proportions, because coming out of the water and feeding on a selection of human flesh. Schoolgirl Hyun-seo is carried off by the monster, much to her father, Gang-du's, distress. He is then carted off with his father because he was splashed by the monster's blood. While institutionalised, he receives a phone call from Hyun-seo, who is apparently trapped in the sewers. The authorities don't believe Gang-du's pleas, so, with the help of his family, he breaks out to find his daughter. Will he ever find her?
Monster films aren't usually something I enjoy - Cloverfield, for example, bored me silly and many others have poor special effects. However, having confidence in Korean film, I thought that this one was worth a go. And it is generally an excellent film. Rather than go down the route of making it overly serious, director Joon-ho Bong has injected a dash of comedy into a breath-taking story, and so it is highly atmospheric and entertaining from start to finish. If only the director of Cloverfield had taken a look at this film and studied from it.
Most characters in horror films don't have much of a personality - they are merely instruments for the story that is going on around them. However, here Gang-du, although he isn't exactly multi-layered, does have some depth to him. Played by Kang-ho Song, he initially seems to be a complete loser - he runs a snack shop with his father, can't get anything right, falls asleep at the drop of a hat and is trying to raise a daughter on his own. However, when faced with an emergency, he really comes into his own. The actor plays the role just right - he doesn't suddenly become a hero, but rather has it forced upon him, and he isn't afraid to look stupid at times. In fact, much of the comedy comes from him and it is a pleasure to watch him.
The other characters, mainly Gang-du's family, are also good. His brother and sister, played by Hae-il Park and Du-na Bae, treat Gang-du like he's an idiot to start with, but they do at least believe him and they do really come into their own during the course of the film. They don't have the charm of the actor that plays Gang-du, but they do do a good job. Gang-du's father is played by Hie-bong Byeon, who over-acts a bit at times, but just about manages to pull it all together. Finally, the girl who plays Hyun-seo, Gang-du's daughter, is perfect for the role - she looks as if she could be a typically precocious schoolgirl to start with, but bearing in mind what happens to her, she gives a great performance - hopefully we will see actress Ah-sung Ko in the future.
The film is two hours in all, but it really doesn't feel like it, because the action starts from very early on and then is relentless right up until the end. Every time it seems as though the film might be coming to its conclusion, something else happens. And whereas with some films, that might be a disadvantage, with this one, it is a pleasure to discover there is more yet to come. As the characters split up to find Hyun-seo, the camera follows them and the threads become almost different stories, which again, is an advantage, because it adds layers to what would otherwise have been a very superficial story.
The special effects are surprisingly good. The 'thing' that comes out of the river, apparentlly something fish-like, is incredibly well done - it really does look as though there is something chasing and catching people. It is also incredibly mean-looking. Much of the action takes place in the sewers, which is where Hyun-seo is trapped, and amazingly, according to Wikipedia, it seems that the actors really were in the sewers - the filth that is strewn over Hyun-seo is therefore quite possibly real. This is very well done - the director obviously went to a great deal of effort to ensure that everything looked as realistic as possible and it really does show.
Another thing that really stood out for me with this film was the humour. There really are some laugh out loud moments that lighten the atmosphere momentarily - most of these surround Gang-du and his uselessness. There are some rather more serious moments though, that some may find a little hard to take. The reason for the monster's existence in the first place was the fault of the American military base and the Americans throughout are generally made out to be heartless and uncaring. This is based on real feeling - the formaldehyde in the river is apparently based on truth and there is no doubt that the Koreans feel a great deal of resentment against the Americans' existence in Korea.
The film is, of course, in Korean, apart from the occasional sentence uttered by Americans in their own language. However, this is a film that is based largely on action, which means that the subtitles are few and far between, making it that much easier for people who don't like subtitles. There is just one extra - the UK theatrical trailer, which is a shame - I would have liked a 'making of' documentary. However, there does seem to be a two-disc version available which does have documentaries, so that may be worth looking out for if you enjoy watching extras.
I really enjoyed this film, although I really didn't expect to. It is rare that an action film can hold my interest from start to finish, particularly when it involves monsters, but this one really did have me on the edge of my seat. Best of all, the ending is just as strong as the rest of it and suggests that there could be a sequel - for once I actually hope so. Don't be put off by the fact that this is a Korean film - that is actually its advantage from my point of view. Recommended.
The DVD is available from play.com for £4.99 (both for the one and two disc versions).
Advantages: Combines monster mayhem with moving family drama Disadvantages: Obviously daft and a bit too political
...This is a review of the FILM and NOT the DVD.
On with the review …
With only a few exceptions, horror films coming out of Hollywood nowadays tend to barely rise above mediocrity, particularly when they are re-makes of films coming from the far-east. Witness what they did to 'Ring' and 'Dark Water' - the original Japanese versions were so good, it's hard to imagine why Hollywood thought they could make it better. They couldn't. With this in mind, ... ...the 'The Host' (or 'Gwoemul' to give it its Korean title) from South Korean director, Bong Joon-ho as it is a rip-roaring, coffee-snorting-through-the-nose horror film that is immensely enjoyable - they'd only screw it up.
First up, the plot. After a Korean pathology worker is ordered to dump several hundred bottles of out-of-date formaldehyde down the drain by his American boss (actually based on a true event in S. Korea circa 2000), the resultant ...
4ku-Papa 08.10.2007 (10.10.2007)
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Advantages: Finally a good monster movie Disadvantages: English Subs, Korean Language.
The Host - Korea's King Kong Beater Korean Title Gwoemul (The Host)
You probably have little interest in Korean Cinema. You might not have any interest in Monster Movies. But if you are interested in a film with lots hard hitting CG, lots of laughs and plenty of action then maybe just maybe you can forget that this is a Korean movie and a monster movie and settle down and watch this delight on DVD. The film had a small UK cinema release back in ... ...following in Korea and on the internet. To put the popularity into some perspective 1/4th of South Korea's population went to see this film at the cinema. Yes 1/4th 25% that totals to approximately 14 million people young and old, male and female went along to their local picture house to see this fairly moderate budget horror/movie. That makes it the most successful cinema release in Korea in the history of their cinema. You are probably thinking ...
tetsuocloud 17.01.2007
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Advantages: A rollicking monster mash up with humour and smarts. Disadvantages: Doesn't quite know which genre it wants to be in. A bit inconsequential.
Overview
Critically and commercially sucessful The Host was itself a behemoth of a film charting No. 1 in the all time highest takings list of Korean cinema. An oddball monster flick about a hyper-mutated sewer beast that emerges from the Han river and unleashes unholy destruction on all those in its path. We follow the trauma, the trials and the trevails of the dysfunctional Park family, distraught after seeing their daughter taken by the beast.
... ...large quantity of formaldehyde into the Korean water system. Flash forward and we see two fisherman thnking they can see something out of the ordinary in the water. Flash forward again and someone else thinks they can see something moving in the water. He then commits suicide.
We now find Gang Du asleep at his job in his fathers shop. Gang Du is fully grown however and has a daughter of his own called Hyun Seo. All is calm as they watch Gang Du's ...
thegoldencat 26.11.2008
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Advantages: Clever moments (dialogue and physical comedy), not corny Disadvantages: never was a fan of the kill-the-monster scenes, and this is no exception
...I have been disappointed in the past. However, mostly due to my boyfriend's insistence I went ahead and saw this movie.
All of my fears of bad cgi, corny dialogue, and cheesy suspense were unwarranted. It's unfortunate that I would ever keep myself from good movies like this one because I'm too scared they will be bad (which happens so much in this genre). And I'm not one of those people who likes the bad ones because they're good to laugh at or ... ...at times. I especially love the scene in which the uncle comes back from his long absence and they are all flailing on the floor of the school gymnasium (you have to see it to know what I'm talking about). The cgi of the creature/monster was also pretty good. I always like it when I can forget that cgi is even being used (not that this one was flawless, but it was really rather good most of the time).
I think the fact that it was so fun and humorous ...
I_only_like_good_movies 06.09.2007
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Advantages: Gripping, edge of seat material Disadvantages: subtitled, and offbeat humour and acting
When I heard all the hype about The Host obliterating South Korea's box office records, I just had to check this out for myself.
I wouldn't want to totally give the plot away because I feel it is a 'must watch' flick, but what I can say is that Director Bong Joon-Ho has superceded most in this horror flick that has you hanging on the edge of your chair at times. An innovative plot and creature creation that will keep you wide eyed, and suspended ... ...visual special effects from the team responsible for Superman Returns, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Sin City. I found the Special FX very realistic, and quite a masterpiece of ingenuity.
A hapless father loses his daughter to the grip of this terrifying creature, who steals her away and retreats into the depths of the Han river. The emotional scenes in the aftermath of the creatures carnage seem very far fetched though, but then I suppose ...
Samcuj 03.06.2007
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Advantages: Great monster, fun and entertaining Disadvantages: A mish mash of genres at times
Korean movie making is becoming well known over here as the studios search for the newest Far East market to export movies from. There has been a large number of extremely good ones that have arrived on our shores, the director of The Host?s previous one ?Memories of Murder? amongst them.
The Host is a monster movie in the old 30?s & 40?s style but with elements of family drama, political comment and smatterings of outrageous comedy that often seem totally out of place. This is kind of strange as the strangeness of the comedy actually makes the weird occurrences going on elsewhere seem more normal and realistic. For example one scene very near the beginning has the main characters, a father, his 2 sons and his daughter, mourning the death of another family member, rolling on the floor crying out loud. In an incongruous moment ...
Ailran 11.05.2007
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After a US military base dumps a load of toxic chemicals in South Korea?s Han River, things are bound to go wrong. But the effects aren?t felt until a few years later when a huge amphibious beast emerges from the water and starts devouring everyone in its path. Noodle-selling loser Kang-du watches in horror as it carries off his daughter Hyun-seo. So he enlists the help of his father, estranged brother and champion archer sister to try and rescue her from the sewer-dwelling creature?s lair.
?The Host? is very difficult to quantify because I?ve never seen anything quite like it before. There?s too much comedy for it to qualify as a straight horror, too much family drama for it to be an action movie and the big computer-generated monster gives it a sci-fi edge. But somehow South Korean director Joon-ho Bong manages to pull together all ...
afy9mab 10.06.2007
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Advantages: Funny, witty, fast-paced, great special effects... brilliant acting. Disadvantages: None.
an absolute MUST to see, is the incredible dialogue that goes on throughout the movie. The script is fast-paced, witty, and so choc-a-bloc with the most absurd and inane discussions that you'll be rolling on the floor laughing your guts out! Within 5 minutes of starting the movie, you will be hooked, and you definitely won't be letting go until the very end!
This movie has been given every single category that exists... from horror to comedy and on to drama. Whatever your taste in movies, The Host will fit the bill.
The Host is just so extraordinarily funny, however, it isn't really a comedy... it'll make you jump out of your seat, however, it isn't really a horror or sci-fi either. The Host is an amalgamation of every genre, and is just so brilliantly acted and directed that it boggles the mind. The movie is fast-paced, loaded ...
GoFigure 13.04.2007
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Lead by their snack bar owner patriarch, A wayward family are reluctantly thrown into action when a family member is taken by a mutant creature.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
OPTIMUM HOME ENTERTAINMENT; ELEVATION SALES; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Release date
05/03/2007
No of Discs
2
Catalogue No
OPTD 0754
Barcode
5060034579571
Languages
Main Language
Korean
Technical information
Special Features
Making Of , Monster gag reel, 15 featurettes, Stills gallery, Deleted scenes, Trailer,
Aspect Ratio
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
DVD Description
Selling his wares to passers by along Seoul’s Han River, life is peaceful for a small-time snack bar owner and his dim-witted son. However, the tranquillity f of their day –to-day lives is shattered when a mutant creature emerges from the depths of the Han and embarks on a blood-thirsty rampage. While many of the local citizens are scrambling to escape, the father, son and other assorted family members must seek out their newfound nemesis, in order to rescue a relative.
![The Host [2006] (2 -DISC EDITION) [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78138448.jpg)
![Host, The [2 Disc Version]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/100034781.jpg)
