Goemul (The Host)
2006
***½
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona, Go Ah-sung, Oh Dal-su, Lee Jae-eung, Lee Dong-ho
A few years after hazardous chemicals were dumped into the Han River, a huge monster appears and begins to terrorise the people of Seoul, and one family in particular. Bong Joon-ho offers a fresh and original twist on the monster movie genre. There are thrills like in Godzilla, but also some wonderful social satire and moving family drama. The script takes a scathing look at the American military who wield undue influence over the Korean government, who in turn have the safety of their own population on the lowest priority level.
