I can't believe I've avoided this movie for as long as I have! This was great.

[spoiler]Not a movie for everyone, if you are searching for a simple horror or SciFy movie then this is not your best choice! To anyone who knows the "details" of this movie such as political and social context in South Korea would see the "real movie", a movie hiding in a movie, Bong Joon Ho is probably one of the most clever directors I've seen![/spoiler]

This film is the kind of horror that shows the real monster that humans are. Political and social criticism of Korea and the USA, a little comedy and very good actors.

Of the film only liked the beginning, as the rest I found completely boring.

Hooptober Nine: Revelations

"HYUN-SEO! HYUN-SEO, IT'S DADDY!"

Even on a rewatch Bong Joon-Ho's the Host is still damn good. I love the tension, the creature design, the topics it explores, the action, the humor and the sad ending.

I can't believe I totally forgot about the virus subplot. All I truly remembered was the ending, the look of the creature, how they kill the creature and the first sight of the creature. But the plot about the virus was totally blanked out of my memory. Which was lovely for this rewatch.

Anyway I just love monster movies and especially ones that start out like this. DUMPING STUFF IN A RIVER IS ALWAYS BAD. Nothing good ever came out of it. But for us as movie lovers it is always great news.

So if you are looking for a film this Hooptober or in general, you can not go wrong with the Host!

What a strange, sad and fantastic movie. I'm sorry I slept on it for so long. Great story, wonderful acting and fun effects. This is a must see for any fan of the genre.

Loved it! The lil girl's acting was incredible!

Crap! Why this Korean flick (originally titled Gwoemul) created such a hype I absolutely do not get. The monster looks mostly ridiculous and the (for me) unbearable way of telling a story including absolutely silly dialogues and situations ruin what little potential this action-shocker could have had...
I think I am not made to get the drift that a lot of Asian movies have when it comes to story telling. Perhaps that's the reason why I do not like The Host, Battle Royale or House of Flying Daggers.

What a weird movie this was!

There the classical director's theme. But I prefer Parasite and memories of murder. There are some director touches very beautiful

The Host is an interesting middle ground for Bong Joon-ho. He begins experimenting with genre even when budget works against him, but themes often prevalent in his work, like the dehumanization and cruelty done towards the vulnerable, shine through. It's not as deftly done as other films like Memories of Murder, have the budget of Snowpiercer, or both like Okja or Parasite. But the heart of the film and its cast carries it home, and the monster has a definite charm to it. The grieving scene at the beginning brought tears to my eyes, and showcases Bong Joon-ho's skill at capturing the humanity of his characters.

Fuck yeah! I love this movie! Great story and special effects. Great characters too!

A great monster movie that has something to say more than just mindless action.

"Combines scares, laughs, and satire into a riveting, monster movie."