The Host (Gwoemul) Review

Man has made his newest predator

I saw this movie last night after hearing it described as Little Miss Sunshine meets Jaws. After seeing it, though, I would have to disagree. It's entertaining, but doesn't meet the standards set by either of those movies. This is the story of a dysfunctional Korean family (grandfather; champion archer daughter who moves at a snails pace; educated but unemployed son that tends to drink; and borderline narcoleptic underachiever son and single dad, whose daughter is the one taken) whose youngest was taken by a monster. They know she is alive, but the authorities won't listen and chalk their protest up to grieving and delirium.

As a side note: In the opening scene you may notice the US military doctor is played by Scott Wilson who also plays Sam Braun on CSI.

Without wanting to give anything away, I feel obligated to offer this warning: This is an asian movie, and as such the ending is bitter-sweet, victory comes at a price. As an example: In the animated epic Akira, the hero wins, but in so doing has to kill his best friend who has become a menace.