The Host (2006)

Director: Joon-ho Bong

Starring: Kang-ho Song,  Hae-il Park, Doona Bae, Go Ah-sung

A monster emerges from Seoul’s Han River and focuses its attention on attacking people. One victim’s loving family does what it can to rescue her from its clutches.

There are quite a number of plot flaws and credibility issues, but that aside this was a thoroughly entertaining horror fare. In fact, this was more realistic and likable than most other monster movies. Go Ah-sung was brilliant as the little girl. The effects were great and the film had a fair share of really scary and suspenseful moments. This was bloody awesome and not predictable and melodramatic as most American films of this genre. This is a classic!

Maybe this should also be a wake-up call to humanity for all the stuff we dump in rivers and the ocean!

The Host had set a new Korean box office record by reaching 10 million tickets in just 21 days. At the time of release it became the highest grossing South Korean film. It received numerous award nominations and won – amongst others – for Best Film, Best Sound, Best Editing, Best Supporting Actor, Best New Actress, Best Lighting, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematographer, and Best Actor.

In Korean.