the host [2006]

 caught this south korean gem on THE CHILLER channel last night.  it was dubbed into english which gave the characters a wooden ear.  no matter for this movie is outstanding in every way.  i'm pretty sure i've already written about this movie so this patter won't be much of a review.  rather i'll just lodge my love of this movie.

director joon-ho bong is a younger filmmaker to put on your radar and watch.  this movie is about a monster that rises out of the han river and captures a little girl.  the family does everything to get the girl back.  that's a simple enough plot but bong's [or should i say joon-ho's] camera transcends the limits of the monster movie.  the filmmaker instead crafted a deeply feeling movie of family dynamics, selfish and selfless love, and utter wonder at the miracle of living.

i shit you not.  this movie is that good.  the creature cgi fx looks a bit dated compared to the wonders cinema fx make now.  the lighting, photography, editing and sound are not dated.  when we hit the final battle between the creature and the family along the banks of the han during a political protest rally bong slows down his camera.  the effect is a miracle of emotional pitch and action.

i only know this one film by joon-ho bong.  that's my fault.  for this is one moviemaker who refreshes the art of cinema and makes one glad to witness his creation.