What is the unequal society and the true nature of the Monster seen in “ The Host” ?

Weak people fighting against the reality of Korea

Since the 1960s, South Korea has achieved great economic growth, known as the "Miracle on the Han River." However, in the 2000s, the deterioration of employment conditions and economic disparity have become evident. Considering this situation, the "Guemul (Monster)" that appears in this film seems to represent the reality behind the ostensibly prosperous South Korea that it tries to hide. The Park family are the "poor people" who tend to fall victim to this reality. As if to support this, there is a heartbreaking yet passionate scene in which the younger brother, who tried hard but was unable to find work due to the employment ice age, seems to channel his anger at the circumstances he has been subjected to into attacking the Guemul with a Molotov cocktail.

“The Host” (C) 2006 Chungeorahm Film. All rights reserved.

The film sympathetically portrays those who, like the Park family, have become poor. Kang-du's father abandoned him as a child, leaving him to starve. According to his father, who now deeply regrets this, Kang-du's lack of nutrition is what has caused him to become the sort of dazed, sleepy person he is today. The orphan living by the river that appears in the film is also Kang-du's former self. The final scene, in which Kang-du eats his fill at the hands of Kang-du, expresses the beauty of helping one another, but also feels filled with anger toward his own country, which has created such disparity. Yes, this theme is carried over to " Parasite ."

The film features lovable, unique characters. The film's entertainment value, including the suspenseful plot of a government escape, the social issues alluded to, and the excellent artistic quality, as exemplified by the beautifully depicted scene of the spraying of chemicals. Every aspect of the film shines with the director's genius. A film like a brilliant-cut diamond that shines in many different directions. That is this film, and that is what director Bong Joon-ho's work is all about.

Text: Kei Onodera

A film critic who wanders around and writes for web media and magazines, aiming to become a movie hermit. We will convey the "deep" content of the movie in an easy-to-understand manner from various angles.

Twitter: @kmovie

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"The Host"

DVD now on sale

Price: 1,886 yen (excluding tax)

Publisher/distributor: Happinet Co., Ltd.

(C) 2006 Chungeorahm Film. All rights reserved.