The film contrasts the actions of monster with the action of the government, and which of them is doing more evil to the people of Seoul.

Monster films havent really faired as well as critically acclaimed successes in history. Only one film has ever been looked at as a great film worthy of studying “ Jaws.

It had everything: great story, good characters, beautiful cinematography, great direction, the list could go on and on.

All other monster films are seen as hokey movies meant to give a bunch of teenagers some cheap thrills. Those movies you go to for an occasional scream and a lot of laughs.

The genre has lost almost all its credibility, not producing standout films that are as skilled artistically as they are at drawing audiences. But, a film from South Korea has seemed to produce a film worthy of a place next to Jaws in critics eyes.

The Host, released last week to theaters, and coming soon to our area, is an amazing film that follows the trials of a Korean family whose youngest member has been taken by a monster inhabiting the Han River. Due to hysteria and political panic, only the family knows that the girl is still alive, and no one will listen to them.

Then the family is off to face the monster and retrieve their lost member, becoming fugitives in the process.

While watching this film you forget that you are in a movie about a monster. The plot is so centered on the family that it seems to be a serious melodrama about the modern family in South Korea. Its just that there is a huge killer fish inhabiting the waters near their home.

The theme of traditional family values conflicting with the modern world flows throughout the piece and gives an American audience a look into challenges facing the contemporary Korean family.

Another great character choice in the film demonstrates the modern bureaucracy in governments. The film contrasts the actions of the monster with the action of the government, and which of them is doing more evil to the people of Seoul.

The cinematography of the film was beautiful. I wouldnt describe the scenes as breathtaking, but there are moments that stand out as great and you remember them well after leaving the theater.

The moments after character deaths in the film are some of the most well-shot scenes in any movie I have seen of late. The framing of the scene captures the grief and heartbreak of the film without words.

The design of the monster was simply amazing. The monsters origin is the standard people dumping chemicals somewhere they shouldnt, but the movement and actions of the monster sets this apart from other attempts of giant mutant creatures.

From the way it moves ill at ease on land, to the spider monkey-like swinging ability it has on bridges above the river, the design team really brings a believability not seen in most monsters. The audience could think that this monster could actually exist in the real world.

Another great thing about this film is the use of sound. Monster films from Asia are often horribly dubbed when they come to America, this one isnt. Simple choice really makes it stand apart and makes it not just a monster movie, but a monster film.

The Host was a fantastic movie that does a lot more than the standard monster film. It really strived to attach the audience to the characters. Their story is more important than any attack the monster makes.

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