 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Host
- Review Date: July 22, 2007
- R
- Genre: Horror
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
South Korean creature feature is wild and witty.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that creature-feature loving teens will want to see this movie, subtitles or no. If they go, they'll see plenty of scenes of the half-fish, half-reptile monster chasing, attacking, eating, and ripping up its human victims (its lair is filled with corpses and bones). In fact, the CGI-heavy violence is so excessive that it ends up being somewhat comedic. Humans use a variety of weapons against the monster (and each other), including guns, arrows (some flaming), and gas. The government lies about a virus and then assaults demonstrators with a toxic gas called "Agent Yellow." Some mourning scenes show characters crying over lost loved ones. Subtitled swearing includes multiple uses of "f--k" and plenty more salty language.
What's the story?
A sinister U.S. military pathologist (Scott Wilson) instructs a minion to dump formaldehyde into South Korean waters. This act produces a ghastly mutation -- part fish, part reptile -- that emerges from a river in broad daylight and attacks a crowd, killing some and kidnapping others. Among the abductees is 11-year-old Hyun-seo (Ah-sung Ko). At first, her family -- including her father, Gang-Du (Kang-ho Song), and grandfather Hie-bong (Hie-bong Byeon) -- grieve along with other similarly afflicted Seoul citizens. Carted off and quarantined for possible monster contamination, Gang-Du is despondent until he gets a cell-phone call from his daughter, who describes the place where the monster has dumped her as a "really big sewer." With that, Gang-Du -- with help from his father, unemployed brother Nam-il (Hae-il Park), and champion archer sister Nam-Joo (Du-na Bae) -- sets off to find her, no matter what lies the government tells them.
Is it any good?
The top-grossing movie in South Korean history, THE HOST (Gwoemul) is a wild, rewarding ride that's equal parts creature feature, cautionary tale, family melodrama, and political critique. Its influences are many, from Godzilla, Jaws, and Alien to The Thing and Sally Mann's photographs.
While the Parks' adventure follows some conventions (family bickering and bonding, inscrutable monstrosity, institutional obstructions), Joon-ho Bong's film offers all sorts of brilliant visual surprises. Hyun-seo and her family are courageous. Looking small in her schoolgirl's plaid skirt, the girl makes her way through the shadowy underground, her face smudged with grime, determined to combat the creature as it threatens a very frightened younger boy. At once poignant and grim, she's a terrific young heroine.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about monster movies. What's the appeal of creature features like this one?\ Families can also talk about the Parks' bravery. What brings them together with unity and purpose?
How does the movie update and also pay homage to classic monster movies that warn against human carelessness and arrogance, like Godzilla?
Are the characters in this movie being warned against anything? What could the creature be a symbol of?
How does Hyun-seo become a hero in the film, rather than only a victim?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Amazing
Great dramatic movie (animation kinda sucked)! Good action! I gave this a five star!
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AGE
Honestly, i think it depends on the kid. And what the parent will allow. Some parents let their child be exposed to more mature content. If your Child has already read the book then i would say let them see it, because the book if far more detailed then the movie. But if your child is not exposed to this sort of content then i would recommend on you seeing it your self and then deciding for your child. Or if your not up for seeing the movie then read the book, or read a summery. Overall you would wanna let your child mature gradually over time. Listen to what they have to say about it, try with no interruptions this will give the child the option to give you their side of the story.I know im gonna see it. I am just beginning to read the book it is a little
complicated if you would like then you could have your child read the book and then they could see the movie of vice versa. I really do think the child and parent(s)/guardian should discuss it. unless your just gonna let your child see it. AND this is coming from a 13 year old girl. :)
- molly
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AGE
The Host
This movie is just alot of fun. It's original, suspenseful, funny, even a bit emotional near the end - just an all-around great monster flick. Recommended for those who want something different AND extremely entertaining.
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AGE
Good monster flick
This is one of the best monster movies there are. There isn't too much blood except for a few scenes(those few scenes usually have just a drizzle). I also didn't see any limbs go off. Good for tweens.
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AGE
TOTALY SUCKED!
This movie was the worst movie I have ever watched in my life!!! It was boring, no action, just VERY CHEESY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
The Host
This is a perfect monster movies for teens.
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| Studio: | Magnolia Pictures |
| Director: | Joon-ho Bong |
| Cast: | Ah-sung Ko, Du-na Bae, Kang-ho Song |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Run time: | 119 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 8, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | July 24, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | creature violence and language. |
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