The Host Review: Bong Joon-Ho’s Creature Feature Uses Classic Genre Tropes to Tell a Fresh Story

   March 5, 2025

Bong Joon-ho’s The Host (2006) is a genre-bending monster movie that blends sci-fi horror, political satire, and family drama into one of the most distinctive creature features of the 21st century. Deeply influenced by the Godzilla franchise, Bong crafts a cautionary tale about environmental recklessness and government incompetence, opening with an American scientist dumping bottles of formaldehyde into Seoul’s Han River. Years later, this reckless act results in the emergence of a massive, mutated amphibian that terrorizes the city.

The Host (2006)
The Host (2006)

At its core, The Host follows the Park family as they struggle to save Hyun-seo (Ko A-sung), who is kidnapped by the creature. Her father, Gang-du (Song Kang-ho), is an absent-minded but well-meaning vendor, joined by his father (Byun Hee-bong), his sister Nam-joo (Bae Doona), a competitive archer, and his brother Nam-il (Park Hae-il), an unemployed college graduate. Bong uses the family’s rescue mission to explore dysfunctional familial dynamics, class struggles, and government failure, themes that would also define Bong’s classics Parasite and Memories of Murder.

When The Host leans into its pure monster movie thrills, it’s fantastic. The creature’s first appearance is an exhilarating, chaotic set piece, and even if the CGI looks cartoony by today’s standards, there’s a physicality and weight to the monster that makes it genuinely menacing. Bong’s ability to mix terror, humor, and heartbreak in the same breath is on full display here, and it makes for some of his most viscerally engaging filmmaking.

READ MORE REVIEWS: Inland Empire, Zodiac, No Country for Old Men

However, as the story progresses, the film loses some momentum. The virus subplot and government conspiracy elements add complexity but also shrink the film’s scope, making the final act feel less urgent than its explosive opening. While the family’s dynamic remains compelling, the middle section wanders into overlong detours that dilute the broader societal critique.

Still, even with its uneven pacing, The Host remains one of Bong Joon-ho’s most entertaining and accessible films. It’s a sharp, thrilling, and unexpectedly emotional creature feature that combines blockbuster spectacle with biting social commentary. Though not as tightly constructed as Parasite or Memories of Murder, it’s a standout monster movie that still holds weight nearly two decades later.

Score: 7/10

The Host (2006)

More Reviews for Movies Directed by Bong Joon-ho

Cinephile Corner has reviewed the following movies directed by Bong Joon-ho:

More Reviews for Movies Starring Song Kang-ho

Cinephile Corner has reviewed the following movies starring Song Kang-ho:

Support Cinephile Corner

Cinephile Corner is dedicated to delivering insightful film criticism, thorough retrospectives, and comprehensive rankings that celebrate the art of cinema in all its forms. Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of film history, offering in-depth analysis and critical perspectives that go beyond the surface. Each movie review and ranking is crafted with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and timeliness, ensuring our readers always receive well-researched content that’s both informative and engaging.

As an independent publication, Cinephile Corner is driven by a passion for film and a dedication to maintaining an unbiased voice in an industry often shaped by trends and mainstream appeal. If you value our work and would like to support our mission, please consider donating via PayPal to help us keep Cinephile Corner alive and growing. Your support is invaluable—thank you for being a part of our journey in film exploration!