Currently available for streaming on Netflix and directed by "Parasite" director himself, Bong Joon-ho. "The Host" is an anomaly on Bong's filmography but it's the most satirical of all of it.
Director Bong Joon-ho playfully calls this movie as an anti-America film, and, honestly, it's hard to invalidate that. The story of "The Host" is unlike any monster movie produced in the US. In this movie, the characters are defined by their unique imperfections rather than their heftiness. It's no mistake that we follow a slow-witted and wimpish protagonist. Gang-du is meant to be a complete contrast to the macho and plucky character US movies deemed as "hero" because it's unrealistic and laughable.
Even more so, "The Host" has a smorgasbord of symbolism that ridicule, not just America but politics as a whole. From the very first sequence of improper disposal of formaldehyde to the virus cover-up story; Bong enforces his movie's narrative by illustrating the destruction of people's idiocy and imprudence.
Some people might dislike "The Host" though since the movie is more of a comedy than a tragedy. But in my observation, frolicking with the truth is Bong Joon-ho's approach in filmmaking. He's uncaring of whether we expect the movie to end in a hopeful or tragic way. As long as he can deliver the truth while making fun of its hilarity, Bong will go beyond the set conventions to satisfy himself and, hopefully, the viewers.
"The Host" might be a not-so Bong Joon-ho movie in terms of concept, but it is a solid proof that he's willing to exhaust his creative brain just to send a powerful critique.
4.5/5
