The Host

Jez · 18-01-2006, 22:41

Cannot wait for this, from director of memories of murder.

Following taken from import forums who took from another source

Quote:

The next is a little information gathered from TWITCH:

Quote:

Never particularly keen on, though understand the desire for or draw of, the element of 'world cinema fandom' that hopes continually for films which somehow match production styles of Hollywood (Taegukgi, Nochnoy Dozir - two examples that spring to mind). Unusual it may not be, but 'The Host' is blowing about half its' cash on FX. Might be necessary, sounds a little unbalanced though.

There has been a backlash on cultural assimilation in recent times, with mentions of protecting the individuality of various countries' filmic output (consequently, it seems, culture in general), and I would say it's the differences and not the similarities that attract - and at a larger level there's that balance between isolation of cultures and the need for or natural spreading of elements, but gradually and never (hopefully) irreversably, too quickly.

Having said that, I also turn up mentions online of disregard or alternative perspectives, of Hollywood being regarded as the 'proper model' for film making, and countries elsewhere somehow not recognising the benefits of their low-budget, fast turnover, genre twisting, grounded, psyhcologically well-rounded productions over the morally short-sighted or generic 'polishing a turd' approach.

I will though, for some reason, be looking for 'The Host' to turn up - because I, like many thousands this side of the globe, think 'Memories of Murder' shows many largely positive traits (yes, I don't like the 'humour' element, yes I am consistantly blown away by Kang-ho Song) - but I don't like the idea of shoving so much cash on one aspect of a production (anywhere in the globe, even with the most adept of Directors - or on the most inept of actors), or necessarily so much cash on one film from a country that largely doesn't seem to do so (waiting for X on that one, I am sure there's maybe a few examples to the contrary) for the most part and clearly doesn't even need too. And no, I don't think they should have hired Harryhausen, Henson or anyone else for an alternative.

Also, this might be a positive meeting of talents from across the globe, with American folks working on this production, can't help but feel it's about lesser integral elements such as appropriate skill, and more about worth by association or unnecessary connections to other cultures and approaches. Time will tell, for me at least.

Quote:

The following are selected quotes from the latest interview Bong Joon-Ho gave to the Korean media, regarding his latest film, ?? (The Host).

"There's films you can explain, and some you can't. 'A family desperately struggling with the haunting presence of a creature infesting the seedy waters of the Han River' is all I'll say about this film. No spoilers, no more talking about the film's plot until it comes out in theaters."
"Even 18 years ago, when I was in school, I was preparing for this project. Because of my last film ??? ?? (Memories of Murder) and its success I was able to make this film. It wasn't because I was waiting for the technology to catch up with my vision. I just was dying to make it."
"The creature is not the be all end all of this film. But it's certainly protagonist of the most important resolution, the climax"
"At first I thought it would be easy. But at the end I was almost on my knees pretending to pray. Making a mechanic thing and designing a living, breathing creature are two different things. Where it would eat, sleep, purge itself, and lose blood were choices we had to make, and just that ultimately took a year to make."
"We shot so many photos of the Han River that now it looks like home to me. We know the locations like the palm of our hands: at what time, which weather, angle, how to put the right lenses, the difference between high and low, clean and dirty...we gave importance to every single detail. Of course all this happened for a reason, it will have a relevance in the film."
"Why shouldn't I be burdened by many things? I'm not interested in normal movies that take 5 minutes to prepare for...

Quote:

The monster... the one bothering your whole family, destroying what you once called 'normal life', making every single day a struggle against forces you can't fight, and you don't know how to control.

You probably know by now I adore Bong Joon-Ho's films. Darkly humorous, obsessed with cultural details, full of great intensity and with some of the best scripts around. First ????? ? (Barking Dogs Never Bite) in 2000, a quirky black comedy about 'higher animals', us humans. Then, the big shocker, 2003's ??? ?? (Memories of Murder), the best, most intelligent Korean 'commercial film' of the last 5 years (emphasis on 'commercial', because Cannes says so, right?). It was inevitable expectations would be high for Bong's next project, especially with THAT cast. Song Kang-Ho, Bae Doo-Na, Park Hae-Il and Byun Hee-Bong. And the monster, boy, the monster. Helped by foreign CG and FX wizards Orphanage, Weta and Creature Workshop, this is the first big Monster film coming to Korean shores in a long time, with the exception of Shim Hyung-Rae's ?? (D-War). But of course, knowing Bong, you know it won't just be that.

Well, after such a long wait, here's the first good news: ?? (The Host) wrapped up its 6 month long shoot last January 8, and will now enter its lengthy post-production process. When can we see this big baby? Right after the World Cup, next July. That's just too damn long, if you ask me. .

Ricochan38 · 19-01-2006, 07:03

could be interesting...

The Dude · 25-08-2006, 11:45

For those like me who can't attend the screenings for it at the Edinburgh Film Festival or Frightfest then I've got some good news for you as I e-mailed Optimum Releasing the other day and I've just had a reply back from them and they said it will be out in UK cinemas on November 10th.

Goblin · 25-08-2006, 12:16

will be making a trip to the cinema for this one, I'm glad it's getting a release.

The Dude · 25-08-2006, 12:57

I wouldn't be surprised if it's a selected release, but it will probably come on the FACT in Liverpool I guess. You're in Liverpool aren't you, Goblin? I think you've mentioned it once or twice though I might be getting mixed up.

Goblin · 25-08-2006, 13:12

yes, I'm in Liverpool.

the Odean in Switch Island usually gets the limited releases too but FACT would be ideal if they show it.

RomerojpgX · 25-08-2006, 15:12

They said it was September last time, so until I see posters wit the release on late not take it too serious

still I CANNOT WAIT!!!! and will drag some people along who have never seen a Korean film (and hope its good).

The Dude · 25-08-2006, 15:17

RomerojpgX I've e-mailed optimum Releasing a few times and the 1st time they said it didn't have a release date which was in July and then I e-mailed them again and this week they confirmed November 10th. A cinema programmer on a forum confirmed November 10th too. Trust me it's coming to UK cinemas on 10th of November and if it doesn't then you guys can give me a load of stick if you like.

So we get it around 2 months before america too.

Todd Tomorrow · 26-08-2006, 00:04

Going to see this at Frightfest this Monday.

BiscLimpkit · 26-08-2006, 09:31

I saw this at the Edinburgh Film Festival (with a Director's Q&A afterwards).

Thoroughly enjoyed this. It's a sort of monster/melodrama/political commentary hybrid. Can't get enough of it tbh.

RomerojpgX · 26-08-2006, 15:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiscLimpkit

I saw this at the Edinburgh Film Festival (with a Director's Q&A afterwards).

Thoroughly enjoyed this. It's a sort of monster/melodrama/political commentary hybrid. Can't get enough of it tbh.

Photos?

SShaw · 26-08-2006, 21:20

I also saw this at EIFF (and the directors Q&A). While I enjoyed it, I wouldn't place it in the same league as the directors previous effort. And the claims for political commentary seem a little contrived to me, o.k. it may be there but it's not particularly clever - I also disagree with the proposition that the monster is the US, I think any political intent is more literal i.e. the U.S.'s lack of foresight/care is responsible for creating problems that it then uses the military and/or UN to clear up.

BiscLimpkit · 27-08-2006, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by RomerojpgX

Photos?

They didn't turn out too well because of

a: Poor lighting
b: I wasn't close enough
c: I can't take photos for ****

This is the best I could do - director Joon-ho Bong (middle) picking his nose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SShaw

I also saw this at EIFF (and the directors Q&A). While I enjoyed it, I wouldn't place it in the same league as the directors previous effort. And the claims for political commentary seem a little contrived to me, o.k. it may be there but it's not particularly clever - I also disagree with the proposition that the monster is the US, I think any political intent is more literal i.e. the U.S.'s lack of foresight/care is responsible for creating problems that it then uses the military and/or UN to clear up.

Agreed, the political viewpoints take a major backseat and are touched upon at best. Nevertheless, the director did decide to include them in his film. I also never thought of the monster as a metaphor for America. IIRC, the director clarified this in the Q&A. I did laugh when he revealed that an Al Jazeera reporter kept insisting that it was.

I did prefer Memories of Murder (his masterpiece) but the Host was great fun. I actually see it as a family melodrama first, monster film second.

RomerojpgX · 27-08-2006, 15:30

Thanks for the pic

BiscLimpkit · 27-08-2006, 15:38

Sorry it's awful. I might just leave my camera at home from now on and enjoy the Q&As.

Todd Tomorrow · 28-08-2006, 23:14

Saw it tonight and thought it was very good, though just falling short of being great. Maybe there was just a bit too much silly comedy for my taste. The organisers at Frightfest mentioned that this is the longest version that will ever be seen in the West and I have to admit that it could easily loose 10 to 15 minutes and it would be a more effective film.

Still when its good it really works and this is the rare monster movie which has a director with the vision of an artist behind it. The film it reminded me most of is Larry Cohen's Q-The Winged Serpent in that it is a monster film where the monster is often sidelined for long stretches to concentrate on the life of it's eccentric (anti-) hero. The CG effects aren't always perfect, but the monster is nicely designed and delivers whenever it shows up. There is a real sense of awe when it goes on a rampage (for once a monster that doesn't discreetly hide in the shadows for most of the film) and the final showdown is exciting and genuinely moving.

Silver Jet · 29-08-2006, 16:26

I'm really looking forward to seeing this. I'm guessing that it will be released on DVD in Korea before it receives a cinema release here in the UK. Does anybody what the cinema release date for The Host was in Korea? If it was earlier this year we might be lucky enough to see the DVD before Christmas.

The Dude · 29-08-2006, 16:34

Silver Jet see post #3 in this thread as it has details by me with regards to the release date.

mitch316 · 29-08-2006, 18:11

anybody know the release date for the korean dvd?

Goblin · 29-08-2006, 21:15

I think it's still playing in the Cinema, I expect it will be before christmas, around November/December.

25-08-2006, 13:12	#6
Goblin Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 8,034 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	yes, I'm in Liverpool. the Odean in Switch Island usually gets the limited releases too but FACT would be ideal if they show it. Last edited by Goblin; 25-08-2006 at 13:13.

25-08-2006, 15:17	#8
The Dude Cool Dude Of The Forums Join Date: May 2000 Location: In a house Posts: 1,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	RomerojpgX I've e-mailed optimum Releasing a few times and the 1st time they said it didn't have a release date which was in July and then I e-mailed them again and this week they confirmed November 10th. A cinema programmer on a forum confirmed November 10th too. Trust me it's coming to UK cinemas on 10th of November and if it doesn't then you guys can give me a load of stick if you like. So we get it around 2 months before america too. Last edited by The Dude; 25-08-2006 at 15:18.

28-08-2006, 23:14	#16
Todd Tomorrow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,180 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Saw it tonight and thought it was very good, though just falling short of being great. Maybe there was just a bit too much silly comedy for my taste. The organisers at Frightfest mentioned that this is the longest version that will ever be seen in the West and I have to admit that it could easily loose 10 to 15 minutes and it would be a more effective film. Still when its good it really works and this is the rare monster movie which has a director with the vision of an artist behind it. The film it reminded me most of is Larry Cohen's Q-The Winged Serpent in that it is a monster film where the monster is often sidelined for long stretches to concentrate on the life of it's eccentric (anti-) hero. The CG effects aren't always perfect, but the monster is nicely designed and delivers whenever it shows up. There is a real sense of awe when it goes on a rampage (for once a monster that doesn't discreetly hide in the shadows for most of the film) and the final showdown is exciting and genuinely moving. Last edited by Todd Tomorrow; 28-08-2006 at 23:19.

29-08-2006, 16:34	#18
The Dude Cool Dude Of The Forums Join Date: May 2000 Location: In a house Posts: 1,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Silver Jet see post #3 in this thread as it has details by me with regards to the release date. Last edited by The Dude; 29-08-2006 at 16:34.

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19-01-2006, 07:03	#2
Ricochan38 Asian DVD maniac Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 461 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	could be interesting...

25-08-2006, 11:45	#3
The Dude Cool Dude Of The Forums Join Date: May 2000 Location: In a house Posts: 1,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	For those like me who can't attend the screenings for it at the Edinburgh Film Festival or Frightfest then I've got some good news for you as I e-mailed Optimum Releasing the other day and I've just had a reply back from them and they said it will be out in UK cinemas on November 10th.

25-08-2006, 12:16	#4
Goblin Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 8,034 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	will be making a trip to the cinema for this one, I'm glad it's getting a release.

25-08-2006, 12:57	#5
The Dude Cool Dude Of The Forums Join Date: May 2000 Location: In a house Posts: 1,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I wouldn't be surprised if it's a selected release, but it will probably come on the FACT in Liverpool I guess. You're in Liverpool aren't you, Goblin? I think you've mentioned it once or twice though I might be getting mixed up.

25-08-2006, 15:12	#7
RomerojpgX Dead Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In Hell Posts: 8,584 Thanks: 13 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	They said it was September last time, so until I see posters wit the release on late not take it too serious still I CANNOT WAIT!!!! and will drag some people along who have never seen a Korean film (and hope its good).

26-08-2006, 00:04	#9
Todd Tomorrow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,180 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Going to see this at Frightfest this Monday.

26-08-2006, 09:31	#10
BiscLimpkit Hang out with my wang out Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 3,181 Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I saw this at the Edinburgh Film Festival (with a Director's Q&A afterwards). Thoroughly enjoyed this. It's a sort of monster/melodrama/political commentary hybrid. Can't get enough of it tbh.

26-08-2006, 21:20	#12
SShaw Registered User Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 1,135 Thanks: 21 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I also saw this at EIFF (and the directors Q&A). While I enjoyed it, I wouldn't place it in the same league as the directors previous effort. And the claims for political commentary seem a little contrived to me, o.k. it may be there but it's not particularly clever - I also disagree with the proposition that the monster is the US, I think any political intent is more literal i.e. the U.S.'s lack of foresight/care is responsible for creating problems that it then uses the military and/or UN to clear up.

27-08-2006, 15:30	#14
RomerojpgX Dead Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In Hell Posts: 8,584 Thanks: 13 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	Thanks for the pic

27-08-2006, 15:38	#15
BiscLimpkit Hang out with my wang out Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 3,181 Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sorry it's awful. I might just leave my camera at home from now on and enjoy the Q&As.

29-08-2006, 16:26	#17
Silver Jet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London Posts: 528 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm really looking forward to seeing this. I'm guessing that it will be released on DVD in Korea before it receives a cinema release here in the UK. Does anybody what the cinema release date for The Host was in Korea? If it was earlier this year we might be lucky enough to see the DVD before Christmas.

29-08-2006, 18:11	#19
mitch316 giddyup Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 566 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	anybody know the release date for the korean dvd?

29-08-2006, 21:15	#20
Goblin Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 8,034 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think it's still playing in the Cinema, I expect it will be before christmas, around November/December.