Genre Film Update: The Host (Gwoemul)

The Korean horror film The Host (Gwoemul) was a hit at The 2006 Cannes Film Festival. It’s about a monstrous mutant creature that emerges from the Han River after a chemical weapons attack in Seoul and terrorizes it’s citizens. When a young girl is taken by the creature, her family undertakes a dangerous rescue mission.

Director Joon-ho Bong also co-scripted with Chul-hyun Baek and Won-jun Ha. The Orphanage (USA) (Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire, Sin City), Weta Workshop (New Zealand) (The Lord of Rings, King Kong), John Cox’s Creative Workshop (Australia) (Babe, Peter Pan), have all contributed to the film’s CGI.

In a first for the Korean media industry, a variety of products are slated for release simultaneously with the film, including a comic book, novel, and mobile games based on the film and its characters.

The Host is being released in Korea on July 27, 2006, then in other parts of Asia in September. Magnolia Pictures has picked up the U.S. distribution rights, but has yet to announce a release date.

Below are a series of clips and trailers from the film.

Theatrical Trailer in Windows Media Large

Theatrical Trailer in Windows Media Small

Downloadable Trailer

Clip and interview

Korean TV segment, with filmmaker interview

Korean TV segment 2