Gwoemul - The Host

We have seen many movies over the years with cryptozoology or some unknown animal as a piece of it. Typically these are Horror or Science-Fiction films. The list includes well done to poorly done entries, and continues every year.

In 2006 Gwoemul (The Host) was released in Asia by director Bong Joon-Ho, its premise is complex, but features a multi-generation family group who rescues one of its own from an aquatic creature that rises from the Han River. Full of political commentary and some humor, the movie has been well received since being releases in 2006. While the creature itself is "birthed" due to a chemical pollutant in the river, it is not presented as being a gigantic snarling beast. Rather a "truck" sized fish-like animal, granted that can run on land and dangle from bridges.

In March 2007 the film will be released in limited distribution here in the USA. While the FX may not be what American audiences are used to , it does show how they can be done to propel the story along and not control the story.

It does give one the perception of a "what if scenario". What if a "sea serpent" were to suddenly appear near a major city, would the reaction cause a behavior change? So if you get a chance to see it in the theatre during its release, see if it grabs your fancy. Otherwise sit-back and wait for the DVD release.