Okja
Directed by Bong Joon Ho
Written by Bong Joon Ho, Jon Ronson
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, Ahn Seo-Hyun
Release Date June 28th, 2017
Okja, a 2017 film directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a multi-layered movie that transcends easy categorization. While it may initially appear to be a children's film with its adorable monster and a young girl's adventure, it is, in fact, a profound and audacious work of cinema.
The story revolves around the Mirando Corporation, a multinational conglomerate attempting to rebrand itself as environmentally conscious. Lucy Mirando, the CEO, introduces a genetically engineered "super pig" as a potential solution to world hunger. However, her true motive is to create a new breed of pig for mass production and consumption.
The narrative unfolds in South Korea, where a young girl named Mija has formed a deep bond with Okja, one of the super pigs. Their idyllic life is disrupted when Mirando's representative arrives to take Okja back to America for a promotional event. Mija embarks on a daring rescue mission to save her beloved companion, exposing the harsh realities of the food industry along the way.
Bong Joon-ho masterfully subverts genre expectations, juxtaposing vibrant, childlike imagery with disturbing themes. The film's visual aesthetic, crafted by cinematographer Darius Khondji, enhances this contrast, employing bright colors even in the darkest moments.
The director's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the film. The use of advanced special effects and cinematography is not merely for spectacle; it serves to draw the audience into the unsettling world of industrialized food production. Okja is a powerful critique of corporate greed and the commodification of animals, disguised within a seemingly innocent tale.
The film's characters are equally complex. Lucy Mirando, despite her outward charm, embodies corporate ruthlessness. Jake Gyllenhaal's character, a TV personality representing Mirando, satirizes the superficiality of media figures who exploit environmental causes for personal gain. Mija, played by Ahn Seo Hyun, is a compelling protagonist whose unwavering love for Okja drives the narrative.
Okja's release on Netflix made it accessible to a global audience, sparking conversations about animal rights and ethical food consumption. The film's thought-provoking message and innovative storytelling continue to resonate, solidifying its status as a modern classic.
