Movie Review Okja

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.

Movie Review Paulina

Paulina

Directed by Santiago Mitre

Written by Eduardo Borrás, Mariano Linas, Santiago Mitre

Starring Dolores Fonzi, Oscar Martínez

Release Date June 23rd, 2017

Paulina: A Riveting Exploration of Trauma, Justice, and Female Agency

A Sharp and Uncompromising Story

Director Santiago Mitre's film "Paulina" is a thought-provoking and unflinching narrative centered around an equally resolute and enigmatic character. Paulina, portrayed by Dolores Fonzi, is a woman whose stoic demeanor and dispassionate voice create a performance that is both captivating and unsettling. Fonzi's portrayal is central to the film's exploration of weighty issues, as Paulina becomes a lens through which the audience grapples with questions of justice, morality, and the complexities of human experience.

A Fateful Decision

The film opens with a powerful scene: Paulina informs her father that she is abandoning her promising legal career to teach at a rural school. This decision sets the stage for the film's exploration of social and political tensions, as Paulina leaves the comforts of Buenos Aires for a challenging new life in the countryside. The opening scene, a single unbroken take, captures the intensity of the father-daughter relationship and Paulina's unwavering determination.

The Disconnect and the Assault

Paulina's arrival at the rural school is met with resistance. Her attempts to engage the students in political discourse are unsuccessful, highlighting the cultural and social disconnect between Paulina and her new environment. The film's focus then shifts dramatically as Paulina is brutally assaulted and raped by a group of young men. Mitre's unflinching portrayal of the attack is raw and disturbing, devoid of cinematic embellishments.

An Unexpected Turn

In a jarring narrative twist, the film rewinds and adopts the perspective of the main attacker. This unexpected shift forces the audience to confront the perpetrator's motivations and the events that led to the assault. The film delves into the complexities of human behavior, challenging viewers to consider the roots of violence and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.

Controversial Choices and Unanswerable Questions

The aftermath of the attack is where "Paulina" truly distinguishes itself. Paulina's response to the trauma is both confounding and courageous, defying expectations and societal norms. Her decisions raise profound questions about justice, revenge, and the nature of healing. The film refuses to provide easy answers, leaving viewers to grapple with the complexities of Paulina's choices and the long-lasting impact of violence.

A Daring and Unforgettable Film

"Paulina" is a challenging and unforgettable film that explores difficult themes with unflinching honesty. Dolores Fonzi's performance is mesmerizing, and Santiago Mitre's direction is both audacious and thought-provoking. The film's exploration of rape, trauma, and female agency is both timely and timeless, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

A Call to Action

"Paulina" is not a film for the faint of heart. It demands attention, introspection, and a willingness to engage with uncomfortable truths. But for those who seek a cinematic experience that challenges, provokes, and ultimately rewards, "Paulina" is a must-see.

Classic Movie Review Roxanne

Roxanne

Directed by Fred Schepisi

Written by Edmond Rostand, Steve Martin

Starring Steve Martin, Darryl Hannah, Damon Wayans, Shelley Duvall

Release Date June 19th, 1987

The Steve Martin-Darryl Hannah comedy "Roxanne" celebrated its 30th anniversary recently, prompting a nostalgic rewatch for many. As a child, the film was a source of endless laughter, but revisiting it as an adult revealed its flaws. The experience was underwhelming, leaving a sense of disappointment.

Similarly, revisiting Martin's 1980 standup comedy special, "In Honor of Steve," highlighted a disconnect from his earlier work. This isn't to say that Martin lacks comedic talent or that his work is universally unfunny; it's a matter of personal taste and how humor evolves over time. What was once hilarious now falls flat.

A prime example of this disconnect is the opening scene of "Roxanne," a fight scene meant to showcase C.D. Bales' sensitivity about his large nose. The scene feels awkward and forced, failing to establish C.D.'s character effectively, especially considering it's the audience's introduction to him.

The film is filled with instances of excessive physical comedy, often at the expense of character development and narrative cohesion. One example occurs after the pivotal scene where C.D., disguised as Chris, confesses his love to Roxanne. Despite the emotional weight of the scene, the film abruptly shifts into a jarring and unfunny physical comedy routine. This unnecessary addition disrupts the narrative flow and undercuts the emotional impact of the scene. Martin's physical antics, while perhaps amusing to some, detract from the film's overall effectiveness.

While "Roxanne" has its moments of charm, and Steve Martin shares undeniable chemistry with the main characters, particularly Darryl Hannah, there are glimpses of untapped potential. The meet-cute scene, for instance, is genuinely delightful. Martin's wit shines through, and the scene exudes charm. Had the film maintained this focus on wit and clever dialogue instead of relying on slapstick humor, "Roxanne" could have been a standout romantic comedy of the 1980s.

Ultimately, it's the failure to capitalize on this potential that diminishes the film's appeal. "Roxanne" is a flawed film with moments of charm. It's mediocre, occasionally bordering on creepy, and while it has its moments, it could have been so much more. The film's shortcomings highlight the importance of balance and restraint in comedy, as well as the need to adapt humor to evolving tastes and sensibilities.