Okja 2017
‘Okja’ is a film that was controversially produced by Netflix, directed by Bong Joon-ho, and released in 2017. The movie initially received boos at its Cannes premiere due to concerns about Netflix’s involvement and the potential threat it posed to traditional cinema and movie theatres. However, despite this backlash, ‘Okja’ eventually earned a standing ovation lasting four minutes at the festival, where it competed for the Palme d’Or. While it did not win the grand prize, the film received positive reviews from critics worldwide.
The story begins in 2007 when Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton), the CEO of the Mirando Corporation, announces that the company has been breeding a special type of “super pig.” Over the next ten years, 26 of these animals will be sent to farmers worldwide, and at the end of the competition, one will be crowned the best pig.
Ten years later, a young girl named Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun) lives in South Korea with her grandfather (Byun Hee-bong) and their beloved super pig, Okja. Mija and Okja share a close bond, spending much of their time together in the rural mountains of Korea. When Mirando spokesperson and zoologist Dr. Johnny Wilcox (Jake Gyllenhaal) arrives and declares Okja the best super pig, the company plans to take her to New York City, as agreed in the original deal made ten years prior. Devastated by the thought of losing her, Mija’s grandfather gives Mija a solid gold pig figurine as a replacement.
Mija, heartbroken, travels to Seoul in search of Okja. She spots her being loaded onto a truck and begins to chase after it. However, the truck is intercepted by the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). Thanks to ALF’s intervention, Mija and Okja manage to escape. Still, the underground mall they find themselves in proves too narrow for Okja to navigate.
The ALF, led by Jay (Paul Dano), comes to their rescue again, protecting them from the Mirando employees before loading Okja into the back of their truck. K (Steven Yeun), another ALF member, is asked to translate their plan to Mija there. They intend to insert a recording device in Okja’s ear and then allow her to be recaptured by the Mirando Corporation, documenting the mistreatment of animals in their laboratories.
Mija disagrees with this plan and instead asks to let her return to the mountains with Okja. However, K deliberately mistranslates her request, leading Jay to believe Mija has agreed to their plan. They leave, and Okja is recaptured by Mirando, leaving Mija determined to reunite with her but uncertain of everyone’s true intentions.
The film’s primary focus is the emotional relationship between Mija and Okja, which is evident from the start. When the Mirando Corporation comes to collect Okja as part of the arrangement made with Mija’s grandfather, she cannot part with her, as Okja is like family. Their names even share a syllable, like is common between two siblings.
Bong Joon-ho explores themes of translation and language barriers, similar to his previous film ‘Snowpiercer’. K, played by Steven Yeun, a Korean-American who is not fluent in Korean, intentionally mistranslates Mija’s words and tells her to learn English for her own good.
Mija and Okja’s special bond is highlighted early on when she is sleeping on Okja. The scene is reminiscent of “My Neighbor Totoro,” where Mei sleeps on top of Totoro. Bong has said that Totoro was one inspiration for the design of the title character.
Okja is portrayed with human-like qualities, displaying shyness, fear, intelligence, and a range of emotions. Mija often whispers in Okja’s ear, and Okja’s eyes react, keeping the contents of their conversations secret from both the audience and the other characters.
The film critiques capitalism, spotlighting the business-minded CEOs Nancy (also played by Tilda Swinton) and Lucy Mirando, who aim to maximize profits from their venture. The character of Dr Johnny Wilcox also reflects this theme, showing the disparity between his public persona and reality as the Mirando Corporation focuses on creating a favourable public image.
Before arriving in New York, Mija lives a carefree life with Okja and her grandfather, untouched by capitalist ideals. She dresses and appears unconcerned with fashion, in stark contrast to Lucy, who designs elaborate outfits for herself and her employees and brands them with her name.
Bong does not shy away from graphic content related to animal welfare, featuring scenes set in laboratories and slaughterhouses. Viewer discretion is advised for those sensitive to such material.
At first glance, the story of a girl and her pet super pig seems like a charming, family-friendly adventure. However, the film is much darker in tone while still infused with humour, which is characteristic of Bong Joon-ho’s style. While it includes comedy moments, particularly toilet humour, the overall feel remains heavy. While this movie may not reach the same heights as many of Bong’s other films, it does showcase impressive visual sequences and high-quality CGI that bring Okja to life. The realistic portrayal of Okja is essential to the film’s emotionally engaging narrative; without it, the story would not have resonated as effectively.
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