This science fantasy flick boasts an A-list cast and is now catching the eye of Netflix viewers. Okja, a sci-fi adventure directed by Academy Award-winner Bong Joon Ho of Parasite fame, has been making waves.
Known for his biting humour and sharp commentary on societal issues, the 2017 film is widely regarded as a critique of “corporate greed” and a nod to “pro-animal liberation,” with some viewers interpreting it as a veganism manifesto. However, the director clarified that Okja isn’t an anti-meat-eating diatribe but rather an exploration of animal treatment in industrial farming.
A Rotten Tomatoes critic praised the film, writing: “A brilliantly shot movie that isn’t afraid to dive deep into your emotions with its satire on reality.
Good performances and visual effects sell the story they’re trying to take and leave you rethinking your own morals. It’s a special kind of movie, with a message worth telling.”
The narrative centres on a girl and her cherished, oversized pig, which becomes the target of a global conglomerate’s scheme, reports the Mirror US. Mija’s heartfelt odyssey to save her beloved pig from a grim fate illuminates the contentious dialogue surrounding animal rights and celebrates the profound human-animal connection.
Boasting a cast featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, Steven Yeun, Lily Collins, and Shirley Henderson, the film’s acclaim is hardly surprising. A viewer expressed their admiration, saying: “The performances are generally exceptional.”
Another captivated audience member said: “This was one of the strangest movies I’ve seen in ages, and it was absolutely brilliant. The CGI giant pig was amazing, Jake Gyllenhaal was totally unhinged (and hilarious), and Tilda Swinton was as weird and wacky and wonderful as ever.”
Yet, stealing the spotlight was the valiant young farmer portrayed by South Korean starlet Ahn Seo-hyun, who was a mere 13 at the time of filming.
Praising her impact, a review read: “It touches on a lot of social issues, and the acting from the protagonist, Seo-Hyeon Ahn, was phenomenal.” They added: “It is definitely worth the watch!”
Okja’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017 earned it a remarkable four-minute standing ovation, while box office returns reached 2.3 billion KRW (approximately £1.6 million).
For many, this cinematic gem stands as Netflix’s crowning achievement.
The critically lauded adventure flick, Okja, is currently streaming on Netflix.