Okja - Review
Director: Bong Joon-Ho
Cast: Tilda Swinton, Ahn Seo-hyun, Paul Dano, Steven Neun, Lily Collins, Jake Gyllenhaal
A competitor at Cannes, Bong Joon-Ho'd Okja caused quite the controversy due to its Netflix distribution. Film purists abhorred the method of distribution an booed the online streaming service's logo upon its premiere screening, but critics were soon swallowing their jeers and turning them into vocals of assent in support of the picture. However, the reality that has been shrouded by the fierce debate is simple; Okja is a great film.
In South Korea, a bold young girl named Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun) enjoys a peaceful and idyllic existences with her genetically modified 'superpig' Okja, her loyal companion. When the mastermind behind Okja, Miranda Corporation CEO Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton) demands the creature's return to America for a PR stunt, Mija and a group of animal activists fight for her freedom.
Director and co-writer Bong Joon-Ho captures a very singular and unique vision where he successfully blends grounded reality with absurdist sensibilities. The people in power who enact such atrocities, as they do in Okja, in the real world disguise their immoralities with crisply tailored suits. In Okja, disgusting behaviour is treated as a flamboyancy that manifests itself through eye-catching clothing and particular visual character choices. Although Joon-Ho has some very strong messages that he wants to drive home, he never forgets that he's making a movie to entertain the masses and infuses enough ridiculousness to keep the fantasy alive. Striking this tone of social consciousness an blockbuster appeal is allowed by the deceptively simple plot and significant tonal shift that occurs half way through. The first half of the film is charming and magical as it establishes the loving relationship between Mija and Okja whilst the second act is brutal and unflinching in its portrayal of the food industry. Some of the images can be tough to stomach but they're necessary for the emotional beats to transcend.
The basis of that emotion all stems from developing the bond between Mija and Okja, and it is done so incredibly well. Aha Seo-hyun gives a spirited and committed performances opposite the brilliantly realised CGI titular character who feels as real as you and I. They hike through the picturesque forests in South Korea, completely content in each others company and display acts of seamless teamwork and deep affection. Okja is achingly adorable and one thing's for certain - once you see a superpig cry, you'll never be the same.
Equally as memorable as the hippo-like swine himself is the ensemble cast who deliver stellar renditions regardless of the size of their role. However, the performance that will undoubtedly divide audiences most is the one given by Jake Gyllenhaal as the same has-been Dr. Johnny Wilcox. He clings to any glimpse of the limelight but continually loses sight of the passion that put him in the position of privilege in the first place as his actions become more irredeemable. Gyllenhaal affects a shrill and nasal voice that, paired with the character's distinct visual style, reeks of desperation and insecurity. It's a virtuoso performance and one that the diverse actor clearly relished, but the jury's out to decide whether it's a stroke of genius or fit of madness. Swinton is reliably impressive and transformative as the calculating and capital-greedy Lucy Mirando, a powerful CEO eager to step out of her father and sister's successful shadows.
With a heart as large as a superpig and action scenes as thrilling as the notion of the existence of such a creature, Okja is a film that deserves to be seen. Regardless of the size of the screen.
EB
Cast: Tilda Swinton, Ahn Seo-hyun, Paul Dano, Steven Neun, Lily Collins, Jake Gyllenhaal
A competitor at Cannes, Bong Joon-Ho'd Okja caused quite the controversy due to its Netflix distribution. Film purists abhorred the method of distribution an booed the online streaming service's logo upon its premiere screening, but critics were soon swallowing their jeers and turning them into vocals of assent in support of the picture. However, the reality that has been shrouded by the fierce debate is simple; Okja is a great film.In South Korea, a bold young girl named Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun) enjoys a peaceful and idyllic existences with her genetically modified 'superpig' Okja, her loyal companion. When the mastermind behind Okja, Miranda Corporation CEO Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton) demands the creature's return to America for a PR stunt, Mija and a group of animal activists fight for her freedom.
Director and co-writer Bong Joon-Ho captures a very singular and unique vision where he successfully blends grounded reality with absurdist sensibilities. The people in power who enact such atrocities, as they do in Okja, in the real world disguise their immoralities with crisply tailored suits. In Okja, disgusting behaviour is treated as a flamboyancy that manifests itself through eye-catching clothing and particular visual character choices. Although Joon-Ho has some very strong messages that he wants to drive home, he never forgets that he's making a movie to entertain the masses and infuses enough ridiculousness to keep the fantasy alive. Striking this tone of social consciousness an blockbuster appeal is allowed by the deceptively simple plot and significant tonal shift that occurs half way through. The first half of the film is charming and magical as it establishes the loving relationship between Mija and Okja whilst the second act is brutal and unflinching in its portrayal of the food industry. Some of the images can be tough to stomach but they're necessary for the emotional beats to transcend.
The basis of that emotion all stems from developing the bond between Mija and Okja, and it is done so incredibly well. Aha Seo-hyun gives a spirited and committed performances opposite the brilliantly realised CGI titular character who feels as real as you and I. They hike through the picturesque forests in South Korea, completely content in each others company and display acts of seamless teamwork and deep affection. Okja is achingly adorable and one thing's for certain - once you see a superpig cry, you'll never be the same.
Equally as memorable as the hippo-like swine himself is the ensemble cast who deliver stellar renditions regardless of the size of their role. However, the performance that will undoubtedly divide audiences most is the one given by Jake Gyllenhaal as the same has-been Dr. Johnny Wilcox. He clings to any glimpse of the limelight but continually loses sight of the passion that put him in the position of privilege in the first place as his actions become more irredeemable. Gyllenhaal affects a shrill and nasal voice that, paired with the character's distinct visual style, reeks of desperation and insecurity. It's a virtuoso performance and one that the diverse actor clearly relished, but the jury's out to decide whether it's a stroke of genius or fit of madness. Swinton is reliably impressive and transformative as the calculating and capital-greedy Lucy Mirando, a powerful CEO eager to step out of her father and sister's successful shadows.
With a heart as large as a superpig and action scenes as thrilling as the notion of the existence of such a creature, Okja is a film that deserves to be seen. Regardless of the size of the screen.
EB
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