Okja- Review
Intensely heartwarming, shocking, thought-provoking and distressing; Okja claims the emotions of every viewer in a not so far-fetched idea of the connection between animals, massive factories and dinner plate. An important message in this film has not been so subtle but is presented in such a tasteful way. This film is directed by Bong Joon-Ho and features the talents of Tilda Swinton, Ahn Seo-Hyun, Jake Gyllenhaal and Paul Dano.
The idea of animal rights and presenting it seems to offend some people, particularly those who are die-hard carnivores. The aim of this film isn't to bash those who eat meat, but rather to show them where their food comes from, the kind of things those animals are subjected to and how they become that beautiful-smelling rump on their plate. This movie literally does follow field to food. I'm a vegetarian so some of the scenes in this movie really did make me feel both nauseous and upset. But if I felt all of those things, the film was clearly effective no? Just imagine how carnivores might feel.
The cinematography was beautiful and crisp, particularly in scenes where the environment is show for long periods of time. Watching every detail and how it carefully focuses really appeals to the film and to me. A marvellous job done on behalf of Darius Khondji.
The performances: Tilda Swinton extends her acting capabilities in this film as she executes performances as Lucy Mirando, the CEO of the Mirando Corporation and her twin sister Nancy Mirando, an ex-CEO of the corporation. Eccentric, fluttery and sometimes downright annoying, Tilda manages to present two sides of one evil plan and stays true to both her character and the attitudes of real-life people with the same positions. It truly gives the idea of 'evil mastermind' a whole new meaning.
Ahn Seo-Hyun is an actress I have never seen before but really wish to see more of. As the role of Mija, Okja's best friend and caretaker, she performs exceptionally and was essential to this film. With her role as a child, she is able to send messages of togetherness, family and love out to the viewers. At 13 years old, she is beyond capable of holding her role together with such drive and determination. A thorough job well done.
Jake Gyllenhaal's role was one that had me moving further and further away from my screen. He played the role of Doctor Johnny Wilcox, a zoologist and eccentric TV personality. His character quite literally infuriated me to the point of me having my hands on my head and pulling them down across my face. While there were aspects of this role that I absolutely hated, his character was important to the plot and in my opinion, related to a population of people and their opinions to loving animals but contradicting themselves through that proclamation.
Finally, Paul Dano. Paul played the role of Jay, the leader of the Animal Liberation Front and quite possibly, one of the most essential roles to this film. Concerned with the ethics of both humans and animals, he makes this role easy to listen to, understandable and admirable. Throughout the film he had a very calm persona which at times frightened me a little. As someone so driven to saving animals, that calmness just got to me. I loved how homely and at rest I felt listening to him and if I could, I would have jumped right through my screen to hug him. He was just that well constructed. His characterisation was by far the best, not exaggerated and very true to reality.
I wasn't very keen on watching this movie (before I decided to) and put it off for quite some time because I didn't know how interesting and entertaining it would be. I'm sure I'm not alone with the thoughts of "this is going to be another no-storyline, factual movie." Well I was half right, it was factual but it was presented with a storyline that kept it together and entertaining enough for my attention to hold throughout the whole 2 hours. It might not be a movie for everyone but if you are considering watching it, please do. It may just open your eyes up to something new.
Score: 8/10.