Okja (2017)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

The Creation of the Super Pig

The film begins with Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton), the CEO of the powerful Mirando Corporation, announcing a contest where farmers around the world will raise genetically modified “super pigs.” These animals are created to solve global food shortages. The super pigs are sent to different countries, and the competition lasts for ten years to see who can raise the best pig.

Mija and Okja’s Friendship

Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun), a young girl in South Korea, has spent ten years raising Okja, one of the super pigs. Okja is massive but incredibly gentle, and Mija loves her like family. Their idyllic life in the mountains comes to an abrupt end when the Mirando Corporation decides to take Okja back to New York for a publicity event.

The Rescue Attempt

When the corporation seizes Okja, Mija embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue her beloved companion. Along the way, she crosses paths with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), an animal rights group led by Jay (Paul Dano). They plan to expose the cruel practices of Mirando Corporation and use Okja to gather evidence.

Okja in New York

Okja is transported to New York, where she is paraded by Mirando as a corporate achievement. Mija, with the help of the ALF, tries to rescue Okja in a daring and chaotic mission. However, things get complicated as Mija’s quest for Okja clashes with the ALF’s plans to use Okja for their own ends.

The Slaughterhouse

In the final act, Okja is taken to a Mirando slaughterhouse where she is to be processed for meat. Mija manages to reach Okja just in time, saving her from slaughter. They escape with Okja, but the grim reality of Mirando’s mass-produced super pigs is revealed, as thousands of other animals remain trapped in the system.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Mija successfully rescuing Okja and returning to their peaceful life in the mountains. However, the film leaves viewers with a sense of bittersweet victory, as the other super pigs are still facing exploitation and death. In a final scene, one of the super pigs secretly hands Mija a piglet to save, hinting at the possibility of a future resistance.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes! After the credits, there is a short scene where the ALF, led by Jay, prepares for their next operation, hinting at continued efforts to fight against corporations like Mirando.

Type of Movie

Okja is a unique blend of genres, combining elements of science fiction, adventure, satire, and drama. It also has strong themes of corporate greed, environmentalism, and animal rights.

Cast

Ahn Seo-hyun as Mija
Tilda Swinton as Lucy Mirando / Nancy Mirando
Jake Gyllenhaal as Dr. Johnny Wilcox
Paul Dano as Jay (ALF Leader)
Steven Yeun as K (ALF Member)
Lily Collins as Red (ALF Member)
Giancarlo Esposito as Frank Dawson

Film Music and Composer

Jung Jae-il composed the music for Okja, blending playful melodies with intense, dramatic scores. His compositions enhance the film’s emotional depth while providing a counterbalance to its lighter, more whimsical scenes.

Filming Locations

Seoul, South Korea: The peaceful rural scenes where Mija and Okja live were filmed in the South Korean countryside, which beautifully contrasts with the urban chaos later in the film.
New York City, USA: The bustling streets of NYC play a key role in highlighting the stark differences between Mija’s quiet rural life and the corporate world.
Daejeon, South Korea: Some urban scenes were also shot in Daejeon, further emphasizing the contrast between nature and industrialization.

These locations were essential in illustrating the central conflict between corporate greed and natural innocence.

Awards and Nominations

Cannes Film Festival: Nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or.
Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Nominated for Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal).
Asian Film Awards: Won Best Visual Effects.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Director Bong Joon-ho spent a significant amount of time ensuring Okja’s design felt realistic and emotive, blending CGI with practical effects.
Tilda Swinton collaborated closely with Bong Joon-ho to create the eccentric personality of Lucy Mirando, drawing inspiration from real-world corporate leaders.
The cast and crew worked diligently to forge a genuine connection between Mija and Okja, leading to heartfelt, improvised scenes.

Inspirations and References

The film draws inspiration from the GMO debate, focusing on issues related to genetically modified organisms and factory farming.
Japanese kaiju films (giant monster movies) inspired Bong Joon-ho in shaping Okja’s enormous size and gentle demeanor.
The story also echoes themes from Charlotte’s Web, particularly the relationship between a young girl and her animal friend.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings for Okja, but some deleted scenes include more moments of Mija’s life in the mountains and extended sequences with the ALF members.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Okja is an original story by Bong Joon-ho and is not based on a book. However, the film feels like a modern fairy tale with its blend of childlike innocence and darker, satirical elements.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Mija’s Chase Through Seoul: Mija running after Okja through the chaotic streets of Seoul is a thrilling and emotional highlight.
ALF’s Animal Liberation Mission: The ALF’s attempt to liberate Okja from a Mirando facility is full of tension and dark humor.
The Slaughterhouse Finale: Mija’s desperate attempt to save Okja from being slaughtered is heart-wrenching and climactic.

Iconic Quotes

“We’re here to expose the lies, rescue the animals, and bring the truth to light.” – Jay (ALF)
“Okja is mine. She’s my friend.” – Mija
“Mirando is a family company, and that family is me.” – Lucy Mirando

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The ALF members use various ethical methods in their missions, such as ensuring they cause no harm to animals or humans, which reflects the real-world debates within animal rights activism.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s over-the-top portrayal of Dr. Johnny Wilcox is a satire of celebrity wildlife hosts who often prioritize fame over actual conservation efforts.
The scene where Okja is on display in New York is reminiscent of King Kong, another story about a giant animal exploited for profit.

Trivia

Okja marks the second collaboration between Bong Joon-ho and Tilda Swinton, the first being Snowpiercer.
Netflix co-produced the film, making it one of the first major original films on the platform to compete at the Cannes Film Festival.
Bong Joon-ho skillfully combines genres in Okja, seamlessly merging humor, emotional depth, and thrilling action in surprising ways.

Why Watch?

Okja is a heartwarming yet socially relevant film that tackles important themes like corporate greed, animal rights, and environmentalism. It’s a visually stunning, emotionally impactful film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. Plus, if you love animals, it’s hard not to fall in love with Okja herself.