Netflix Junkie: Okja Review

Have you ever looked at an animal that wouldn’t be the traditional definition of cute but you still think it’s one of the most adorable things in the world? That’s how I felt watching Okja. Okja is a heartwarming story about a young girl, Mija, who has been taking care of a large unspecified animal, Okja, in South Korea. Mija has grown to love Okja and views her as a pet and best friend. Little does she know that Okja was created by the Mirando Corporation to breed other genetically superior superpigs and then be slaughtered. She was just the one to raise her. When the company comes to take Okja away, Mija tries her hardest to stop them. Her efforts, and the efforts of the slightly helpful, but mostly annoying, Animal Liberation Front, take Mija all the way from South Korea to America. This film is not something that most people would look twice at. The premise isn’t that compelling at first glance, considering the animal isn’t real. However, once you start the movie, you will not be able to stop. It’s incredible in every way, and you’ll be excited to watch to the end.

The movie itself and the intentions of Director Bong Joon-ho are trying to make an obvious statement. The film focuses on the mistreatment of animals in factory farming while managing to keep the topic interesting and lighthearted to those who won’t usually find the topic compelling. Bong Joon-ho uses the superpig, Okja, as a representation of all farm animals that are bred and slaughtered for human consumption in factory farming. The viewer gets attached to Okja and is heartbroken when she gets taken away. Okja is a caring animal with real emotions for Mija, just like all animals. All animals have emotions and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. The movie is trying to make a statement about factory farming. This company is so corrupt that they created animals for the sole purpose of breeding and slaughtering them. The factory where Okja is taken to and the torture she experiences is nothing any living creature should ever experience. This torture is what most farm animals experience through factory farming.

The film may be lighthearted and funny at times, but the underlying message remains. Watch Okja and fall in love with her. Think about how factory farming is harming the beautiful creatures on this planet. If you feel saddened looking at Okja as she experiences this torture, remind yourself that you feel this about an animal that isn’t even real. You feel sadness for the torture of a fictional creature, so why doesn’t it sadden you more to think of real animals in this situation? I’m not asking you to change your ways or what you eat. Just think about what is going on and consider alternatives. Okja changed my life and I really hope it can change yours, too.