OKJA: A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Animal Rights, Environmental Concerns, and Capitalism

16 July 2023
Brace yourself for Okja, the audaciously unclassifiable 2017 masterpiece from director Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Snowpiercer) that detonates across screens like a cinematic Molotov cocktail. Part heartwarming adventure, part blistering satire, this genre-defying film doesn’t just entertain—it challenges, provokes, and stirs the conscience.

At its core is the electrifying bond between Mija, a fearless young South Korean girl, and her larger-than-life companion, Okja—a genetically engineered “super pig” created by the profit-hungry Mirando Corporation.

What begins as an idyllic pastoral tale morphs into a high-stakes odyssey as Mija battles corporate greed, navigates the shadowy tactics of the Animal Liberation Front, and exposes the grotesque underbelly of industrialized food production.

Okja isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural reckoning. Tackling animal rights, environmental decay, and the soulless grind of capitalism, Bong Joon-ho’s vision forces audiences to stare into the mirror of complicity. Equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking, Okja will leave you exhilarated, enraged, and perhaps questioning the very systems you thought were unshakable.
 
okja film review


Themes Explored in "OKJA":

Like all of Bong Joon-ho's film work, this stories carry several themes.

At its heart lies an unflinching exploration of animal rights and ethics. Through the harrowing journey of Mija and her beloved Okja, Bong forces us to grapple with the commodification of living beings. The Mirando Corporation, led by the grotesquely cheerful CEO Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton), becomes a chilling metaphor for real-world factory farming and corporate greed. As Mija’s pure, unwavering love for Okja collides with humanity’s brutal exploitation of animals, the film exposes the gaping moral chasm in how society justifies cruelty for profit. In its most searing moments, Okja doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it demands you reexamine the ethics of what’s on your plate.

But Bong doesn’t stop there. He expands the narrative into a broader cautionary tale about environmental degradation. The industrialized production of super pigs is a microcosm of real-world agricultural practices, with stark visuals—polluted rivers, degraded landscapes, and claustrophobic factory farms—painting an apocalyptic vision of unchecked corporate overreach. Bong uses Okja to remind us that the consequences of environmental neglect are not just abstract—they are urgent and devastating, with irreversible damage to ecosystems and biodiversity.

Adding to the tapestry is Bong’s hallmark style: a razor-sharp blend of dark humor, genre-bending twists, and a parade of unforgettable characters, including Jake Gyllenhaal’s unhinged zoologist and Paul Dano’s idealistic Animal Liberation Front leader. Beneath the satire and absurdity lies a deeply human story, driven by Seo-Hyun Ahn’s extraordinary performance as Mija—a heroine whose quiet determination resonates long after the credits roll.


Capitalism and Consumerism:


Okja operates as a blistering critique of the manipulative forces of capitalism and consumerism, peeling back the shiny veneer of corporate marketing to reveal its brutal core. The Mirando Corporation, led by the unnervingly charismatic Lucy Mirando (played with chilling enthusiasm by Tilda Swinton), is the embodiment of capitalism’s most insidious traits: greed disguised as innovation, exploitation masked by a facade of environmental and social responsibility. Mirando doesn’t just sell a product—it sells a dream, employing deceptive advertising and greenwashing tactics to convince the public that the “super pig” is a miracle of sustainable agriculture.

At the heart of this critique lies the commodification of life itself. For Mirando, Okja is not a sentient being but a brand asset—an optimized food source wrapped in layers of marketing spin to placate ethical concerns. The corporation’s slick propaganda campaigns, complete with upbeat jingles and glossy visuals, mirror real-world advertising that sanitizes the harsh realities of factory farming, presenting the public with an illusion of ethical consumption. Bong’s satire is razor-sharp, exposing how corporations exploit consumers’ desires for convenience and morality while profiting from cruelty and environmental destruction.But Okja doesn’t just point the finger at corporations—it implicates the audience, too. By illustrating the public’s passive acceptance of Mirando’s narrative and their complicity in sustaining unethical industries through consumption, the film forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about their own choices. Bong Joon-ho uses the spectacle of capitalism as a mirror, reflecting back the ways in which society’s craving for cheap, abundant goods comes at the expense of ethical and environmental integrity.

Through characters like Lucy Mirando, played brilliantly by Tilda Swinton, "OKJA" sheds light on the moral compromises made in the relentless pursuit of profit.

Female Empowerment and Resilience: Mija as a Revolutionary Heroine



In Okja, Bong Joon-ho crafts one of his most powerful protagonists in Mija, a young South Korean girl whose courage and resilience become the beating heart of the film. Mija is no damsel in distress, nor does she conform to the archetypal “chosen hero.” Instead, she is an ordinary girl with extraordinary determination, driven by an unyielding love for her companion, Okja. Her journey—fraught with peril, defiance, and unwavering resolve—presents a masterclass in subverting traditional gender roles.

Mija’s empowerment doesn’t come from superhuman strength or a destiny bestowed by others; it’s born of her own agency. She challenges patriarchal expectations, the definition of female empowerment, refusing to be dismissed or sidelined by adults, including the men of the Animal Liberation Front and the manipulative corporate executives of Mirando.

Every decision Mija makes is a testament to her autonomy, showcasing a young woman who defines her own path, even in the face of systemic oppression. Her story is a rallying cry for resilience, showing that love and compassion—qualities often undervalued in patriarchal narratives—can be transformative forces.

Through Mija, Bong Joon-ho offers an empowering vision of what it means to fight for justice, not through traditional displays of power but by challenging societal norms and embracing empathy as a revolutionary act. Her character resonates deeply, inspiring audiences to question the roles imposed by gender and culture while celebrating the strength that emerges from connection, loyalty, and moral clarity.

Social and Cultural Relevance: Okja as a Mirror of Our Times



When Okja premiered in 2017, it struck a cultural nerve, sparking discussions that remain as urgent today as they were upon its release. Bong Joon-ho’s ability to weave a deeply personal narrative into broader socio-political commentary made the film both a critical and cultural phenomenon. Praised for its deft storytelling, complex performances, and sharp satire, Okja earned accolades not just for its cinematic brilliance but for its role as a catalyst for reflection and debate.

The film’s themes of animal rights, environmental degradation, and ethical consumerism align with a growing global consciousness about sustainability and the impact of human actions on the planet. In an era marked by the escalating consequences of climate change, Okja feels prescient, calling attention to the exploitation embedded in industrial agriculture and unchecked corporate greed. It challenges audiences to look beyond the convenience of consumer culture and to confront the uncomfortable realities that sustain it.

The cultural impact of Okja extends beyond its narrative, encouraging advocacy and activism. Its unflinching critique of factory farming, genetic modification, and the commodification of life has made it a touchstone for discussions around food ethics and environmental stewardship. The film doesn’t just entertain; it educates, prompting viewers to reconsider their choices and align their actions with their values.

Conclusion:

"OKJA" is a cinematic triumph that shines a spotlight on pressing societal issues. Through its exploration of animal rights, environmental concerns, and capitalism, the film forces viewers to confront their own beliefs and actions. Bong Joon-ho's masterful direction, combined with compelling performances and visually striking cinematography, make "OKJA" an unforgettable viewing experience. This thought-provoking film is a powerful call to action, urging us to reflect on our relationship with animals, our environment, and the consequences of our consumer choices. "OKJA" is a must-see for anyone seeking to engage with important global issues and ignite positive change.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

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