Okja (2017), directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a heartwarming yet sharp satire about the bond between a young girl and a genetically modified “super pig.” The story centers on Mija, a girl who has spent ten years raising Okja in the serene mountains of South Korea. Okja is part of a project by the Mirando Corporation, a powerful conglomerate that created super pigs to solve global food shortages. When the corporation comes to reclaim Okja for their own purposes, Mija sets out on a daring rescue mission.
Mijaโs journey takes her from her rural home to the bustling city of Seoul and eventually to New York. Along the way, she encounters a colorful group of characters, including members of the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), who seek to expose the cruelty behind the Mirando Corporation’s operations. Through these encounters, Mija realizes the extent of the corporation’s lies and the brutal realities of industrial farming practices.
The film explores themes of corporate greed, animal rights, environmentalism, and the loss of innocence. Despite its whimsical and sometimes humorous tone, Okja does not shy away from graphic depictions of animal cruelty and the moral dilemmas involved in mass food production. Bong Joon-ho masterfully balances emotional storytelling with sharp social commentary, challenging viewers to question the ethics behind what they consume.
Ultimately, Okja is a powerful and moving story about friendship, sacrifice, and resistance. Mija’s unwavering determination to save her beloved companion highlights the strength of compassion in a world dominated by exploitation. The film ends on a bittersweet note, emphasizing that even small acts of kindness can make a difference amidst widespread corruption and indifference.