Okja (2017)
Okja is a modern fable with a heart of gold. Gold in the shape of a tiny pig, in fact. It’s less a warning than moral tale, harnessing its power in the form of reflection over original idea. Yet, simultaneously, Okja is original. It’s singularly special, rollicking fun wrapped in firecrackers of kinetic spaz, unhinged energy, colorful characters, and a vibe radiating ridiculousness. All the while, thriving on an unexpectedly heartfelt pulse at the core. It’s hard not to cry, impossible not to laugh, and challenging — perhaps too overtly for some, but its preachiness did not distract me. Sure, we understand the message and recognize the theme, and perhaps for some the lack of subtlety will be a turn off. But writer/director, Bong Joon Ho, in crafting the story and screenplay does not appear to be interested in calm or conservative satire.
There are three reasons I recommend checking out Okja and judging it for yourself. (1) Tilda Swinton’s a masterful actress and [as usual] does not disappoint in her fervor and outrageous over-the-top-ness. She delivers one of the best lines in the film as the reasoning behind corporate America’s actions, and although it’s spoken in a sing-song, silly-sounding way, it is a sobering one. (2) Jake Gyllenhaal. I’ve read that *a handful of* critics thought his performance too much, grasping at straws, desperate for attention, etc., but his full commitment to embodying a deranged scientist is a quite the spectacle to behold. It reminded me of Jim Carrey in the 90’s where he’s giving you absolutely all he’s got, for better or worse. (3) Seo-Hyun Ahn as the little girl, Mija, and her relationship to Okja. Their bond characterizes the conviction and provides the otherwise blatant sanctimonious lesson with tender love.
… I’ll add a fourth reason: my favorite Okja moment. There’s a scene where a bunch of employees are watching the news on television, and the voice-over coming from the screen is none other than Ricky Jay, who narrates PTA’s magnum opus, Magnolia. I recognized it instantly and felt it was somehow a nod to a certain scope of storytelling that does not limit itself to easy analysis or shallow observation. And this is certainly that. Okja is a movie to talk about on your drive home and contemplate later when you order dinner like you usually do, sometimes without thinking — like second nature — but not today.
