Some people have an aversion to all things genetically-engineered, but when the film world puts a face on meat and throws in some Hollywood heavyweights that serve as the animal character’s allies, audiences could not help but be blown over. The Netflix project “Okja” delivers a heap of entertainment, pathos, and adventure in one fell swoop.
Hollywood fanatics will note several familiar faces in the film. Lily Collins plays one of several animal rights activists who embark on a quest through South Korea and New York to rescue the giant pig from being slaughtered.
“There’s so much to be said in this film,” the “To the Bone” actress said on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
Netflix releases another winner
“Okja” merited a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, though some controversy also hounded the film. The Netflix offering also features Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, and Tilda Swinton. Swinton is the embodiment of corporate evil.
Film critic Richard Lawson tweeted that the Netflix film is “A spirited, weird, poignant plea for compassion and principle. Its closing moments feel like a benediction.” Even organizations, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), have lauded the film, and tweeted, together with a heart emoji, that “Okja will steal your heart and make you question everything you think you know about the meat industry.”
Korean acting sensation joins Hollywood heavyweights
Young South Korean actress Ahn Seo-hyun gets to shine as she tackles the role of the girl who lives in a mountainside who loves the Gentle Giant pig and so sets off to save her pet from big corporate interests.
Apart from a captivating storyline and stellar cast, visionary director, and screenwriter Bong Joon-ho lent his creative expertise to ensure a memorable film project.
Films that highlight the close relationship between humans and animals have often gotten favorable attention. The New York Times assessed that "The adult human world regards animals through a callous, utilitarian lens, as sources of food, labor or ornamental cuteness, a fact that `Okja,' Bong Joon-ho’s wonderful new film, takes to a dystopian but also an unnervingly realistic extreme."
The film was released by the popular streaming service together with Plan B Entertainment in June.
It had a budget of around $52 million and filming locations included British Columbia and Canada, as earlier reported. “Okja” joins other well-received Netflix shows including “The Crown” that focused on the fascinating stories and characters of Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill.
