More Unique Than Parasite? Meet Bong Joon Ho’s Sci-Fi Triumph
Some critics have said this film is as distinctive—if not more so—than Bong Joon Ho’s earlier work. And no, we’re not talking about the extraordinary Parasite. This is a science fiction story that’s as beautiful as it is dark, described as gentle but deeply affecting.
Okja: The Heartbreaking Masterpiece That Changed Netflix’s Game
The film in question is Okja, one of Netflix’s first original films to gain global attention. Released in 2017, it proved to be more than just art—it’s a powerful, heartbreaking story that might even change how you see the world. According to Mark Kermode in The Guardian:
“South Korean director Bong Joon Ho’s satire on genetic engineering raises questions about the meat industry, while simultaneously upending the future of cinema.”
This film leaves a lasting impression. It’s one of those rare movies that viewers often wish they could experience for the first time all over again.
What’s Okja About?
Okja centers on Mija, a young girl whose unbreakable bond with Okja—a massive, genetically engineered “super pig” created by the powerful Mirando Corporation as a proposed answer to the global food crisis—is put to the test. When Mirando decides to separate Okja from her, Mija sets out on a brave mission to save her beloved friend from a grim fate.
Ahn Seo-hyun stars as Mija, with a cast that includes Tilda Swinton (Doctor Strange), Paul Dano (The Batman), Jake Gyllenhaal (Prisoners), Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead), Lily Collins (Emily in Paris), and Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad). The screenplay, by Bong Joon Ho and Jon Ronson, helped make Okja one of the first Netflix productions to compete for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Boycott That Couldn’t Stop Okja’s Success
Blending adventure, social critique, and science fiction, Okja generated controversy in South Korea. Major cinema chains boycotted the film because it was released on Netflix in 190 countries on June 28, 2017, in addition to select theaters in the United States, United Kingdom, and South Korea. This strategy did not sit well with CJ CGV, the country’s largest cinema chain, nor with Lotte Cinema and Megabox. According to reports, 139 of the 335 cinemas in South Korea did not screen Okja.
The result? Despite the boycott, Okja still became the fourth most successful film at the South Korean box office—evidence of its deep emotional draw.
Why Okja Will Get Under Your Skin
Themes like food industry ethics, activism, and humanity’s relationship with animals are just some of what you’ll encounter in this stunning film by Bong Joon Ho. Every element is crafted to make you think—and, very likely, to bring you to tears. This is not a film you leave unchanged.
