Okja - Film Review

I’m not sure which demographic Netflix is hoping to attract with its latest original film Okja. On a surface level, it resembles family-friendly fare such as E.T. the Extra Terrestrial and Babe. In reality, it’s more at home alongside its brilliant director Bong Joon-ho’s other works, such as The Host and Snowpiercer.

That is to say it’s not at all ‘family-friendly.’

But regardless of the tonal confusion, Okja is more than worth your time, especially if you’re a fan of Joon-ho’s other works. It’s beautifully shot, frequently hilarious and emotionally devastating. Only Bong Joon-ho, who’s made a career out of juggling conflicting tones with finesse, could end up crafting such a satisfying final product. Not only is this another worthy entry in his filmography, it’s further evidence that Netflix is planting the flag as the go-to place for an artist’s creative vision to flourish.

Okja is one of twenty-six superpig genetically engineered by the Mirando Corporation to revolutionize the food industry. Each of these superpigs was sent to different areas around the globe to be raised in a ‘natural’ environment. The superpig that demonstrated the most growth would be dubbed the winner of the Mirando Corporation’s superpig competition.

Flash-forward 10 years. Okja, soon to be dubbed the best and biggest of all the superpigs, is living with her family, a young girl named Mija and Mija’s grandfather. Mija and Okja have grown up together, developing an incredible bond. Together, they explore South Korea’s gorgeous mountain scenery and embark on all kinds of adventures. But when the Mirando Corporation arrives to claim its prize, Mija will stop at nothing to get her best friend back, traveling from Seoul to New York City, making new allies and enemies along the way.

Any of Okja’s faults are easily wiped out by what does work: its sense of humor, Joon-ho’s stunning visuals, aided this time around by cinematographer Darius Khondji of Seven and Midnight in Paris fame, and the wonderful cast, led by Ahn Seo-hyun’s brilliant, steadfast performance as Mija. Jake Gyllenhaal and Paul Dano are the standouts of a strong supporting cast. Gyllenhaal is absolutely hilarious, giving a madcap turn as television personality/zoologist Johnny Wilcox. Dano gives yet another perfect performance as Jay, the kindhearted soul leading the Animal Liberation Front who aids Mija in her quest to rescue Okja.

The effects are extraordinary. The Okja character herself is a marvel of computer generated wizardry, capable of generating empathy and emotion with a simple glance. I never once thought of her as a special effect, so seamlessly does she blend with the action around her.

Okja contains political and social commentary out the wazoo, but although it doesn’t align with any particular viewpoint, it never outright condemns any of them either. Rather, it shines a light on the complexities, the beauty and ugliness of them all, and lets the audience be the judge. Even those with the best of intentions, such as the Animal Liberation Front, are susceptible to corruption when their ultimate goals are threatened.

No one is innocent, it seems. No one, that is, but Mija and Okja, whose love for one another will keep them going even through their darkest moments. Their story may be perpetually on the verge of being overwhelmed by the numerous plot points and characters, but Joon-ho and co-writer Jon Ronson wisely keep Mija and Okja at the center of everything. Amidst the commentaries on capitalism and political activism, it’s the love between these two that propels the story onward.

One can’t help feeling that was exactly Joon-ho’s intention. Amidst the political ins and outs and corruption found in nearly every facet of society, it’s all too easy to get distracted. We tend to forget about the things that really matter and why they matter. Okja is a powerful reminder of exactly that and it is a film you don’t want to miss.

FINAL RATING: 4/5

Swiss Army Man - Film Review

If at any point during your viewing of Swiss Army Man, you find yourself thinking, “What the hell have I gotten myself into?” know this: you are not alone. The tale of a man marooned on a desert island who befriends a talking corpse with magical abilities (including powerful flatulence), was met with walk-outs at its Sundance premiere. If what you’ve seen in the trailers hasn’t piqued your interest, the final product will do little to change your mind. If, however, you approach the film with an open heart and mind, you’ll discover Swiss Army Man to be one of the most unique, funny and oddly touching efforts released this year.

Swiss Army Man is the brainchild of filmmaking duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, a.k.a. ‘Daniels.’ They got their start directing music videos, their most notable being ‘Turn Down For What,' which features a young man humping things into oblivion. If you’ve had the immense pleasure of seeing the video for yourself, you’re well-aware these guys have a distinct, completely off-the-wall vision and that manic mindset translates to the big screen in spectacular fashion. This is without question one of the most visually unique and beautiful films I’ve seen. There’s a transcendent, dream-like quality to everything that happens; the film seems to exist on a whole other plane of existence.

But while the Daniels certainly deserve credit for coming up with this strange and wonderful thing, it’s Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe who make Swiss Army Man truly soar. Even when the storytelling doesn’t fully gel – it meanders from time to time, and the ending in particular feels purposefully designed to polarize the audience - their heartfelt, fully devoted performances keep you riveted. And while Dano is always a delight, it’s Radcliffe in particular who deserves heaps of praise for his portrayal of a mostly immobile and expressionless corpse. He imbues Manny (the corpse) with such humanity and genuine curiosity that you instantly fall in love with the guy. A large portion of the film features Dano’s character Hank explaining the intricacies of life and love and all their complexities to help Manny remember what it means to be alive. The simple profundities of Hank’s explanations and Manny’s innocent, wide-eyed reactions and comprehension of them are both hilarious and deeply moving. In a perfect world, Dano and Radcliffe would win all the awards. For now, they’ll just have to settle for my undying love and affection, which I am happy to dish out in spades.

Another element of Swiss Army Man that stands out is its soundtrack. Composed and performed by Andy Hull and Robert McDowell of Manchester Orchestra, it sounds like something Animal Collective would have recorded after they’d spent a month alone in a forest under the influence of every drug imaginable (come to think of it, this might be how they record their music regardless). I loved the way the score was integrated with the action. At random points throughout the film, both Manny and Hank spontaneously burst into song (Dano and Radcliffe should seriously consider recording an album together). There’s a particular point where Manny breaks into a melancholic take of Cotton Eye Joe, and despite the song’s inherently ridiculous nature, this rendition is surprisingly beautiful and the way it plays in the movie nearly moved me to tears. I know that sounds insane, but you’ll understand when you see it.

Come to think of it, that’s probably the best way to describe Swiss Army Man: something that seems inherently ridiculous when explained, but when experienced, has the power to move and affect you in ways you never could have imagined. Though its plotting might be uneven, its ending somewhat unsatisfying, Swiss Army Man is undeniably effective as a visual and emotional experience. The Daniels have paved the way for a promising career and Radcliffe and Dano have further cemented themselves as my man-crushes. What more could anyone ask?

FINAL RATING: 4/5