Okja (2017 Film)
Okja is a 2017 action-adventure film directed by Bong Joon-ho and co-written by Bong and Jon Ronson. The film explores themes of corporate ethics, animal welfare, and the bond between a young girl and her genetically modified animal companion.
Plot
The story follows Mija, a young girl living in the mountains of South Korea, who has raised a massive, genetically engineered animal named Okja. Their peaceful life is disrupted when the Mirando Corporation, the company responsible for creating Okja, reclaims the animal to transport it to New York City. Mija embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue her friend, crossing paths with corporate executives and animal rights activists.
Production and Release
The film was produced as an international co-production between South Korea and the United States. It held its world premiere in May 2017 at the 70th Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d'Or. The film was released globally on June 29, 2017, through the streaming platform Netflix, while Next Entertainment World handled the theatrical distribution in South Korea.
Cast
- Ahn Seo-hyun as Mija
- Tilda Swinton as Nancy Mirando
- Paul Dano as Jay
- Steven Yeun as K
- Lily Collins as Red
- Byun Hee-bong as Hee-bong
- Giancarlo Esposito as Frank Dawson
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Dr. Johnny Wilcox