The Unveiling, Reelive

Mija
Mija

Okja! No!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

Don't let them take you! Stay with me!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

I won’t let them take you!

Mija
Mija

You’re my friend!

In the Face of Power, Reelive

Lucy Mirando
Lucy Mirando

We're going to change the world.

Mija
Mija

Change it for whom?

Lucy Mirando
Lucy Mirando

For everyone. It's good for business.

Mija
Mija

It's bad for Okja!

Lucy Mirando
Lucy Mirando

This is bigger than you and me.

Mija
Mija

Not for Okja! It’s about her life!

Technology and Reality, Reelive

Mija
Mija

You set this up! You’re controlling her!

CIA Agent
CIA Agent

It’s for her safety.

Mija
Mija

Safety? You think she needs you?

CIA Agent
CIA Agent

This is how we work.

Mija
Mija

Not with Okja!

CIA Agent
CIA Agent

You don’t understand.

Mija
Mija

No, you don’t!

A Moment of Refuge, Reelive

Mija
Mija

It's okay, Okja. I’m here.

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

They won't find us.

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

We just need to be quiet.

Mija's Declaration, Reelive

Mija
Mija

I won’t let them take Okja!

Crowd Member
Crowd Member

You can’t save her!

Mija
Mija

Yes, I can!

Lucy Mirando
Lucy Mirando

You’re just a girl!

Mija
Mija

I’m her friend!

Crowd Member
Crowd Member

What do you think you can do?

Mija
Mija

You’ll see!

Under the Surface, Reelive

Mija
Mija

What do they do to them?

Animal Rights Activist
Animal Rights Activist

It’s not pretty.

Mija
Mija

Tell me!

Animal Rights Activist
Animal Rights Activist

They kill them, Mija.

Mija
Mija

Okja’s not just a pig.

Animal Rights Activist
Animal Rights Activist

But they see her that way.

Mija
Mija

Not to me!

Confrontation of Values, Reelive

Mija
Mija

You think Okja is just a product?

Corporate Executive
Corporate Executive

She is an investment.

Mija
Mija

She's my friend!

Corporate Executive
Corporate Executive

Friendships don't pay the bills.

Mija
Mija

But they matter!

Evolving Truths, Reelive

Mija
Mija

I won’t stand by!

Animal Activist
Animal Activist

Be careful!

Mija
Mija

They can’t just take her!

Animal Activist
Animal Activist

It’s how the world works.

Mija
Mija

I will make it change!

Rescue Plans, Reelive

Activist
Activist

This is going to be dangerous.

Mija
Mija

I don’t care!

Activist
Activist

You could get caught.

Mija
Mija

I’ll do it for Okja!

Activist
Activist

We have to be smart.

Mija
Mija

This is about saving her life!

Okja’s Fate, Reelive

Mija
Mija

They’re going to kill her!

Activist
Activist

We have to move now!

Mija
Mija

I won’t let that happen!

Activist
Activist

We can’t let fear stop us.

Mija
Mija

Fear won’t stop me.

Emotional Reconciliation, Reelive

Mija
Mija

Okja, I’m here!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

I won’t let them hurt you!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

You’re safe now!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

Together, always!

Declaration of Defiance, Reelive

Mija
Mija

Okja is not just a product!

Lucy Mirando
Lucy Mirando

She's our creation.

Mija
Mija

No, she’s alive!

Lucy Mirando
Lucy Mirando

This is business.

Mija
Mija

It's a crime!

Crowd
Crowd

Yes!

Moment of Clarity, Reelive

Mija
Mija

I just want us to be free.

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

Together, in the forest.

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

No more fear.

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Friends to the End, Reelive

Mija
Mija

I won’t leave you!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

You’re my best friend!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

Together, we can fight!

Mother and Daughter, Reelive

Mija
Mija

She’s more than just an animal to me.

Friend
Friend

But she’s still just a pig.

Mija
Mija

She’s my family!

Friend
Friend

That’s not how they see it.

Mija
Mija

It doesn’t matter!

The Meaning of Trust, Reelive

Mija
Mija

You trust me, right?

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

We’ll get through this together!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

No one can stop us.

Final Goodbye, Reelive

Mija
Mija

I love you, Okja!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

If I can’t be with you, I want you to be free!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

Always remember me!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Revolution, Reelive

Mija
Mija

Together, we fight for Okja!

Activist
Activist

But they’re too powerful!

Mija
Mija

Power means nothing if you have no heart!

Activist
Activist

Can we really win?

Mija
Mija

We can, if we stand together!

Promise of Change, Reelive

Mija
Mija

I promise, I'll make it safe for you!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

No more cages!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

Only freedom!

Unyielding Spirit, Reelive

Mija
Mija

I won’t lose hope!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

I promise you that!

Okja
Okja

OOF!

Mija
Mija

Together, always!

Mija

I love Okja. She's my friend. She's not just a super pig, she's my family!

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Mija

I’m not a girl. I’m a girl who is going to save my friend!

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Alberto

This is not the end for you. We will let you go, Okja. We will not allow you to be turned into meat.

Alberto

Okja, Reelive
Lucy Mirando

You think it's a fair fight? You think we can win?

Lucy Mirando

Okja, Reelive
Mija

They slaughter livestock in ways that no one wants to see.

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Mija

You’re just a machine! You’re just a killer!

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Mija

I’m not going to let you take her. Not without a fight!

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Alberto

If you want to change things, you need to be brave.

Alberto

Okja, Reelive
Documentary Narrator

What is the real cost of the food we eat?

Documentary Narrator

Okja, Reelive
Mija

This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be!

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Lucy Mirando

There’s a lot of money at stake here.

Lucy Mirando

Okja, Reelive
Dr. Johnny

Okja is a miracle, a new species that is gentle and smart.

Dr. Johnny

Okja, Reelive
Mija

You have to say no to the things that are wrong.

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Lucy Mirando

Super pigs are the future of food!

Lucy Mirando

Okja, Reelive
Mija

I'm going to save you because I love you.

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Alberto

What kind of world do we live in?

Alberto

Okja, Reelive
Mija

Every life is precious, including hers.

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Alberto

You can't change anything without making a sacrifice.

Alberto

Okja, Reelive
Mija

When will we stop pretending that it's okay?

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Mija

I'm not going to let you destroy everything I care for!

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Mija

We will fight together for what is right!

Mija

Okja, Reelive
Alberto

They can't control us if we don't let them.

Alberto

Okja, Reelive
Mija

You have to show them your strength.

Mija

Okja, Reelive

Ain't No Grave

Ain't No Grave by Johnny Cash, Used during emotional moments in the film

How Can I Be Sure

How Can I Be Sure by The Young Rascals, Plays during a pivotal scene with Okja

You Can’t Take It With You

You Can’t Take It With You by Ain't Nobody, Featured in a reflective scene


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Okja and Mija's Bond

In the lush mountains of South Korea, we see a young girl named Mija growing up with Okja, a super pig raised to be a friend rather than food. Their playful moments, like running through fields and playing hide and seek, set the tone for their deep bond. Mija's affection for Okja is palpable, showing how they've become inseparable. This initial connection makes the stakes incredibly high when corporate interests threaten their happiness.

Context: This moment establishes the central relationship of the film, highlighting the pure connection between Mija and Okja before the impending conflict unfolds.

The Festival Scene

At a joyful festival, Mija proudly shows off Okja to the townspeople, who marvel at the enormous super pig. The atmosphere is filled with laughter and celebration until the darker undertones of capitalism begin to surface. Mija's excitement contrasts sharply with the audience's eventual realization of what Okja is bred for, leading to a feeling of dread.

Context: This scene is crucial as it juxtaposes innocence with the darker realities of the meat industry, creating an emotional foundation for Mija's subsequent quest.

The Corporate Announcement

During a live broadcast, a charismatic CEO announces the winners of the super pig competition, revealing that Okja will be taken to America for slaughter. The joy of Mija turns to despair as she learns her beloved friend is seen merely as a commodity. The camera focuses on Mija’s horrified expression as the crowd cheers, highlighting the shocking disconnect.

Context: This moment serves as a pivotal turning point, propelling Mija into action to save Okja while representing the clash between human emotions and corporate greed.

Mija's Journey Begins

Determined, Mija sets off to find Okja in Seoul, navigating a city that feels alien and hostile to her. Her determination is palpable as she faces obstacles, showcasing her unwavering loyalty. The visuals of Mija alone in a bustling city heighten the stakes, portraying her as a small but fierce figure against a huge world.

Context: This scene marks the beginning of Mija's quest, emphasizing her bravery and highlighting her determination to save Okja at all costs.

The Encounter with the Animal Liberation Front

When Mija meets the Animal Liberation Front, their radical views clash with her innocent perspective. Mija struggles to understand their desire to save Okja through more violent means. The tension in their dialogue illustrates a fundamental difference in ideologies, further complicating Mija's journey.

Context: This tension emphasizes the larger ethical dilemmas surrounding animal rights and humanity's treatment of creatures, deepening the film’s themes.

Reunion with Okja

Mija finally finds Okja in the slaughterhouse. Their reunion is filled with raw emotion as Mija calls out for Okja, who seems to recognize her, despite the horrific setting. Their affectionate interaction creates a powerful contrast to the grim fate awaiting them, showcasing the depth of their bond.

Context: This reunion is a climactic moment that highlights the stakes of Mija's mission and solidifies the emotional core of the story.

The Heartbreaking Farewell

As Mija prepares to possibly lose Okja forever, she gives her a bittersweet hug, whispering how much she loves her. The visuals linger on their embrace as tears roll down Mija's face, emphasizing the depth of their connection. This moment is heart-wrenching as viewers feel Mija's despair.

Context: This farewell serves as a vivid reminder of the emotional toll of the meat industry, driving home the film’s central conflict.

The Subway Chase

Mija and Okja are chased by the authorities in a frantic subway scene. The chaos and tension rise as they navigate through the packed cars, illustrating Mija's desperation to save her friend. The quick cuts between Mija’s terrified expressions and the rushing trains create an exhilarating rush of adrenaline.

Context: This chase illustrates the lengths Mija is willing to go to protect Okja, symbolizing the fight against systemic forces that prioritize profit over life.

The Reveal at the Press Conference

At a press conference, Mija confronts the CEO, passionately expressing her love for Okja and pleading for her life. The emotion in her voice cuts through the formalities, drawing gasps from the audience. This moment serves as a pivotal emotional high point, as Mija bravely stands up against corporate cruelty.

Context: The press conference scene embodies Mija's growth from a frightened girl to a fierce advocate for Okja, showcasing the film’s thematic exploration of courage.

Okja's Bravery

In a critical moment, Okja leaps to save Mija from danger, showcasing her own courage. This act of selflessness flips their roles, as it reveals that Okja is not just a passive creature but an active participant in their bond. The visuals and music amplify the emotional intensity, leaving audiences in awe.

Context: This scene flips the narrative, encouraging viewers to consider the sentience and emotional complexity of animals, further enriching the film's theme.

The Climactic Showdown

In a final showdown in the corporate headquarters, Mija and Okja unite to confront the CEO. This fight scene is high-octane and filled with tension, symbolizing the battle between corporate exploitation and personal bonds. The explosive visuals and Mija's fierce determination propel the climax forward.

Context: This confrontation signifies the culmination of Mija's journey and the intense struggle against a system that devalues life for profit.

The Moment of Choice

Mija faces a heart-wrenching decision: saving Okja or allowing her freedom. In a moment of emotional turmoil, she chooses to let Okja run free while knowing it puts them both at risk. The quiet stillness before this moment becomes heavy, filled with emotion and sacrifice.

Context: This moment is deeply significant as it emphasizes the theme of love over possession, showcasing Mija's growth as a character.

Okja Finds Freedom

After all the struggles, Okja escapes into a new life, showcasing breathtaking visuals as she runs through a lush field. This scene offers a sense of bittersweet victory, where freedom is celebrated, yet the loss is felt deeply. Mija's tears reflect both joy and sorrow.

Context: This scene contrasts freedom with personal loss, encapsulating the overall emotional journey of the film.

The Closing Monologue

In the final moments, Mija reflects on her journey and the lessons learned about love and sacrifice. Her voiceover resonates deeply, encapsulating the film's emotional essence. As the screen fades, the weight of her words lingers, leaving viewers to ponder their own choices.

Context: This closing monologue reinforces the film's main themes, prompting the audience to reflect on their relationship with animals and nature.

Okja's New Life

In the film's closing, we see Okja living in a natural environment, free and thriving. The visuals of her joyful existence contrast sharply with the previous oppressive scenes. This powerful visual representation of liberation resonates with viewers, creating a sense of hope.

Context: This final scene symbolizes the struggle for freedom, creating a lasting impression of both joy and melancholy after Mija's sacrifices.

Mija’s Determination

Throughout the middle of the film, Mija showcases her gritty determination, whether she is sneaking around the corporate facilities or outsmarting security personnel. Each action scene builds suspense and illustrates her growth, portraying a girl transformed by love and loss.

Context: These moments punctuate Mija's character development, making her journey relatable and inspiring.

The Impact of the Kill Order

When the announcement of Okja’s kill order is made, the visceral reaction of Mija is striking. The emotional turmoil is intensified by the shocked gasps of those around her, painting a vivid picture of betrayal and heartache that pierces through the audience’s conscience.

Context: This moment marks a crucial escalation in the film, shifting the narrative towards urgent rescue efforts and ethical deliberations.

The Visual Contrast of the Facilities

As Mija infiltrates the corporate facilities, contrasting visuals of sleek corporate aesthetics with the grim realities of animal captivity are presented. The stark differences highlight the hypocrisy of the supposed 'humane' practices that companies profess while hiding the truth.

Context: This scene underscores the contradictions in animal treatment, deepening the thematic discussion of ethics in food production.

Mija’s Painful Realization

Mija stumbles upon a video showing the realities of the meat industry, her face twisting in horror and despair. Each image hits her harder, as she begins to grapple with the true nature of what is being done to her beloved Okja. This moment is profoundly impactful, as it visually portrays the meat industry’s brutality.

Context: This realization is a transformative moment for Mija, marking a point where innocence is lost and her fight takes on a more urgent moral dimension.

The Final Farewell

In a poignant moment before the end, Mija looks back at Okja one last time, the words 'I will always love you' hang heavy in the air. The camera lingers, and the music swells, wrapping the scene in a bittersweet embrace. This moment encapsulates the tragic beauty of their relationship.

Context: This farewell captures the emotional climax of the film, highlighting Mija’s love against the tragedy of their separation.

Bravery in the Face of Danger

Mija stands her ground in front of armed guards, ready to protect Okja. Her courage shines through, defying the overwhelming odds. The camera captures her fierce resolve, emphasizing one small girl's stand against a corrupt system. This scene inspires viewers to reflect on the power of individual agency.

Context: This moment demonstrates how bravery can emerge from vulnerability, encouraging viewers to find strength in their convictions.

The Rise of Resistance

During a pivotal meeting, the Animal Liberation Front members rally together, igniting a passionate spirit of resistance. Mija, initially shy, finds her voice among them, and their collective energy symbolizes hope. This scene builds up anticipation for the fight that's to come.

Context: This scene embodies the spirit of activism, emphasizing the power of community and the importance of standing against oppression.


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Casting Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton's dual role as Lucy Mirando and her twin brother was initially planned with a completely different casting approach, but Swinton's versatility led Bong Joon-ho to keep her for both roles.

Why it matters: This decision allowed for a unique dynamic in the film and highlighted themes of duality within the Mirando Corporation's portrayal—both benevolence and malevolence represented in one character.

The Realistic CGI

The production team used a combination of animatronics and CGI to bring Okja to life, with real-life piglets also being cast to establish a physical presence.

Why it matters: This blend of techniques resulted in a more believable emotional connection between Okja and Mija, enhancing the audience's investment in their relationship.

A Different Kind of Green Screen

Many scenes that featured Okja were shot with the actor who played Mija, Seo-hyeon Ahn, interacting with a stand-in on set rather than fully relying on CGI during initial takes.

Why it matters: This method allowed Ahn to react authentically to Okja's presence, enriching the emotional impact of her performance during pivotal scenes.

Script Changes Inspired by Events

Bong Joon-ho revised parts of the script after witnessing protests against animal cruelty at the Cannes Film Festival.

Why it matters: This responsive approach allowed the film to resonate deeply with ongoing societal issues, making Okja not just a story but also a commentary on animal rights.

The Influence of Documentaries

Bong was inspired by documentaries like 'The Secret Life of Cows' which retrained his focus on food production lines and animal treatment.

Why it matters: These influences added a layer of realism and urgency to the narrative, making the audience reflect on their food choices and ethical implications.

Location Choices

Filming locations spanned from South Korea to the United States, utilizing real environments like factories and the New York City skyline for authenticity.

Why it matters: Authentic settings grounded the film in reality, reinforcing its themes of capitalism and environmentalism, and creating a stark contrast to the fictional Mirando Corporation.

Childlike Performance from Seo-hyeon Ahn

Seo-hyeon Ahn was encouraged to draw from her own life experiences during her performance, which led to a more genuine portrayal of Mija's innocence and determination.

Why it matters: Ahn's authentic representation made Mija a relatable and lovable protagonist, deeply affecting how the audience perceived the film's stakes.

Shocking Violence

Some intense scenes featuring animal mistreatment were left uncut despite concerns from the distributor, as Joon-ho wanted to present a strong message.

Why it matters: The stark reality of these scenes shocked viewers and sparked important conversations about animal rights, ensuring the film's themes were front and center.

Cannes Controversy

The film premiered at Cannes to mixed reviews, with some critics praising its boldness while others found the messaging heavy-handed.

Why it matters: This division emphasized the film's challenging themes, making it a topic of conversation and analysis long after its release.

Okja's Unique Design

The design of Okja was rooted in real pig and hippo anatomy but was intentionally exaggerated to enhance its cuteness and approachability.

Why it matters: This design choice made audiences emotionally connected to Okja, creating a character that evoked sympathy and love despite the film’s darker themes.

Rounding Up the Cast

The inclusion of a diverse cast, including Jake Gyllenhaal and Lily Collins, was intentional to deliver a variety of perspectives on the thematic elements of the film.

Why it matters: This diversity enriched the storytelling, showcasing various motivations and philosophies regarding capitalism and ecological concerns.

Deep Dive into Production

Okja had a significant production budget, much of which went to the development of CGI and animatronics to create a convincing portrayal of the titular character.

Why it matters: The investment in special effects was vital to the film's emotional weight, making the setting and situations feel more serious and engaging.

Language Barriers

Much of the film is bilingual with English and Korean dialogue, which was a strategic decision to represent the global implications of its narrative.

Why it matters: This decision made the film more relevant to an international audience, highlighting the universal issues surrounding animal rights and exploitation.

Influential Editing Choices

The film underwent extensive editing, with some scenes removed entirely at the behest of focusing on the emotional core between Mija and Okja.

Why it matters: These edits not only streamlined the narrative but elevated the emotional stakes, ensuring viewers were fully engaged with the story being told.

Set Design for the Mirando Corporation

The corporate setting of the Mirando Corporation was designed to echo both fantastical elements and stark realism, blending bright colors with corporate sterility.

Why it matters: This juxtaposition symbolized the illusions of corporate benevolence and the stark underlying reality of their business practices, deepening the critique of capitalism.

Choreographed Action Sequences

The action sequences were meticulously choreographed to ensure the film conveyed a sense of urgency while retaining a surreal quality that matched the overall style.

Why it matters: These sequences captured the chaotic nature of the struggle between nature and commercialism, helping to convey the film’s central conflicts in a visual manner.

A Shout-Out to Classic Films

Bong Joon-ho incorporated playful nods to classic films, such as 'E.T.' and 'The Iron Giant', particularly through the relationship dynamics.

Why it matters: These references created an intertextual dialogue that resonated with audiences familiar with these tropes and stories, deepening the emotional landscape.

Real Animal Rights Activists on Set

Several members of the animal rights community consulted on set during filming to safeguard the well-being of animals and ensure authenticity.

Why it matters: Their presence reinforced the film's commitment to the ethical treatment of animals, and their contributions lent credence to the film's message.

Budget Constraints inspired Creativity

Due to budget constraints, some special effects scenes were replaced with practical effects, inspiring more innovative storytelling techniques.

Why it matters: This limitation fostered creativity, resulting in unique shots and scenes that would support the narrative more organically.

Mija's Journey

Seo-hyeon Ahn went through a significant physical training regimen to prepare for her role, immersing herself in the physical demands of Mija's journey.

Why it matters: Her dedication added authenticity to Mija's struggles and triumphs, enhancing the believability of her character arc.

Sound Design as Narrative Tool

The sound design incorporated actual sounds from animal environments combined with synthetic noises to create a disorienting effect in critical scenes.

Why it matters: This immersive soundscape added a haunting layer to the narrative, aligning the audience's emotions with the unfolding tragedy.

Cinematography Techniques

The cinematography utilized a mix of handheld camera work and steady shots to create dynamic contrast in scenes of chaos versus peace.

Why it matters: This visual approach heightened the audience's emotional response, accentuating the contrasts between the film's idyllic moments and its bleak realities.

Secret Collaborations

Bong Joon-ho enlisted the help of fellow filmmaker and friend, Quentin Tarantino, to review early drafts of the screenplay.

Why it matters: This cross-industry collaboration helped refine the narrative structure, honing in on the film's impactful storytelling elements.

Curated Soundtrack

The film features a carefully curated soundtrack that reflects its multicultural themes, blending Western and Asian music influences.

Why it matters: The soundtrack not only enhances the emotional depth of scenes but also serves as a bridge connecting different cultural perspectives within the film.


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