Capitalism is problematic. And no matter how much we avoid it, we can’t change the fact that it has dug its claws deep into our system. Sure, everything has its benefits, but the way it exists today, it helps no one but some apathetic, money-hungry individuals. Take a closer look and you'll find that capitalism is everywhere! From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, everything is industrialised, manufactured and distributed on such a massive scale that it always results in exploitation. This exploitation is not just of the resources or capital or workforce, but also of feelings, emotions and bonds.
Take food as an example, it is not just an essential anymore, but a means for profit. And in all of the food industry, it is the livestock industry that is the most exploitative of all. Animals are caged, tortured, drugged and what not! It is a shame how the organisations that are supposed to fight for animal rights are just as problematic as the livestock industry. When it comes to promoting animal rights — or vegetarianism — there are not many credible sources that do the job right. But there are some and Okja is one of them — a film that puts things in perspective. I wouldn’t call it a film with an “in your face” message about exploitative capitalism or animal rights. It is a film that’s more than that. It is a beautiful depiction of a bond between a human and an animal. It doesn’t shove it in your face that exploitation of nature is wrong; it simply tells a story. I don’t want to limit the film’s creativity in any way by just confining its theme to being about capitalism or consumer hypocrisy. The film explores deeper issues and delves even deeper into the emotional bonds of coexistence.
Okja is a genetically developed super pig who has been under the care of a farm girl, Mija, in South Korea for the last ten years. Okja was developed in a laboratory by Mirando Corporation headed by a self-proclaimed ‘environmentalist’, Lucy Mirando, along with 25 other super pigs. These pigs were then distributed to different countries to be nurtured for a decade and to be prepared for a contest of the best super pig. While the film essentially follows the story of Mija and Okja and how they are separated and then reunited, it is not just that. The film subtly but powerfully explores issues of animal cruelty and consumer hypocrisy.
It follows the storyline of Lucy Mirando, a little over the edge narcissist who wants the world to believe that she is better than her twin sister, Nancy, and their father. Lucy exhibits no emotional quotient. Even after a sequence of events during which Mija tries to rescue Okja and is badly trashed and beaten, Lucy is not outraged. Instead, she is more worried about how it would make her look, how it would make the company look. So to control the damage, Lucy decides to organise a very planned and public reunion of Mija and Okja, making Mija the face of Mirando Corporation. She exploits and then profits off people’s emotions by selling a sad story and emerging as the “good guy”.
The film also brings out consumer hypocrisy. People who were chanting “save the pig” after watching a video of Okja being forcefully mated are then the same people buying the “super pig sausage” because it was “cheaper”. Along with this, misogyny in the workplace is explored through the arc of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character, Dr. Johnny Wilcox. He is a zoologist and a TV personality who often publicly proclaims his love for animals. But there is a gasping moment in the film where all of this is flushed. After receiving an earful from Lucy about how his work isn’t profitable, Wilcox is offended that a woman scolded him in front of his colleagues. Disturbed, he gets drunk and acts out at the captive Okja by extracting her meat for the tastings. But the important part here is Gyllenhaal’s performance. Drunk out of his mind while crying as he tortures Okja, Wilcox exclaims out loud that he is an animal lover. The irony is portrayed brilliantly.
The film dissects another part of the animal rights organisations through the portrayal of the Animal Liberation Front. It points out the grey area when sometimes, perhaps, means don’t matter if the end is achieved. The ALF always has to specify that they are not terrorists. They vandalise property but are religiously devoted to their cause, which can sometimes lead to a hiccup or two in the way the cause is fulfilled.
But keeping all of that aside, the film weaves a delicate bond between Okja and Mija. Okja, who is as big as an average-sized elephant, is strong but is distinguished because of her loyalty. She is gentle and goofy with Mija, who is courageous and loves Okja with all her heart. The love that brews between the two is so innocent that it’s tear-jerking. But it is the post-climax that cements the film on a pedestal of creativity and emotions. Mija finally rescues Okja by buying her from Nancy at the slaughterhouse. As they are leaving, walking beside a whole field full of thousands of super pigs, ready to be slaughtered, two pigs very gently push their newborn piglet from under the electric wires towards Okja. Mija turns around to see Okja hiding the piglet in her mouth, rescuing it. They walk away as all of the pigs together let out a collective wail. And it is a moment that doesn’t need to be explained.
It does not always have to be about telling people what’s right and what’s wrong. What’s right for you isn’t right for everyone. So sometimes, it’s not about condemning or condoning something or sending a message; sometimes, it’s just about telling a story. And Okja does exactly that.
By -
Guniya Sharma
Third year
B. A. Program
[Edited by Anamika Kundu
Art curated by Ishika Kiran]
Comments