When I saw comments about Okja being a film that seems like the brainchild of Spielberg and Miyazaki together, I knew I had to watch it. I also knew that a film that sounds that fantastic would be a great pick for my first film of 2018.Initially I wondered if it was going to be a modern take on Charlotte's Web. It did have some basic elements of the children's story, but add a bunch of blood, violence, poop comedy, and action scenes.
From the plot to the beauty of the scenery, it felt like a live action Hayao Miyazaki film throughout much of the story. Near the beginning, I was hooked.
Jake Gyllenhaal's performance was quirky and I thoroughly enjoyed him. I also enjoyed Steven Yeun's character.
I almost loved the film. It seemed fresh and I was ready to sing its praises.
In fact, I loved it right up until it turned into obvious vegan propaganda and showed business people as one dimensional heartless monsters. There are so many business people doing great things in this world such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Ted Turner, and Mark Zuckerberg. You can read about more of them at The Giving Pledge.
It had everything going for it until it decided to beat me over the head with its message.
Ultimately, I'm disappointed by it.
A final note, Okja should not be watched by children nor anyone who has been sexually assaulted.
R~