Discuss Okja
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Amazing!
posted by RoidDroidVoidSTAFFMOD on June 28, 2017 at 7:45 PM
Bong Joon-ho has brought us yet another masterpiece. Before viewing Okja, I was a little concerned that it would be just a sappy feel good family film about a kid that developed too much of an attachment to a farm animal. Now, I'm simply amazed at how Bong manages to always give us such emotionally and politically complicated films.
If you understand his style and knack for subtle commentary, then you will see this as another excellent film in the same vein as The Host.
The obvious commentary is clear but not overwhelming and the subtle bits are in true Bong style. I think many may misinterpret some of his choices, particularly with Gyllenhaal's character and performance, but if you grasp Bong's social and political stances then you'll appreciate the choices. For anyone who is unaware, all of Bong's movies contain certain elements. There are the overt elements that include humor (sometimes within the least humorous of situations), suspense, emotional connection, the folly of man and a lack of responsibility on the part of a government or corporation. But these elements are supported by subtle inclusions which are dotted throughout his movies like little watermarks and always serve to say the things that should be said without saying them. Besides these factors, and for those less inclined towards analytical movie watching, there is always a great story and magnificent cinematography. Okja is no exception. The only disappointing aspect of this movie is that it just came out, I've already watched it and now I'll have to wait another 2-3 years for another Bong movie to enjoy. I have seen The Host at least 10 times and I could watch it again right now. I'm certain to see Okja at least two more times with those with whom I enjoy seeing his movies and I don't think it'll feel like a chore either. In my opinion, Bong is one of the most consistent filmmakers to have ever made a movie and that streak remains unbroken with Okja.
Reply by RoidDroidVoid
on October 7, 2017 at 2:54 PM
It is idealism in the respect that, for her, ideally, she would get to keep her pet.
I agree that there is more to the film than a casual viewer may likely consider. Bong is amazingly consistent in that respect.
I'd guess that if you attentively watch a movie from a foreign land requiring subtitles, you could probably be described as a film lover. Others, generally, can't be bothered.
As for reflection, analysis and discussion:
While all film lovers are people, some people are intellectuals and some intellectuals are film lovers, not all film lovers are intellectuals. All intellectuals analyze and discuss subjects of interest but not all subjects of interest are films. All intellectual film lovers find films to be a subject of interest and all intellectuals overthink things. You overthink films therefore you are probably an intellectual film lover.
Many people are not intellectuals but enjoy films for reasons that do not include exposure to ideas and the distillation of meaning.
In fact, I've found that a surprisingly large percentage of film viewers and book readers are not even aware that there may be an underlying meaning to a story.
When informed of the possibility, they are often dismissive and reluctant to accept this newly introduced concept and some even become hostile.
On the flip side, I find that some intellectuals mistakenly feel compelled to probe the depths searching for meaning in media that is absolutely devoid of profundity.
They fail to realize that many of the people who don't consider the possibility of an underlying meaning really like stories anyhow and sometimes write their own.
Basically, we all seem to suffer from a lack of awareness.
I have considered your question (in various forms) extensively over the past 20 years or so.
Ultimately, the answer is: It doesn't matter.
Everyone will take from it what they will and judge the experience according to their own frame of reference.
It's a great question to ponder though and a reflection that you are at least slightly more aware than those that didn't consider that others experience things differently.
To wonder about their experience, I believe, is a gateway to a greater plane of awareness.
But then again, would you rather be in a dark room happily unaware that the thing you fear the most is in there with you or would you rather be horrified in a well lit room completely aware of its presence?
Ignorance may, in fact, be bliss.
We probably shouldn't overthink it. :)
Reply by lantzn
on October 7, 2017 at 3:40 PM
Watched it on Netflix and liked it well enough to watch again with the wife.