Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Extreme peril, swearing in violent eco-fable.
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Okja
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie is a powerful but emotionally intense examination of the horrors of animal cruelty and the ethics of consumerism, featuring graphic scenes that are particularly disturbing for younger viewers. While it carries a strong message about animal rights, the depiction of violence, swearing, and dark themes warrants caution for those considering it for a family movie night, as it is deemed not suitable for children.
- graphic violence
- animal cruelty
- strong messaging
- not for children
- intense emotions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
To gain notoriety and universal support for its megalomaniac leader (Tilda Swinton), the Mirando Corporation, a mammoth business with a checkered past, announces the arrival of the company's 26 superpigs in OKJA. Calling them "Mother Nature's Gifts" and the answer to the world's dwindling food supply, the adorable little pigs will be sent out to 26 countries to live with 26 families, and after 10 years of nurturing, the superest pig of all will return to NYC and be crowned. The 10 years pass. One of the enormous grown-up pigs, Okja, is living an idyllic life on a mountaintop in Korea with young Mija (An Seu Hyun, who breaks your heart) and her grandfather. The idyll doesn't last very long. Okja's progress has been charted, and the female superpig has been chosen to make the journey to New York City. When a small army of escorts, including TV celebrity Johnny (Jake Gyllenhaal), host of Dr. Johnny's Animal Magic, arrives at their home, Mija is tricked and Okja is taken away from her. The steadfast girl gives chase -- all the way to Seoul, South Korea's capitol, where Okja's appearance and Mia's efforts to rescue her create chaos. Only a bizarre band of animal rights activists, led by Jay (Paul Dano), appear to help her. Unfortunately, Mija is too trusting once again, and, once again tricked, she finds herself in dire straits. It's one narrow escape after another; until she's reunited with her precious Okja, Mija must face their greatest enemy: the Mirando Corporation and its harsh CEO. In New York City, the cruel intentions of the company are revealed and Mija must risk all once again to save her beloved friend.
Is It Any Good?
Alongside some outrageous comic performances and a lovely connection between a young girl and her giant pet pig lives a big, violent, imaginative ecological fable guaranteed to touch hearts. South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho has created a timely movie with larger-than-life villains; a calamitous, one-sided depiction of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) as an optional food supply; and a traditional "prince fights a dragon to save the princess" story at its heart. In this story, the "prince" is a little girl; the "dragon" is Tilda Swinton in a dual role, and the "princess" is an adorably lovable enormous pig. The director and his team have mastered the art of combining satire with farce and then hitting hard with solid notions about man's greed and his ability to destroy everything beautiful in his path. For families hoping to enjoy the fable and its messages with their younger kids, Okja is far too intense, violent, and fraught with animals under siege to make that work. The film is for mature teens only.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Okja. Even though in its way this movie is a fairy tale, why is the violence so disturbing? How does the defenselessness of animals increase our empathy?
In what way or ways did this movie have a happy ending? In what ways did it not? What was your final takeaway?
Use your response to this film to find out more about GMOs (genetically modified organisms). What are some of the pros and cons associated with GMOs in our food supply?
Which positive character traits does Mija display?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 28, 2017
- Cast : An Seo Hyun , Tilda Swinton , Jake Gyllenhaal , Paul Dano
- Director : Bong Joon Ho
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Korean Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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