“Okja” Inspiring Viewers to Consider: Are Animals Friends or Food?

The moving and powerful new movie “Okja,” now streaming on Netflix, is getting rave reviews and prompting viewers to consider their food choices, looking beyond the food on their plates to the once-living animals who ended up there.

Okja is a genetically engineered “superpig,” bred by the massive, fictitious-but-clearly-Monstanto-inspired Mirando corporation, which ultimately sees her as profitable food.

But to the brave young hero of the film, a girl named Mija who has grown up in the mountains of Korea with Okja by her side, this smart, playful, and loving animal is family.

We see Okja save Mija’s life, and as the film takes a harrowing turn for the pig she loves, Mija sets out in an attempt to return the favor. Their beautiful inter-species friendship, in spite of all obstacles, is a big part of what makes this movie a must-see.

But the powerful message in “Okja,” a film that The Independent says “might just turn you vegan,” is reaching a wide, general audience — and there has been an immediate response from viewers, who are searching for information on vegan eating, donating to animal protection groups, and changing their food choices.

Okja’s sweet and knowing face, and the love between her and Mija (much like the love many of us share with our beloved dogs and cats) has undoubtedly moved viewers to consider the billions of real-life pigs and other animals killed for food each year — who are much like Okja, but who suffer day in and day in out, hidden from the public eye behind the closed doors of factory farms.

Compassion Over Killing investigators have exposed the horrific cruelty pigs endure in the meat industry, from breeding to slaughter. But did you know that pigs recognize each other, alert other pigs to danger, that they’re smarter than dogs?

The questions “Okja” may leave you with as the credits roll is, “Are the animals on my plate really so different from Okja, and what can I do to help them?” We can help you get started today: Visit TryVeg.com.

Photo: Netflix