Our Own Conclusion: Reworking Okja's Narrative

How we want to rework the narrative in order to strengthen the ideology it promotes.

The problematic ideology can be corrected through the following:

1. Including Mija’s monologue on the subject matter

The narrative would be much more effective if Mija had her own televised monologue or speech through the help of the ALF’s resources where she expresses her sentiments on animal abuse. This can go hand-in-hand with the ALF’s plan in exposing the animal abuse done by the corporation that would be broadcasted along with the footage showcasing Okja’s sufferings. By including Mija’s speech, it is not just Okja’s perspective that will be focalized but also those of Mija. This would humanize her image for her not to be seen apathetic on the issue and would be helpful for the viewers to see a different angle of perspective from another character who is also just a victim of her situation.

2. Incorporating a movement initiated by the people to shut down Mirando Corporation

Despite Mija’s numerous attempts to make Nancy Mirando realize that animals are worth more than any amount of money, Nancy still stood by her decision and did not even reconsider her actions. The same can be said for the other characters who did not help Mija and Okja despite their knowledge of the corporation's evil schemes. This problematic portrayal can be corrected by adding a scene where the common people were able to recognize the magnitude of the problem and initiate an action to address it.

The scene during the supershow after the corporation was exposed is a great opportunity for the people to have a reawakening moment wherein they realize that what they are celebrating for is twisted and inappropriate. After this realization, it would be a good idea for the common people to have an uprising in the event to express their dissent. Through this, the Mirando corporation would be able to face the consequences of their actions publicly and they would learn their lessons the hard way.

This scene can be vital in dismantling the problematic ideologies because by having a scene where the characters reevaluate their decisions, the audience will have a moment to reflect on their decisions as well. By including this scene, it would communicate an important idea to the audience that there would be repercussions to our actions and no wrongdoings go unpunished.

3. Including the assembly of the ALF in the main narrative

The satirical attempt in the post-credit scene can go unnoticed for other viewers since the movie technically ended in post-credit scenes. By transferring the scene where the ALF reunited to the main narrative (specifically to the ending), it will communicate the idea that the advocacy of combating animal abuse is still on-going. By doing this, it will also show the significance of the movement to both the narrative and in our real life.

4. Employing some narrative techniques to reinforce the ideology

It was already proven that narrative techniques are effective tools to align the viewers to a certain idea. With these being said, the following techniques can be applied.

a) Duration: The duration of the ALF scene as they continue their action against the Mirando corporation in the end can be elongated and the banters and comedic atmosphere in it can also be removed to make the matter serious. By doing these, the ideology that the issue on animal abuse is significant and is a serious matter can be conveyed to the viewers.

b) Focalization & Music: Focalization can also be employed to the rescued superpig wherein the baby superpig remembers and looks on to his/her parents who were left in the slaughterhouse. By doing these, the equilibrium will not be totally ideal in a sense that everything was resolved and can relay the message that there are still superpigs left at the hands of merciless corporations. Through focalization, the audience/viewers can sympathize not just to Okja but also to the other superpigs who are in need of help/intervention. The audience will then feel compelled to take action because the new “equilibrium” in the end is not completely ideal and is a reflection of our reality.

5. Calling for action

An addition of a striking message at the end of the film can be highly helpful to call for action. To close the narrative, a message to the audience/viewers can be added to reinforce the need to take action. By doing this, there would be awareness on the issue of animal abuse and there would be a call for action not just to the audience watching the film but also to the audience who are part of the industry that abuses the animals.

Example: