Bong Joon-ho’s newest movie, Mickey 17, is very close to its premiere date, but before audiences enjoy this Robert Pattinson-led sci-fi film, they should check out the director’s underrated 2017 movie. Although Bong has been directing successful movies since 2000, the filmmaker only recently entered the spotlight for American audiences after the release of his 2019 thriller film, Parasite. After winning three Academy Awards for the film, Bong has an impressive reputation to uphold, which makes Mickey 17 particularly exciting. Yet, audiences may be missing out on a Bong movie that’s already been released.
It isn’t entirely surprising that Mickey 17 is garnering so much hype. Aside from Bong gaining significant attention after Parasite, the movie also boasts a truly impressive cast. From Pattinson and Steven Yeun to Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo, Mickey 17 is star-studded and full of talent that isn’t likely to disappoint. Plus, the film has a super compelling premise. Mickey 17 follows a man who is used as a scout to find an inhabitable place for humans to live. Whenever he dies, no matter how gruesomely, he is remade again.
Okja Is A Dark Comedy Sci-Fi Movie Bong Joon-ho Made Before Mickey 17 & It’s Streaming On Netflix
How Is Okja Similar (And Different) From Mickey 17
As much as the release of Mickey 17 is exciting, there is another movie that audiences should check out beforehand. In 2017, Bong directed an action adventure film called Okja. It centers on a young South Korean girl named Mija who has spent her entire life caring for a giant creature known as Okja. Yet, when Okja is taken to New York by a greedy corporation, intent on profiting off the animal, Mija must do everything in her power to save her lifelong friend.
The main reason to watch Okja is that it is a Bong movie that is rather underrated among audiences. Although it is easily accessible on Netflix, and has earned a strong 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, not many people talk about the film, and they should. Okja has a fantastic cast, ranging from Paul Dano and Jake Gyllenhaal to Tilda Swinton and Steven Yeun. It also has plenty of quirky qualities like Mickey 17 seems to have. Plus, the movie’s focus on heartwarming friendship makes it more touching than Bong’s other films.
Why Okja’s Reviews Are So Positive
Okja Shows What Bong Joon-ho Does Best
Ultimately, Okja is so well-loved because it has heart and plenty of thought behind it. The character of Okja may seem silly or ridiculous, but it is easy to accept these absurdities because of how seriously Bong takes them as the director. Okja may seem messy and chaotic to some, but most others can recognize the important messages that the director weaves into the story. This is a movie that is not just about a little girl’s mission to save her friend, but is about how humans treat each other, the earth, and all the living beings on it.
With suspense, thrills, and oddities, Bong is able to showcase some of the biggest problems within our society.
In reality, this is what Bong does best in his movies. With suspense, thrills, and oddities, Bong is able to showcase some of the biggest problems within our society. Movies like Parasite and Snowpiercer take on class, while Okja explores the environment and capitalism. Because of this, Okja is a fantastic watch, especially leading up to Mickey 17. Audiences can see the masterful ways in which Bong Joon-ho critiques society before enjoying his latest filmmaking endeavor.
