Bong Joon Ho Returns with "Mickey 17," a Timely Allegory for Capitalism's Hellscape
Nearly six years after the Oscar-winning success of "Parasite," acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho unveiled his long-awaited follow-up, "Mickey 17," at the London premiere on Thursday.
Critical Acclaim
* Adam McKay, known for his comedic films like "Anchorman," praised "Mickey 17" as "a perfect allegory for the hellscape stage of capitalism we're in right now."
* Karen Han, founder of the #BongHive fandom, deemed it "worth the wait" and lauded Robert Pattinson's "really wonderful performance."
* David Ehrlich of IndieWire reserved his full review for later, but stated that "Bong Joon Ho is still very good at making movies."
* Erik Davis of Fandango called the film an "absolute riot" with a "tremendous" first half that "settles into something more powerful and timely in classic Bong fashion."
Thematic Resonance
Based on Edward Ashton's 2022 novel "Mickey7," the film explores the concept of expendability in a colonized ice planet. Robert Pattinson plays a "expendable" who is repeatedly sent on dangerous missions and "reprinted" with most of his memories intact.
Critics noted the film's urgent relevance in today's world, highlighting its critique of societal systems and human nature.
Post-Production Concerns
Despite initial concerns among Bong's fans due to Warner Bros.'s adjustments to the theatrical schedule, the film's first reactions indicate that "Mickey 17" retains the idiosyncratic and audacious qualities of Bong's previous works.
Release Details
"Mickey 17" will screen at the Berlin International Film Festival this month and release in theaters in the U.S. on March 7, and in Bong's native South Korea on February 28.