A masterful films that depicts North Korea's dystopia unlike any other. An exemplar of the concept of "show not tell," the filmmakers' unique approach in exploring the cruel idiosyncrasies of North Korea -- showing not the words of statesmen and scholars but the statements and actions of those who lived in that reality -- gives the film a certain weight and depth that cannot be found elsewhere.
I chose to describe North Korea's portrayal in the film in two words: "harrowing reality." Harrowing, because the tale of North Korea is one of tragedy without triumph. Innocent people risking everything they've known to make an all-too-treacherous journey seeking what we take for granted, and good people risking their own lives and livelihoods who seek freedom yet never able to do "enough." Reality, because the film tries its best to portray North Korea as it is: not some planet of mindless drones, nor a land of unfeeling monsters. It's a place with people, people who feel happiness and sadness, who have friends and families, who feel loyalty and homeland... but tragically overshadowed by an Orwellian regime that twists all of that into something unimaginably abhorrent.
Overall, an incredibly rich experience that leaves the watchers thinking long after film's end.
I chose to describe North Korea's portrayal in the film in two words: "harrowing reality." Harrowing, because the tale of North Korea is one of tragedy without triumph. Innocent people risking everything they've known to make an all-too-treacherous journey seeking what we take for granted, and good people risking their own lives and livelihoods who seek freedom yet never able to do "enough." Reality, because the film tries its best to portray North Korea as it is: not some planet of mindless drones, nor a land of unfeeling monsters. It's a place with people, people who feel happiness and sadness, who have friends and families, who feel loyalty and homeland... but tragically overshadowed by an Orwellian regime that twists all of that into something unimaginably abhorrent.
Overall, an incredibly rich experience that leaves the watchers thinking long after film's end.