Nothing says Patriotism like a North Korean documentary, no?
Actually, yes. Watching this was akin to giving great thanks to ALL of America's "dear leaders" for allowing me to have the freedom and the liberty to live the life I choose to live and believe the things I choose to believe - not having someone try and force a farce down my throat.
Those who know me know I am fascinated with North Korea. When this documentary rolled onto my screen from Netflix, I had to watch it immediately. The description promised an unparalleled look into the life of North Korean girls and their families. I had to see it to believe it, since EVERY North Korea documentary I have ever watched has promised the same thing. This one delivered unlike the others, however.
We meet Song and Hyon, two young girls (11 and 13) who are trying to be a part of the Mass Games - the largest choreographed presentation ever done - and it's done by discretion of North Korea - it all depends on whenever they want to do them. The girls belong to a club of girls all working toward the final effort of having the opportunity to perform in front of their Dear Leader. The really enlightening parts of this movie are more the experiences the girls have at their home when the lights go out nightly ("bloody Americans!") and the food rations are stretched to more than one scrawny chicken per family, per month ("Thank you Dear Leader!") in order to celebrate the birthday of Dear Leader.
Another little bit of interest is watching how the schooling happens for the girls. Their classes are English lessons and Revolutionary History. Basically, here's how to speak English and here's why North Korea is the greatest country ever. Communism and Socialism abound throughout, as well as loads of propaganda. But unlike other documentaries that just suggested these things in the past, this one delivers fully - showing the day-to-day experiences of the working class, the intellectual class and even a very rare look at the farming class when one of the fathers of the girls travels there for the first time in 10 years to see an old military friend.
There's not enough good I can say about this documentary - especially if you are intrigued by the Orwellian and by this country shrouded in mystery. It's an excellent documentary and actually perfect to celebrate independence day. There's nothing as sobering as seeing those fed a load of bull about their so-called "independence" for you to appreciate yours.
The IMDB Link
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