Watch North Korea - Voice From the Secret State
- 2018
- 49 min
North Korea - Voice From the Secret State is a documentary that takes a look at one of the most notoriously secretive countries in the world, North Korea. The film follows an undercover journalist who travels to the country to interview citizens and uncover what life is really like under the regime of leader Kim Jong-un. The film opens with an overview of the history of North Korea, including how the country was formed and the role the Kim family has played in its governance. The audience is then introduced to the journalist, who explains his mission and how he plans to gather information during his time in the country.
Throughout the film, the journalist interviews a variety of North Korean citizens, from high-ranking officials to everyday people on the streets. He asks them about their thoughts on the government, their daily lives, and their beliefs about the outside world.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is the contrast between the North Korean government's propaganda and what the journalist uncovers in his interviews. The government's propaganda emphasizes the country's technological advancements and military might, while the citizens' interviews often reveal a much bleaker reality of poverty, food shortages, and repression.
The documentary also explores the role of religion in North Korea. The government's official stance is atheism, but the journalist discovers that many citizens are secretly practicing Christianity and other religions. These citizens face severe persecution if their faith is discovered by the government.
Another major theme of the film is the impact of Kim Jong-un's regime on the country's youth. Many of the young people interviewed in the film express frustration with the government and desire more freedom, but they also fear the consequences of speaking out. The film shows how difficult it is for young people in North Korea to form their own identities and dreams under a government that tightly controls their every move.
In addition to interviews with citizens, the documentary also features footage of various events and sites in North Korea, such as military parades and an amusement park. These scenes provide a glimpse into the government's carefully crafted image of the country, and also highlight the stark contrast between the country's shiny tourist attractions and the everyday struggles of its citizens.
Overall, North Korea - Voice From the Secret State is a fascinating and informative look at a country that few outsiders ever get to see. The film offers a rare glimpse into the lives and thoughts of North Korea's citizens, and provides a sobering reminder of the power of propaganda and the importance of freedom of speech and expression.