The Dictator's Playbook Season 1 Episode 1 Kim Ii Sung

The Dictator's Playbook is a historical documentary series that takes a closer look at some of the most notorious political figures in the history of the world. The first episode of the show is titled "Kim Il Sung" and it delves into the life and times of the North Korean dictator who ruled the country for over four decades.

The episode takes the viewers back in time to the early years of Kim Il Sung's life, when he was still a teenager. We see how he got involved in the anti-Japanese resistance movement and rose through the ranks to become a leading figure in the communist party. The episode goes on to explore how Kim Il Sung became the leader of North Korea and how he established a totalitarian regime with himself at the center of it.

The episode is structured around a series of interviews with experts on North Korea and people who knew Kim Il Sung personally. These interviews are interwoven with archival footage of Kim Il Sung's speeches, important events in North Korea's history, and interviews with ordinary people who lived under Kim Il Sung's rule.

One of the key themes of the episode is the cult of personality that Kim Il Sung established around himself. We see how he used propaganda to portray himself as a heroic figure who had single-handedly liberated North Korea from Japanese colonialism. We also see how he used his image to maintain control over the country - for example, he had his image placed on all currency, and statues of him were erected all over the country.

Another important theme of the episode is the brutality of Kim Il Sung's regime. We see how he used his secret police, the G-2, to suppress any dissenting voices and how he established a system of prison camps where people were sent to be tortured and killed. We hear from people who survived these camps, and their stories are truly horrifying.

Despite the bleak picture that the episode paints of Kim Il Sung's rule, there are also moments of insight and revelation. For example, we learn about the North Korean philosophy of Juche, which emphasizes self-reliance and is seen as a key part of Kim Il Sung's ideology. We also hear about some of the more bizarre aspects of Kim Il Sung's rule, such as his belief in the supernatural powers of his personal doctor.

Overall, the first episode of The Dictator's Playbook is a fascinating and insightful look at one of the most enigmatic figures of the 20th century. It offers a nuanced and in-depth perspective on the life and times of Kim Il Sung, and the legacy that he left behind in North Korea. Whether you're a student of history or simply curious about the politics of one of the most secretive countries in the world, this episode is definitely worth watching.