|
Directed by: Daniel Gordon Starring: Hyon Sun Pak - Herself Jong-il Kim - Himself Song Yun Kim - Herse   A State of Mind follows two North Korean children gymnast and their family for the eight months proceeding the 2003 "Mass Games", or otherwise known as the 'Arirang' performance. The Mass Games performance has been held for 50+ years. It includes their training, daily life, entertainment, family, home life, school, and leisure. This family could be considered to be the "upper class" in North Korea. Only members of the loyal top class are allowed to live in the showcase capital city, Pyongyang; which is where this documentary is filmed. The cinematography is great for what it's worth. The music and editing fit very well. Granted, the film will be considered by many to be biased. They were in fact being monitored/watched the whole time. As would any outsider visiting North Korea. But they make sure to emphasize in the film that they had no interference at all from the North Korean officials. When watching the movie you really stop to think "Hrm, it doesn't look that bad!". But we still know what we see is just the "best" side of North Korea. We do not see the famine, poverty, and leaders totalitarian cruelty. This documentary gives us a rare glimpse of what it's like for some people to live in North Korea. It does a good job of displaying their devotion to their country and leader. Also, their amazing amount of patriotism, and "arrogance" in regards to their country. But most of all their hated towards America. What we see is a very happy-go-lucky family. They have a home, food, television (with one channel), and even a pet dog. The Mass Games is a way for North Korea to show that they are devoted to their country. That against all odds, if they work together, they can do anything. The Mass Games are celebrated on national holidays such as their presidents birthday, Getnerals (leaders) birthday, and revolutionary dates. They train at a minimum of 2 hours a day during school. And all day when school is out. They will not stop until perfection is attained. The main girl wants nothing more than to impress her leader. A leader of whom didn't attend one of the 40 mass games shows. (Twice a day for 20 days). While showing her dedication and love for her country. The Mass Games are considered by some to be one of the most amazing visual spectacles in the world. It involves music, dance, and gymnastics. The way they are perfectly synchronized is nothing short of amazing. There are thousands of performers on the floor. In the backdrop is thousands of school children holding up different colored placards which make gigantic mosaics. Telling stories of North Korea's history, their revolution, and military accomplishments. It's easy to get mad at some of the comments and the North Koreans forced ignorance. But if you simply open up and watch the movie to enjoy it you will not be disappointed. I personally plan on going to see the 2007 Mass Games in August. American citizens are allowed only during the period of the Mass Games. The sole reason we would be allowed is for propaganda for North Korea. A State of Mind trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVBcYEV6Wgs Random video with clips from the documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9ZrP40wdlg Clip of the 2005 Mass Games http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg4h2sl-zFU RATING: 4.5 PROS: Great music, narration, and visuals. Very detailed information CONS: Only one, small side of North Korea. Not enough footage of the actual mass games. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0456012/ Nostalgia4Dogges fucked around with this message at 00:40 on Feb 16, 2007 |
#
?
Feb 14, 2007 09:27
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 25, 2024 17:13 |
|
|
Just for the Arirang footage alone, it is amazing. Besides that, it is a deep and rare look into what is basically a new nazi-esque regime (minus, of course, any real power). 4.5/5
|
|
#
?
Feb 22, 2007 17:06
|
|
