John Seal
On rare occasions, the North Korean government has allowed European filmmakers into The Hermit Kingdom, and the results are never less than fascinating. In Austria's Hana, dul, sed, four members of the Korea DPR women's national football team get the up close and personal treatment, but the country's unique social and political systems are always lurking in the background. The team members are clearly amongst the elite of North Korean society, and seem quite devoted to the memory of Dear Leader (Kim il-Sung) and to the leadership of Great General (Kim Jong-il), which is probably not too surprising: athletes received extra rations during the 'arduous march' of the mid-1990s, when famine was rife. As the film continues, however, one can't help but wonder about what we're being shown: is it all orchestrated for the cameras? Do people in Pyongyang live in relative comfort compared to those who live in rural regions? Is there really free childcare for everyone? Why are the boulevards so broad, and the traffic so minimal? It's important to recognize that the DPRK's cult of personality and anti-American antipathy was inspired by genuine grievances with the United States: the US fire-bombed North Korean cities with almost a million gallons of napalm during the Korean War. The film is NOT, however, political: it allows the team members to express themselves free of editorial comment. If you've enjoyed other North Korean-shot docs such as The Game of Their Lives (also football-themed!) or Crossing the Line (about US Army deserters), you'll definitely enjoy Hana, dul, sed. Not sure what the title means, though...
