The Lovers and the DespotRoss Adam, Robert Cannan
Being kidnapped by the North Korean regime in order to boost their film industry internationally. It happened to the South Korean actress Choi Eun-hee and director Shin Sang-ok in 1978. While the glamor couple continues to finish one film after another, on an unlimited budget, an escape plan is called for…
In the ‘70s, they were the Brangelina of South Korea, until fame took its toll on their relationship. Less than a year after their breakup Choi was kidnapped by a North Korean spy. A few months later her ex-husband Shin disappeared. Choi quickly resurfaced in North Korea, but it takes years before Shin gives a sign of life. After years of imprisonment, torture and brainwashing by the North Korean regime, he is finally reunited with Choi. They are forced by Kim Jong-Il to make a series of films that must bring North Korea unprecedented cinema glory. They decide to play along and to the outside world the reunited couple seems to be very happy in the company of the dictator.
In two years time, Choi and Shin produce no less than 17 films - led by Kim Jong-Il. A huge boost for their movie careers. At the same time they realize only too well that their situation is very fragile and that with Kim Jong-Il, they have a dangerous dictator on their side. Making films seems to be their only chance of survival and the films will eventually provide the perfect opportunity to attempt a daring escape. This improbable story about the kidnapping, reunification and escape of two movie stars is masterfully told through interviews and unseen archive footage.
Info
Directed by Ross Adam, Robert Cannan
UK
94 min.
English, Japanese
Subtitles: English
Programme
International selection
credits
Director
Ross Adam, Robert Cannan
Producer
Ross Adam, Robert Cannan, Natasha Dack
Editing
Jim Hession
Music
Nathan Halpern
Contact info
Bekijk Contact info(en screener)
(beschikbaar vanaf 20.03)