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.



Remarkable stories Media

Vertoond op editie(s) 2016
Screened at edition(s) 2016

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

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(en screener)
(beschikbaar vanaf 20.03)