Listen to the article
North Korea Breaks Cinematic Tradition with Hollywood-Style Propaganda Film
North Korea has unveiled a propaganda film that marks a significant departure from the country’s traditional cinematic style, adopting elements reminiscent of Hollywood productions to appeal to younger audiences. The film, titled “Days and Nights of Confrontation,” features unprecedented romantic scenes, dynamic action sequences including rooftop fights, car chases, and explosions, according to CNN.
The movie represents a calculated shift in North Korea’s propaganda strategy, blending modern storytelling techniques with the regime’s traditional messaging. It serves as a sequel to the 2022 film “One Day and One Night,” which centered on an assassination attempt against North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung.
Set in the 1990s following Kim Il Sung’s death, “Days and Nights of Confrontation” follows prosecutor Kim Song Jae and his team as they investigate a murder case. The plot takes a dramatic turn when Kim Song Jae is revealed to be Ri Tae Il, the son of a would-be assassin from the previous film. Continuing his father’s mission, Ri plans to assassinate Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s second leader, betraying even his own wife in the process. After his plot fails, Ri escapes abroad.
The film doesn’t shy away from graphic violence, featuring scenes where the antagonist kills victims by suffocation, drowning, and other brutal methods. The villain’s character is deliberately portrayed as foreign and threatening to North Korean values – using South Korean vocabulary and displaying Christian symbols like crosses and the Bible.
Media analysts note this stylistic evolution is likely an attempt to make state propaganda more engaging for a generation potentially more exposed to foreign media influences. Despite North Korea’s strict information controls, some foreign content reportedly circulates through unofficial channels within the country.
“This represents a significant evolution in North Korean propaganda techniques,” said Dr. Sarah Kim, an East Asian media specialist at Seoul National University. “The regime is adapting its messaging for a generation that may have different expectations about entertainment, while still reinforcing core ideological principles.”
Despite its updated cinematic approach, the film’s fundamental message remains consistent with traditional North Korean propaganda. Disloyalty to the regime is portrayed as a hereditary “illness,” and the struggle against enemies of the state is depicted as perpetual and necessary.
The film concludes by bringing the narrative into the present day, showing one of Ri’s descendants returning to Pyongyang and participating in the opening ceremony of Jongwi Street in May 2024. This newly constructed area in North Korea’s capital serves as a symbolic representation of youth involvement in the country’s development – reinforcing the regime’s narrative of continued progress under current leader Kim Jong Un.
The release of this film comes amid ongoing international tensions surrounding North Korea’s nuclear program and human rights record. Analysts suggest the modernized propaganda approach could be part of a broader strategy to maintain domestic ideological control while the country faces economic challenges and diplomatic isolation.
For decades, North Korean cinema has served as a critical tool for state messaging, with films closely supervised by the regime to ensure they promote approved values and historical narratives. This new production suggests the country’s propaganda apparatus is evolving its methods while maintaining its core objective of fostering loyalty to the Kim dynasty and the North Korean political system.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
Interesting to see North Korea experimenting with a more cinematic approach to propaganda. Blending Hollywood-style elements with traditional messaging could be an effective way to reach younger audiences.
I’m curious to see how the narrative and characters play out in this sequel. The plot twist with the prosecutor’s true identity adds an intriguing layer of drama.
North Korea’s foray into more cinematic propaganda is a curious development. While the regime’s control over the narrative remains paramount, the use of modern filmmaking techniques could potentially broaden the reach and influence of its messaging.
While the North Korean regime is known for its tightly controlled media landscape, this film’s cinematic flair is an intriguing development. It reflects an acknowledgment of the power of compelling narratives to shape perceptions, even in the context of propaganda.
The shift towards a more dramatic, character-driven approach in North Korean propaganda films is noteworthy. It suggests a recognition of the need to adapt to evolving media consumption patterns and preferences, especially among younger generations.
It will be insightful to see how this film’s production values and storytelling techniques compare to previous North Korean propaganda efforts. The incorporation of Hollywood-inspired elements could be a strategic move to enhance the film’s appeal and impact.
North Korea’s attempt to modernize its propaganda films is a strategic move, but it remains to be seen whether the production values and storytelling can truly captivate viewers beyond the regime’s borders.
The inclusion of action sequences and romantic elements is a departure from the country’s traditional propaganda style. It will be interesting to analyze how effectively these Hollywood-inspired techniques are used to convey the regime’s messages.