State propaganda and cinema are inseparable in North Korea, with former leader Kim Jong Il calling film a “powerful ideological weapon for the revolution.” More often than not, this philosophy produces dry, didactic movies that receive little attention outside the country.

And yet, a handful of North Korean films display real technical competence and a clear passion for moviemaking; these works of state-produced entertainment are actually entertaining and even occasionally moving.

One of the foremost among these is the 1972 film “The Flower Girl,” based on an opera of the same name. The movie’s tragic story, spirited performances and memorable