March 28, 2024
Analysis

The Flower Girl: How a North Korean propaganda film achieved international fame

Kim Jong Il’s operatic passion project remains a nostalgic classic in China and elsewhere, 50 years after its release

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.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.