The appearance of a new North Korean film has become a rare event in recent years, and that makes the first TV broadcast of the country’s latest war movie all the more important for documenting the trends in DPRK cinema and propaganda.

Released in theaters in Feb. 2024 and first aired on state TV at the start of the year, “72 Hours” narrates the first three days of the Korean War, retelling the false official story that the U.S. started the war with copious computer effects and dramatic flair.

The over five-hour film, while full of bloody battles, is notable