I saw a movie called a state of mind over this weekend. It was about two North Korean girls who are gymnasts who prepared for an event called the Mass Games. That is an annual event, where performers put on a show over the course of 20 days, which they prepare for in an arduous way for months.
What was interesting about the movie is that the filmmakers were granted access to North Korea. They were able to follow the girls on trips, to their homes, and obtain interviews with their relatives. Not only was the film, informative in terms of everyday life, at least to the extent that these rather privileged performers had the same life as others, but the images of governmental intrusion on every aspect, said more than any character could. Every kitchen had a state radio running and although the sound could be turned down, it was not allowed to be turned off. Furniture was an obvious short supply. One of the girls won a TV set at a gymnastic event, but there was five hours of state programming on one channel that repeated daily. Each family member received a chicken and five eggs per month
.
Juxtaposed with the stark realities were the giggles and joy. The girls showed when they traveled with their team. At one point, they played in the water, and I couldn't help but think of the release. This must be for them in light of all their training.
This 2004 documentary is worth seeing, and there's more information available online here.
(Dictated with Dragon NaturallySpeaking without editing)
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