A year in the life of a Pyongyang family unfolds as their daughter prepares to join the Korean Children's Union on Kim Jong-il's birthday.
Synopsis
A year in the life of a Pyongyang family unfolds as their daughter prepares to join the Korean Children's Union on Kim Jong-il's birthday.
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Synopsis
Zin-mi, an eight-year-old girl in Pyongyang, prepares to join the Korean Children's Union on the Day of the Shining Star, a celebration of Kim Jong-il's birthday. The film follows her family over the course of a year, capturing staged scenes designed by the North Korean government. Director Vitaly Mansky presents a contrast between the orchestrated joy of state-sponsored events and the family's everyday life. The production faced scrutiny after unapproved footage was smuggled out, leading to objections from North Korean authorities.
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Why Watch
- See how North Korea stages daily life for foreign visitors.
- Meet Zin-mi, a girl preparing for a state-sanctioned event.
- Discover the differences between North Korea and the Soviet Union.
Did You Know
- The film was directed by Vitaly Mansky and released in 2015.
- North Korean authorities objected to the film after discovering unapproved footage.
- 94% of critics' reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are positive, based on 32 reviews.
- Mansky negotiated for two years with the North Korean Ministry of Culture to film.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Under the Sun?
Under the Sun was directed by Vitaly Mansky.
What is the main focus of the documentary Under the Sun?
The documentary focuses on a year in the life of a family in Pyongyang, North Korea, particularly their daughter Zin-mi as she prepares to join the Korean Children's Union.
What percentage of critics gave positive reviews to Under the Sun on Rotten Tomatoes?
Under the Sun received positive reviews from 94% of 32 critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
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