sergeimontoya I don't usually weep, but this one hits me and i haven't weeped since the other infamous Korean movie Hello Ghost.To conclude simply over my summary, movie wise, North korean struggle movie had seemed to be a cliché at the Korean movie industry. It really sounded simple, a family has struggling to live at NK, problem comes out, family separated in order to search for hope that seems impossible at North Korea, etc etcBut after execution, its way more different than what i expected, the synopsis and movie descriptions are too simple to describe it that you have to watch it yourself. You feel their pain, their sorrow, their hope, their life trip along the movie, even with the simplest details and scenes.==contain spoiler== I really expected this to be one of those movie attmepting to give u a cheap tearjerker and ends up with a happy ending. But after the movie progress, even if the boy made it to his father, a happy ending would've still give this movie a good rating and won't break themselves as a cliché ending, i would've been way more glad if the boy survived. But no, this movie reminds us the harsh cold truth, that there are a lot of people who had high hopes, they've seen the lights at the end of the tunnel , even many times. But at the end, even when things seemed to be able to get a happy ending, it ended terribly, and all those hopes were nullified to 0 at an instance. I didn't see that ending coming.

thekimchicure Initially, I agreed with one of the previous comments about the "ex-football star" background of the protagonist. The tidbit seemed cheap, unreal, and less authentic. The more I thought about it though, I suspect that the choice was made for two reasons: 1) to make the protagonist appeal to the rest of world, especially South Koreans, by creating this common interest (football/"soccer"). I think the world has a hard time relating to North Koreans. Americans and some South Koreans have this phobia of communist countries. Furthermore, North Koreans have been in a hermit state for a very long time. Very little is known or seen of the North Korean citizens themselves. The football thing was a simple way of making people realize that North Koreans are human beings, and in some ways they're just like us. 2) to show that the protagonist was not against the North Korean government. Well, at least not outwardly. I think this film did a good job of staying away from direct commentary on the N.K. government. Yes, the film paints the government in a bad light at times. That really can't be helped, as many of the scenes are based on true accounts. However, not once does the protagonist start ranting about how his government failed him. While there is heavy censorship in North Korea to speak against the government, the film could have had the protagonist 'think' these thoughts or discuss them safely with his family-- but it didn't. The main problem that the protagonist faces-- and that many North Koreans face-- is not that he resents his government (although, we like to think North Koreans do). His problem is that his family is starved, sick, and unable to find help in a country that lacks resources. For those two points, I have to applaud the film. I think it made a sincere effort to do what's best for the cause-- North Korean Human Rights-- and not just focus on what's best for the art.If anyone is interested in learning about how they can help, you can search the web for The Chosun Journal, U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, Liberty in North Korea, or Amnesty International's page on North Korea. Like any cause, donations are very important. But unlike most causes, I think the biggest challenge for N.K. Human Rights is that most of the world (and concerning, most South Koreans) ignores it. I hope this film succeeds in bringing more awareness to the plight of the suffering.

roxieandjjroco Just saw this film at the PSIFF and was on the verge of sobbing. While I didn't forget how fortunate we have it in the U.S. compared to much of the world, this not-so-gentle reminder of just how bad things are in other parts wrenched my heart. Beautiful cinematography in such an otherwise ugly backdrop and overall "setting." Outstanding acting performances support a movie of consistent pace and passionate portrayals. As I'm trying not to provide spoilers, let me just say you might consider bringing a handkerchief and you will likely go home to hug your young kids (if you have any) once the movie is over. Should this win the best foreign picture Academy Award, it would be no surprise. Solid film making techniques with subject matter that will stir even the most stoic souls.

Forrest Bao This is a very moving movie about human rights and family relation. The North Korean government is so cruel to their citizens. The father in the movie escaped to China just for buying medicines for his wife. But, his wife died due to the short of health care. His son escaped to China after that. But he didn't make it, right before he could see his father. If I was that father, I would be crazy. He left home in the hope to save his wife's life. But actually, he made his wife died and his son tortured in the labor camp of North Korea and died on the way to find him. So sad.I am very glad to see so many international organizations helping those North Korean refugees to escape. How can I reach some of those? I wanna donate money to them.I suggest Chinese government to accept those refugees rather than deport them back to North Korea. They will be killed! I also don't agree with current US ways on treating Mexican illegal immigrants. They are just so desperate. They are hungry. They just need the basic level of life.There is a saying, "Save one life, save the entire world", which is said at the end of the Schindler's list. There is no excuse to forget them. If we can do it, then do it!