The Kites Flying in the Sky
Template:Infobox film/short descriptionScript error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "[". The Kites Flying in the Sky (Template:Ko-hhrm, or as 하늘을 나는 연들Template:Efn) is a 2008 North Korean film. Directed by Phyo Kwang and Kim Hyon-chol, the film is based on the true story of a former marathon championTemplate:Efn who devotes her life to caring for orphans.[1]
The film was unusual in that no reshoots were required prior to approval for release.
The film's basis
The film modelled the protagonist after North Korean woman Sŏ Hyesuk, who, according to the North Korean periodical "Tongil sinbo", is widely known as the "maternal hero" for the Songun era.[2] Sŏ, a resident of Sŏn'guja-dong, Mangyongdae-guyok, Pyongyang, is known to have raised 33 orphans as if they were her own and sent 15 of them to the military.[3]
Plot
A woman born in a foreign land, who also experienced the death of her father, achieves her dream to be a marathon champion in North Korea. North Korea goes through an "Arduous March", and she raises the orphans during that time.[2]
Premiere and screening
The film officially premiered on 16 February 2008, and was the first film to be shown on television prior to a general release in June.[1]
The Kites Flying in the Sky won an award for special screening[4] at the 11th Pyongyang International Film Festival, where it was the only North Korean feature film to be screened that year.[1]
The film was also screened at the 2013 Sydney International Film Festival(SIFF).[5]
Reception
Domestic reaction
The March 1st edition of the North Korean periodical "Tongil sinbo" said that the film "touchingly showcases the profound philosophical idea that the true value of human life and happiness in the Songun era lies in the dedication to the society and the group and those who follow those very ways will eternally shine into a vivid artistic drawing."[2]
Foreign evaluations
Despite local success, the film was poorly received by American critics, who dismissed it as "syrupy and propagandistic".[1][6]
Notes
References
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- ↑ a b c d Elley, Derek. "North Korea busy with film business". Variety, 26 September 2008. Retrieved on 26 October 2008.
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ "Pyongyang International Film Festival Closes Template:Webarchive". Korean Central News Agency, 2008. Retrieved on 2 November 2008.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Demick, Barbara. "No stars, no swag, but what a crowd!". Los Angeles Times, 11 October 2008. Retrieved on 26 October 2008.
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External links
- Template:Trim/ Template:Trim at IMDbTemplate:EditAtWikidataScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:WikidataCheck