Behind the Curtain: 'Under the Sun' Documentary Exposes the Shocking Truth of Life in North Korea!

"Under the Sun" offers a rare glimpse into everyday life in North Korea. Directed by Russian filmmaker Vitaly Mansky, this 2015 documentary follows a young girl and her family in Pyongyang over the course of a year. The film provides unique insights by capturing both scripted scenes approved by North Korean authorities and unscripted moments that reveal the reality behind the carefully constructed facade.

The documentary centers on Lee Zin-Mi as she prepares to join the Korean Children's Union on Kim Jong-Il's birthday. While North Korean officials supervised the production, Mansky managed to capture candid moments between takes. These unguarded scenes expose the extensive staging and censorship involved in crafting the government's desired narrative.

"Under the Sun" has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach to documenting life in one of the world's most secretive nations. By juxtaposing the scripted elements with unplanned footage, the film invites viewers to question the nature of truth and propaganda in North Korea. Its nuanced portrayal offers a thought-provoking exploration of a society rarely seen by outsiders.

Overview of 'Under the Sun'

'Under the Sun' is a 2015 Russian documentary film directed by Vitaly Mansky. The film offers a rare glimpse into life in North Korea, focusing on a young girl named Zin-mi in Pyongyang.

The documentary follows Zin-mi's preparation to join the Korean Children's Union on the Day of the Shining Star, which celebrates Kim Jong-il's birthday. This event serves as a backdrop to explore North Korean society.

Mansky's approach to filmmaking reveals the scripted nature of life in North Korea. He captures not only the staged scenes approved by authorities but also continues filming between takes, exposing the careful orchestration behind the scenes.

The film's title in Russian translates to "In the Rays of the Sun," reflecting the omnipresent imagery of North Korea's leaders. It showcases how propaganda permeates everyday life in the country.

'Under the Sun' provides insight into North Korea's tightly controlled society, blurring the lines between reality and scripted performance. The documentary highlights the challenges of portraying authentic life in a highly regulated environment.

Development and Production

"Under the Sun" emerged as a unique documentary project, blending scripted propaganda with genuine behind-the-scenes footage. The film's creation involved complex negotiations, strict oversight, and creative workarounds.

Conceptualization and Intent

Director Vitaly Mansky envisioned "Under the Sun" as a window into North Korean life. He aimed to expose the nation's tightly controlled image by capturing both staged scenes and unguarded moments.

Mansky proposed the project as a collaboration with North Korean authorities. He offered to make a film about a young girl joining the Korean Children's Union. This premise allowed him access to film in Pyongyang.

The director's true intent was to reveal the artifice behind North Korea's carefully crafted public image. He planned to use the government-approved scenes as a framework for showcasing unscripted reality.

Director Vitaly Mansky

Vitaly Mansky, a renowned Russian documentarian, brought extensive experience to the project. His previous works explored themes of identity and politics in post-Soviet states.

Mansky's approach combined meticulous planning with adaptability. He navigated strict filming conditions while seeking opportunities to capture unscripted moments.

The director's background in Russian state media informed his understanding of propaganda techniques. This insight proved crucial in recognizing and documenting North Korea's image-making process.

Production Companies

Hypermarket Film, a Czech production company, served as the primary producer for "Under the Sun." They provided crucial support in navigating the complex production landscape.

Saxonia Entertainment, a German company, co-produced the film. Their involvement helped secure additional funding and distribution channels.

These production partners played key roles in negotiating with North Korean authorities. They worked to balance official requirements with the filmmakers' creative vision.

Filming Process and Restrictions

The production team faced intense scrutiny from North Korean minders. Officials monitored all filming and demanded daily review of footage.

Mansky devised a system to preserve unscripted moments. The crew kept cameras rolling between takes, capturing candid interactions and set preparations.

Filming locations were strictly controlled. The team was only allowed to shoot in pre-approved sites that showcased Pyongyang in a positive light.

The central family, including young Zin-mi, were chosen by officials to represent ideal North Korean citizens. Their daily activities and dialogue were largely scripted and rehearsed.

Film Analysis

"Under the Sun" offers a unique glimpse into North Korean society through carefully crafted propaganda and hidden realities. The film's multilayered approach reveals both the scripted narrative and the unintended truths captured behind the scenes.

Portrayal of North Korean Government

The documentary showcases the North Korean government's efforts to present an idealized image of life in Pyongyang. Officials meticulously stage scenes and direct citizens' actions to create a flawless picture of society.

This controlled portrayal emphasizes loyalty to the state and reverence for its leaders. Citizens are shown participating in patriotic activities and expressing unwavering devotion to the regime.

The film exposes the extent of government interference in daily life, as handlers dictate dialogue and orchestrate seemingly spontaneous moments.

Propaganda Techniques and Reality

"Under the Sun" reveals the stark contrast between North Korea's propaganda and the underlying reality. The government's attempts to craft a perfect narrative often fall short, exposing cracks in the façade.

Scripted scenes depict prosperous factories and abundant food, while unintended footage captures empty shelves and idle machinery. Citizens recite rehearsed lines praising the state, but their genuine reactions tell a different story.

The film's dual narrative structure allows viewers to witness both the intended propaganda and the unscripted moments that contradict it.

Lee Zin-Mi's Story

Eight-year-old Lee Zin-Mi serves as the central figure in the documentary. Her journey to join the Korean Children's Union becomes the focal point of the government's scripted narrative.

Zin-Mi's experiences are carefully curated to showcase an ideal childhood in North Korea. She attends school, participates in extracurricular activities, and interacts with her family - all under strict supervision.

The film captures moments of genuine emotion from Zin-Mi, revealing the pressure and exhaustion she faces as a young participant in this elaborate production.

Cinematography and Visuals

The documentary's visual style plays a crucial role in conveying its message. Director Vitaly Mansky employs long, static shots that allow scenes to unfold naturally, capturing both scripted actions and unintended background details.

Carefully composed frames highlight the contrast between the polished foreground and the less controlled elements in the background. This technique reveals discrepancies between the intended narrative and reality.

The film's muted color palette and deliberate pacing create an atmosphere of detachment, allowing viewers to observe and analyze the events on screen.

Behind-the-Scenes Reality

"Under the Sun" provides rare insights into the filmmaking process within North Korea. The documentary reveals the constant presence of government minders who oversee every aspect of production.

Unintentionally captured footage shows officials directing citizens, correcting dialogue, and staging scenes multiple times to achieve the desired effect. These moments expose the extensive manipulation behind the propaganda.

The film also highlights the psychological toll on participants, as they struggle to maintain the façade of perfection demanded by the state.

The People Behind the Documentary

Vitaly Mansky directed "Under the Sun" with a small team working under tight constraints. The documentary's cast and crew navigated complex challenges to capture an unvarnished glimpse of North Korean life.

Cast and Key Figures

Lee Zin-Mi stars as the 8-year-old girl preparing to join the Korean Children's Union. Her parents, identified as Yu-Yong and Hye-Yong, feature prominently. Oh-Gyong appears as another key figure.

The film follows Zin-Mi's daily life, including school, home, and official events. North Korean minders closely supervised all filming and interactions.

Mansky cleverly captured unscripted moments between official takes, revealing telling contrasts with the staged scenes.

Crew and Creative Team

Vitaly Mansky directed and shot the film. Alexandra Ivanova wrote the screenplay, adapting to evolving circumstances during production.

Simone Baumann and Filip Remunda served as producers, helping navigate the complex logistics of filming in North Korea.

The crew worked under constant surveillance, with government minders dictating much of the content. Mansky left his cameras running between takes to capture unguarded moments.

In post-production, editors carefully assembled the footage to highlight discrepancies between scripted propaganda and candid reality.

Release and Distribution

"Under the Sun" faced challenges in its release due to its controversial nature. The documentary found its way to audiences through film festivals and select streaming platforms.

Release Date and Venues

"Under the Sun" premiered at the 2015 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. It went on to screen at several international film festivals, including the 2016 True/False Film Festival in Missouri. The documentary's unique perspective on North Korea generated significant interest among festival-goers and critics.

Film festivals provided an ideal platform for the documentary's initial release, allowing it to reach audiences interested in political and social documentaries. The film's critical reception at these events helped build momentum for wider distribution.

Availability on Streaming Services

After its festival run, "Under the Sun" became available on select streaming platforms. Ovid, a curated streaming service for documentaries and art films, added the film to its catalog. This made the documentary accessible to a broader audience interested in international cinema and political topics.

Apple TV also offers "Under the Sun" for rental or purchase in some regions. This availability on a major streaming platform increased the film's reach to viewers worldwide. Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service, includes the documentary in its library in certain countries.

The film's presence on these platforms has allowed it to maintain relevance and continue reaching new audiences years after its initial release.

Public and Critical Reception

"Under the Sun" garnered significant attention from critics and audiences alike, sparking discussions about its revealing portrayal of life in North Korea. The documentary's unique approach and controversial production process contributed to its impact.

Critical Praise

The film received widespread acclaim from critics for its innovative storytelling and unprecedented access to North Korean society. Many reviewers highlighted director Vitaly Mansky's clever use of unscripted moments to expose the orchestrated nature of life in Pyongyang. The documentary's ability to capture authentic glimpses of daily life amid staged scenes was particularly praised.

Critics also applauded the film's subtle yet powerful commentary on the North Korean regime. The New York Times called it "a fascinating and revealing look" into the secretive nation.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were captivated by the rare glimpse into North Korean life offered by "Under the Sun." Many expressed surprise and concern over the level of control exerted by the government, as revealed through the film's behind-the-scenes footage.

The documentary's focus on young Zin-mi's experiences resonated strongly with audiences. Many found her story both touching and troubling, providing a human face to the abstract concept of life under an authoritarian regime.

Cultural Impact of the Documentary

"Under the Sun" made significant waves in the international film community. Its controversial production and subsequent attempts by North Korean authorities to suppress its release only increased public interest.

The film sparked renewed discussions about media censorship and the ethics of documentary filmmaking in restrictive environments. It also contributed to broader conversations about human rights and daily life in North Korea.

Several film festivals featured "Under the Sun," further expanding its reach and impact. The documentary's unique perspective helped reshape public understanding of North Korean society beyond typical news coverage.

Thematic Elements and Interpretations

"Under the Sun" explores several key themes through its unique documentary approach. The film highlights the pervasive nature of propaganda in North Korean society.

One central element is the portrayal of the Children's Union, a youth organization that plays a significant role in the narrative. The documentary captures the preparation process for joining this group, revealing its importance in shaping young minds.

The surreal atmosphere permeating the film is another notable aspect. Staged scenes and carefully choreographed interactions create an unsettling sense of artificiality.

Themes of control and manipulation are evident throughout. The filmmakers' exposure of the North Korean minders' influence over every aspect of the production adds depth to these interpretations.

The documentary also touches on family dynamics within the restrictive society. It presents a complex picture of how personal relationships function under constant surveillance and societal pressure.

By contrasting the manufactured scenes with unguarded moments, the film invites viewers to contemplate the nature of truth and reality in a tightly controlled environment. This juxtaposition forms a core element of the documentary's thematic exploration.

Legacy of 'Under the Sun'

'Under the Sun' left an indelible mark on documentary filmmaking. It exposed the carefully constructed facade of North Korean propaganda through a groundbreaking approach.

The film's impact stems from its unique ability to capture unscripted moments. Director Vitaly Mansky's strategy of continuing to film between scripted scenes revealed glimpses of genuine reality in Pyongyang.

Yu-Yong, one of the main subjects, unknowingly became a symbol of the contrast between scripted performances and authentic life. His interactions off-camera provided rare insights into daily existence in North Korea.

The documentary's legacy lies in its challenge to the notion of objective truth in filmmaking. It blurred the lines between reality and staged scenes, prompting viewers to question the authenticity of all footage from closed societies.

'Under the Sun' sparked international discussions on ethics in documentary filmmaking. It raised questions about consent and the responsibility of filmmakers when working under restrictive conditions.

The film's enduring influence can be seen in subsequent documentaries about North Korea. Many have adopted similar techniques to capture unguarded moments and challenge official narratives.

Critics and audiences continue to debate the film's methods and conclusions. This ongoing discourse ensures that 'Under the Sun' remains a significant reference point in discussions about propaganda, truth, and representation in media.