North Korea is well known for being one of the most isolated countries in the world. The human rights abuses by the authoritarian Kim regime and the nation's extreme poverty have become global common knowledge. In Playing Frisbee in North Korea, Savannah Washington goes beyond the political to explore the impact of this notoriously restrictive nation on its people. While she does delve into the history and politics that have shaped the country, it is through a humanitarian lens with North Korean citizens at the center of the narrative.
Washington had the unique experience of going on a rare, official tour of North Korea. She walked across the border from China as part of a small tour group guided by "minders" to ensure their adherence to the strict governmental regulations. Her personal footage – both authorized and unauthorized – anchors the film, providing first-person insight into the reclusive nation. But that footage only takes up a fraction of screen time and serves mainly as an entry point to exploring North Korea at large.
North Koreans are sometimes painted as brainwashed robots or pitiable victims, but this simplified view does them a disservice. Washington strives to present a more nuanced perspective that goes beyond labeling North Koreans as victims of an oppressive regime. Her intent is to illuminate the lives of average North Koreans; however, that's a tall order for someone with such limited access. As a foreigner, she was allowed the barest contact with locals, and only one defector was interviewed, so the film is almost entirely from an outside perspective.
While Washington may not have entirely succeeded in her goal of illuminating the lives of average citizens, Playing Frisbee in North Korea is not without merit. Interviews from a range of experts and advocates provide a solid background on the history and politics that have shaped the country. For those without much prior knowledge on the topic, it's an interesting and educational introduction.
The information presented in this documentary may not be new for those who have spent any time delving into the realities of North Korea, but Washington's footage of her own experience adds a personal touch that might make the topic more relatable for some viewers. In particular, seeing the interactions between the tour guide and tourists on the trip is fascinating. The constant surveillance and intensely curated information provided to the visitors is eerie and surreal.
Playing Frisbee in North Korea is an admirable attempt to humanize the often detached, political narrative about North Korea. While Washington may only have scratched the surface of North Korean life, her people-centered approach to the topic is a good start. Recommended. Aud: C, P.