Danish director Mads Brügger pulls an extended stunt with comedians Simon Jul and Jacob Nossell (both born in South Korea but raised in Denmark) in an effort to offer a snapshot of daily life in North Korea. While Brügger's real intent in this offbeat documentary is to “expose the very core of the [nation's] evilness,” the trio gain entry under the guise of a “cultural exchange,” with Jul and Nossell claiming to be a comedy troupe called the Red Chapel. Brügger tells authorities he will be documenting the comic performance, and although the government decided what footage he could use, the filmmaker recorded his overlaid commentary afterward, which allows him to speak freely. The men are assigned a handler, Mrs. Pak, who follows their every move while escorting them to various locations (clearly intended to create a favorable impression), as well as to the rehearsals of the material—a slipshod combination of pratfalls and cover songs (an assigned stage director eventually shapes the final presentation). Nossell, a self-described “spastic” who uses a wheelchair on occasion and whose speech is difficult to understand, finds the subterfuge draining, even questioning Brügger's “moral scruples.” Oddly, Brügger's effort at times has the opposite effect of what he intended: Kim Jong Il may be a dictator, but the North Koreans here, including Mrs. Pak, seem considerate and sincere, hardly worthy of condemnation. Still, the filmmaker deserves points for sheer chutzpah in making this unusual documentary. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
The Red Chapel
(2009) 88 min. In English & Danish w/English subtitles. DVD: $129 ($249 w/PPR). Kino Lorber Edu. Volume 26, Issue 2
The Red Chapel
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