North Korea airs first Western Movie

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In more North Korea news, although a little bit lighter of a story.
but North Korea threads are all the rage right now right?

SEOUL, South Korea - North Koreans got a rare treat this week: a state TV broadcast of the British soccer film "Bend it Like Beckham."

The 2002 film starring Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys Myers was a break from the regular programming of news, documentaries and soap operas. Western films are largely off limits in the isolated country.

The broadcast, monitored in Seoul on Dec. 26, appeared to be edited; it was only an hour long.

In a tweet Thursday, British Ambassador to South Korea Martin Uden called the broadcast the "1st ever western-made film to air on TV" in North Korea. The British Embassy arranged it.

"Bend it Like Beckham" features a sport beloved among North Koreans, but it also taboo topics, like interracial relationships, homosexuality and religion.

Is this the precursor to the upcoming war? I can see the next headline:
"North Koreans demand more American films; Revolt in order against Kim"

This might be as revolutionary as Star Craft was for South Korea. In fact, this might be what starts the war.

I would love to watch the edited version just to see exactly what they cut out that they don't won't their people seeing. That right there would you put you on track as to what kind of ideals they're wanting to keep away from the people. Sure, a lot of people that have seen Bend It Like Beckham are thinking, "edited? really, what was so bad in that film". It's not anything that was bad per se. It's certain ideals they don't won't people to see to go against their particular style of programing. I'd like to see just what those edited out scenes were. That would tell you a lot within itself.

The entire film is only 112mins, so they had to cut almost half of the film. Wonder if it was all the love scenes?

reply to post by J.Son79


I've never even seen the movie, when I read the article I had a hard time even remembering that the film was made. But I guess soccer movies can be pretty bad haha.

I wonder how long until Brokeback Mountain is seen by the NK.

Originally posted by youdidntseeme
reply to post by J.Son79

 

I've never even seen the movie, when I read the article I had a hard time even remembering that the film was made. But I guess soccer movies can be pretty bad haha.

I wonder how long until Brokeback Mountain is seen by the NK.

LOL, oh man, they would have to edit that one down to a 30 min one time sitcom about horses.

Why show such a terrible movie? Now North Korea will never want to see another western movie.
And who wants to bet it was dubbed, lol the reverse of those old asian movies with english dubbing.

bend it like beckham? really?!!
bah.

they could have done much better...good question though, what western movie would be the first one you would show if it was up to you?
(no porn!)

I think...hmm...Independence Day would be my choice. shows Americans being americans, some very cool effects, a world united against a greater threat, a jewish geek and a black military guy working together, etc...

I know alot will say it was overly patriotic in regards to Americans being the total answer to save the world, but hey...whatever. Still a damn good movie.

Alternatively, if I was trying to keep the borders closed...I would do 28 days later...make them think there is nothing but infected rage monsters outside of NK.

At least it wasn't "House of Wax"....that could start a war, hahaha maybe could have shown "Team America"

I wonder on a serious note how they would react to M*A*S*H* either the motion picture or the television series. The topical theme would be there, just from a western point of view, but the army docs were mostly sympathtic to the NK soldiers. I guess it would be the same as watching an Iraqi Desert Storm film, or perhaps similar to reading All Quiet on the Western Front.