Seoul Train 2008
Distributed by New Day Films, 190 Route 17M, P.O. Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926; 888-367-9154 or 845-774-7051
Produced by Lisa Sleeth & Jim Butterworth
Directed by Jim Butterworth, Aaron Lubarsky & Lisa Sleeth
DVD, color, 54 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Human Rights, Sociology, Social Sciences, Psychology
Date Entered: 09/03/2009
Reviewed by Karen Coronado, George Fox University, Newberg, ORThe 2007 DuPont Award winning film, Seoul Train, is an eye-opening, heart wrenching excavation of the ongoing suffering and injustice imposed on the people of North Korea by the evil regime of Kim Jong-il. First-time documentary filmmakers Lisa Sleeth and Jim Butterworth capture stories of the North Korean underground railroad and a family's quest for freedom. Watching this film gives a whole new meaning to the description of North Korea as "the largest prison camp in the world." Not only does it give faces and names to the atrocities being committed upon the North Korean people but it also highlights the role and responsibility that the Chinese government shares in this human rights nightmare.
With excellent editing the footage is interspersed with informative dialogue from various activists and others along with helpful background and statistical information in textual format. There are more than 2 hours of bonus video that includes an introduction by U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, additional interviews, resource information and much more. Subtitle options are available for 16 languages. Viewers will witness undercover video from a refugee camp, scenes of pursuit and capture at border locations, and the fears and hopes of the North Koreans expressed in their own words. True life stories are used in a powerful way to provide education and information on the history and continuing struggle of the North Korean people. Even though this is a very realistic film there is nothing gruesome and the physical violence shown does not depict any murder or torture. Video quality varies throughout the film due to the different sources of footage used but this does not make it difficult to view the footage or hear the dialogue. It is painful to watch the children living in squalor, the scars on the victims of torture, and the faces and voices of trauma and desperation but this film is an important message that needs to be seen and felt.
Awards
- Best Documentary, Boulder International Film Festival
- Independent Spirit Award, Brooklyn International Film Festival
- Best Global Insight Film, Jackson Hole Film Festival
- Best Documentary, Texas Film Festival
- Best Editing, Milan International Film Festival
- Best Documentary, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival