A State of Mind 2004
Distributed by Kino Lorber Edu, 333 West 39 St, Suite 503, New York, NY 10018; 212-629-6880
Produced by Daniel Gordon
Directed by Daniel Gordon
DVD, color, 94 min.
College - General Adult
Asian Studies, Multicultural Studies, Political Science
Date Entered: 08/08/2011
Reviewed by Hong Cheng, Instruction/Reference Librarian, Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, INDifferent from most films which report on nuclear weapons issues and dictatorship in North Korea, A State of Mind provides a rare peek into life in Pyongyang, the capital as well as the biggest city. The British director Daniel Gordon was able to follow the lives of two schoolgirls, both gymnasts, for months without restriction. The audience will be amazed by the highly disciplined mass game performance in this little known and seldom-visited communist country.
According to the Koryo Group, an independent travel company offering North Korean tours, “mass games can basically be described as a synchronized socialist-realist spectacular, featuring over 100,000 participants in a 90 minute display of gymnastics, dance, acrobatics, and dramatic performance, accompanied by music and other effects, all wrapped in a highly politicized package. Literally no other place on Earth has anything comparable and it has to be seen with your own two eyes to truly appreciate the scale on display.” The two schoolgirls, 11-year-old Kim Song Yun and 13-year-old Pak Hyon Sun are just a tiny component of the performance and they practice almost every day as part of their routine. The performances are dedicated to the great General Kim Jong Il and “should be staffed with people who are unfailingly loyal to the Party and the Leader and technically qualified,” as stated by the General.
By following the two families, the film also displays other scenes about this country, including the communist-centered education, frequent blackout or air-raid drills, and people’s miserable memories about the Korean War. Although the film claims to be the first one without censorship, life beyond Pyongyang is not covered.
The cinematography significantly stands out in this movie, especially the grandiose mass game scenes. While the subtitles in Korean and English are available, the narration plays an essential role helping viewers understand the history and the culture of the country. In addition, the DVD also comes with bonus features including a 20 minute interview with the director Daniel Gordon, CNN’s coverage and a stills gallery. A State of Mind is highly recommended for academic use as well as for an eye-opening experience.