The Lovers and the Despot

Showings

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Fri, Sep 30, 2016 6:30 PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Sat, Oct 1, 2016 3:30 PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Sun, Oct 2, 2016 1:30 PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Sun, Oct 2, 2016 6:30 PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Mon, Oct 3, 2016 6:30 PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Tue, Oct 4, 2016 4:00 PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Tue, Oct 4, 2016 8:45 PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Wed, Oct 5, 2016 3:30 PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Thu, Oct 6, 2016 9:30 PM
Film Info
Runtime:94 min
Country Listing:UK
Copyright:2016
Rating:Not yet rated (STC)
Cast/Crew Info
Director(s):Ross Adam, Robert Cannan

Description

From the royal palace in Pyongyang comes a story so bizarre it could only be true. Acclaimed filmmaker Shin Sang-ok and glamorous actress Choi Eun-hee were the hottest couple of ‘70s South Korea—but only after their romance was over did their collaborations receive unlimited resources. The catch? Both were kidnapped by their biggest fan: North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il. Enduring torture and imprisonment, their love is rekindled and they realize escape is only possible through filmmaking. Incredible archival footage and clandestine audio recordings of Jong-il create a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into what happens when art, love and megalomania collide.

Co-presented by JAYU and Toronto Korean Film Festival.

Media Coverage

Additional Information