Watch The Defector: Escape From North Korea

The Defector: Escape From North Korea is a 2012 South Korean drama film directed by Defector and starring Dragon, Sook-ja, and Yong-hee. The movie is based on the true story of a North Korean defector who struggles to escape the oppressive regime in search of a better life in South Korea. The film begins with the protagonist, Dragon, a talented musician, dreaming of a better life outside North Korea. He lives with his wife Sook-ja and daughter Yong-hee, but they are struggling to survive under the harsh conditions of the communist regime. Dragon is forced to perform propaganda music for the regime, but secretly harbors a desire to defect to the South.

After a daring escape across the border, Dragon and his family are faced with new challenges as they adjust to life in South Korea. They must navigate the language barrier, cultural differences, and discrimination from locals who view North Koreans with suspicion. Despite these obstacles, Dragon is determined to make a new life for his family and pursue his dream of playing music professionally. Through his perseverance and determination, he inspires those around him to embrace their own dreams and overcome their own obstacles.

As the story unfolds, we see the stark contrast between life in the totalitarian North and the democratic South. The North Koreans are kept in poverty and ignorance by the oppressive regime, while the South Koreans enjoy freedom and prosperity. The film does an excellent job of portraying the stark differences while also highlighting the humanity of both sides. We see the struggles of the North Koreans and the prejudice they face in the South, but we also see the hope and optimism that comes with freedom and the willingness of the South Koreans to reach out and help their less fortunate counterparts.

The performances in The Defector are exceptional, particularly from Dragon as the lead. He captures the desperation and determination of a man risking everything for the sake of his family and his own dreams. Sook-ja and Yong-hee also deliver strong performances, portraying the struggles and resilience of women in a patriarchal society.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, particularly the scenes set in North Korea. The muted tones and harsh lighting capture the bleakness and repression of life under the regime. In contrast, the colors are brighter and more vibrant in the South, reflecting the newfound freedom and hope that Dragon and his family experience.

Overall, The Defector: Escape From North Korea is a powerful and inspiring film that shines a light on the struggles of North Korean defectors and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Korean cinema or the ongoing humanitarian crisis in North Korea.

The Defector: Escape From North Korea is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.