5 reviews
Stunning, Unique Perspective
This is not what you think a documentary about North Korea Looks like. The cinematic visuals and striking proximity to the subjects allow for a sympathetic and sincere story to unfold as told by the players. The interviews are conducted in the native tongue of the players, allowing for an openness and rawness that you've never seen from a story told in this isolated country.
Captivating and unflinching.
I would know a thing or two about making a hockey movie with a socio-political context; and this film is a wonderful breath of fresh air, a true break from the usual coming of age and declension narratives we often see in boring and dimly lit sports films. I think that the thing I respond to the most in this piece is its unflinching portrait of the North Korean everymen who, despite losing game after game, never cease believing in one another. No script could possibly disclose the emotional gravitas captured by Edwards' uncompromising and verité gaze.
- wayne-68-88846
- Sep 14, 2020
- Permalink
The honesty of story telling
Films about North Korea are rare. Edwards' Closing the Gap is even rarer. Edwards shows us, for a change, the real lives of humans in Pyongyang who, like any of us, dream of stardom and recognition. Hence the film tells a familiar story of humbleness, hard work, and dedication to a familiar sport. Here, the DPRK men's hockey team demonstrates the most human of virtues: courage, ambition, and sincerity. The team keeps its eye on the prize despite all odds and set backs. I think this is something we can all relate to.
Edwards' style is one of nearness: the closer we get to the players and their sport, the clearer we can see the human bond between them. This is achieved through Edwards' ability to listen his hosts without any preconceived notions of who they are. This shows Edwards' documentarian skill at its finest: his honest approach is mirrored by an honest story that speaks for itself.
Edwards' style is one of nearness: the closer we get to the players and their sport, the clearer we can see the human bond between them. This is achieved through Edwards' ability to listen his hosts without any preconceived notions of who they are. This shows Edwards' documentarian skill at its finest: his honest approach is mirrored by an honest story that speaks for itself.
Super interesting watch for any hockey fun
"Closing the Gap: Hockey in North Korea" is a fascinating documentary that takes viewers on an unexpected journey into the little-known world of ice hockey in North Korea. The film provides a rare glimpse into the lives of North Korean athletes and the challenges they face in a country known more for its political isolation than for its sports.
The documentary excels in its ability to humanize the players, showing their passion for the game despite the limitations of their environment. The filmmakers capture the stark contrasts between North Korea's rigid society and the freedom that hockey seems to offer these athletes. The cinematography is impressive, with sweeping shots of the ice rinks juxtaposed against the austere North Korean landscape, adding a poignant visual layer to the narrative.
However, the film falls short in some areas. While it does an admirable job of presenting the athletes' stories, it occasionally feels repetitive, and some sections could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter pace. Additionally, the documentary raises many intriguing questions about the intersection of sports and politics in North Korea but doesn't always delve deeply enough into these issues, leaving viewers wanting more analysis and context.
Despite these minor shortcomings, "Closing the Gap: Hockey in North Korea" is a compelling watch for those interested in sports, international relations, or simply curious about life in one of the world's most secretive nations. It offers a unique perspective on how even in the most unexpected places, the love for a sport can transcend borders and political barriers.
The documentary excels in its ability to humanize the players, showing their passion for the game despite the limitations of their environment. The filmmakers capture the stark contrasts between North Korea's rigid society and the freedom that hockey seems to offer these athletes. The cinematography is impressive, with sweeping shots of the ice rinks juxtaposed against the austere North Korean landscape, adding a poignant visual layer to the narrative.
However, the film falls short in some areas. While it does an admirable job of presenting the athletes' stories, it occasionally feels repetitive, and some sections could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter pace. Additionally, the documentary raises many intriguing questions about the intersection of sports and politics in North Korea but doesn't always delve deeply enough into these issues, leaving viewers wanting more analysis and context.
Despite these minor shortcomings, "Closing the Gap: Hockey in North Korea" is a compelling watch for those interested in sports, international relations, or simply curious about life in one of the world's most secretive nations. It offers a unique perspective on how even in the most unexpected places, the love for a sport can transcend borders and political barriers.
- Bmore-Hero
- Aug 31, 2024
- Permalink
10/10 - Stunning & Poetic Imagery Met With A Very Insightful To A Country We Don't Know Much About
I had the pleasure of watching this film at the Whistler Film Festival back in the winter. This film is very touching as it provides an insight into the lives of North Korea. The cinematography is very stunning and the overall build of the film is very sublime. Yes it is about hockey but the film is about something much more than that. If you are not only a lover of hockey but foreign documentaries you should consider watching this film. Director Nigel Edwards pulls out all the stops for this one. Check it out!
- theodore-v-s-edwards
- Sep 4, 2020
- Permalink