The Red Chapel 2010 ★★★★

Watched Oct 08, 2011

So what happens when a Danish comic brings two Danish-Korean comedians (one of whom is handicapped, a self-described "spastic") into North Korea to perform a comedy show? A hilarious documentary for one and an amazing look at life behind the curtain in NK for two.

As the three guys attempt to practice their comedy show (it's not really a serious comedy show, more of a ridiculous farce) it is slowly taken over by the North Korean director that is on hand to keep them in check, stopping the handicapped comedian from walking or talking and even injecting political propaganda into the show. Their guide, who sticks to them like glue throughout the entire process, is insanely dedicated to the North Korean leader(s) and she ends up almost smothering Jacob, the handicapped comedian, which makes for many funny and awkward moments. They also end up in this anti-American march, where the North Koreans spew propaganda about the Korean war and how evil the US is. Fascinating and very funny.

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