Category Archives: Kung Fu

Interview: Johannes Schönherr, North Korea cinema expert

Posted on July 7, 2012 by

Even a cursory google around the internet on the subject of North Korean cinema will lead you, quite rightly, in the direction of Johannes Schönherr. My first introduction to Schönherr came when I discovered that his memoir “Trashfilm Roadshow” contained within it a chapter … Continue reading →

Posted in Johannes Schönherr, Kim Il-Sung, Kim Jong-il, Kung Fu, Shin Sang-ok, Woman Warrior of Koryo | 3 Comments

Review: Pyongyang Nalpharam

Posted on January 3, 2012 by

Museum curator: “Our traditional martial art was established as Thaekkyon in Ri Dynasty through Koryo’s. Regionally its practitioners were nicknamed differently. Eg, Chaebi and Jebi…” Mr Ko: “… and those around Mount Taesong were called Pyongyang Nalpharam… “ I loved the feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Hong Kil Dong, Kung Fu, North Korea, North Korean Films, Review | 2 Comments

Review: Order No. 027

Posted on August 10, 2011 by

“Immoral is the life dedicated to the Great Leader and the Party” I have an overwhelming need for genre categorisation when watching films, and “Order No. 027” (1986) certainly left me scratching my head. Yes, it’s a war film set during the Korean … Continue reading →

Posted in Kung Fu, North Korea, North Korean Films, Review, Spy | Tagged | 5 Comments

Review: Hong Kil Dong

Posted on July 18, 2011 by

Although not directed by him, or made while he was still resident in the country, Hong Kil Dong (1986) bears all the hallmarks of a Shin Sang-ok production. By that I mean this film, unlike practically every North Korea film … Continue reading →

Posted in Hong Kil Dong, Kung Fu, Shin Sang-ok | 3 Comments