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North Korea's Secret Slaves: Dollar Heroes

North Korea's Secret Slaves: Dollar Heroes (2018)

Oct 27, 2018 52m Documentary Drama

Shrouded in secrecy and notoriously cash-strapped the North Korean regime has resorted to running one of the world's largest slaving operations - exploiting the profits to fulfil their own agenda. These bonded labourers can be found in Russia, China and dozens of other countries around the world including EU member states. Featuring undercover footage and powerful testimonials, we reveal the scale and brutality of the operation and ask what, if anything, is being done to stop it.

Directed by Carl Gierstorfer

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Carl Gierstorfer
  • Sebastian Weis
Producer
  • Tristan Chytroschek
  • Wonjung Bae

Reviews

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, North Korea's Secret Slaves: Dollar Heroes examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Carl Gierstorfer brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of North Korea's Secret Slaves: Dollar Heroes took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 52 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 88 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While North Korea's Secret Slaves: Dollar Heroes shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Breakpoint: A Counter History of Progress, which focuses more on action than character development, North Korea's Secret Slaves: Dollar Heroes subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like First They Killed My Father and Land Without Bread explore similar territory, North Korea's Secret Slaves: Dollar Heroes stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 27, 2018
  • Runtime: 52m
  • Budget: $300,000

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Breakpoint: A Counter History of Progress
First They Killed My Father
Land Without Bread
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