★★★★☆
The horror show of North Korean existence is the subject of this astonishing documentary about, says the title card, “people attempting to escape from one of the most dangerous countries on earth”. It’s not hyperbole. Smuggled footage from surviving defectors depicts a state of total oppression, where regular public executions play a pivotal role in thought control.
Trying to flee from this dystopia are the film’s star subjects, the Roh family, consisting of mother, father, two daughters and 80-year-old granny (the Hollywood version is surely on the way). Guided by the Christian pastor and defection expert Kim Sung-eun, our heroes begin a covert long-haul odyssey to Thailand, travelling from the North Korean border via China, Vietnam and Laos — three communist regimes that would gladly send the Rohs back “home” to a waiting gulag.
It’s almost indecently gripping, filmed as it happens and assembled by the director Madeleine Gavin with a consummate sense of structural rhythm and emotional power. A standout.
15, 116min
In cinemas
Two-for-one cinema tickets at Everyman
Make Wednesday your go-to cinema day. Each month Times+ members can bring a friend for free at Everyman on a Wednesday. The perfect cinema experience with plush sofas, a full bar and great food. Visit mytimesplus.co.uk to find out more.
Follow @timesculture to read the latest reviews
