Under the Sun
A meticulously controlled portrait of a Pyongyang family becomes an unsettling study of propaganda, performance, and documentary truth.
Overview
A glimpse into the surreal life of a North Korean family amidst a backdrop of vibrant propaganda.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- unsettling
- surreal
- austere
- political film night
- documentary viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a powerful, visually striking exposure of North Korea's stage-managed public image and the mechanisms of propaganda.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Pyongyang family's activities are visibly managed by authorities, while the film's unapproved footage exposes the staging behind the approved image.
The colorful Spartakiad performances are set against pale, surreal scenes of everyday family life.
The family's ordinary routines and Zin-mi's preparation for the Spartakiad are shaped by North Korean propaganda and official supervision.
The production became controversial because North Korean authorities controlled filming and objected when unapproved footage was included.
Films like Under the Sun, and why
The Act of Killing
politically engaged documentary filmmaking exposing state-controlled narratives and institutional power
A State of Mind
observational documentary portrait shaped by authoritarian social systems and ethical questions about representation
The Look of Silence
documentary investigation of propaganda, constructed reality, and political image-making
Movie Details
- Director
- Vitaly Mansky
- Release Date
- 2015-10-30
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (132)
Cast
- Lee Zin-mi
- Yu-yong
- Hye-yong
- Oh-gyong
- Lim Soo-yong
- Choi Song-min
- Su-yong
- Kim Jong-un
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- MUBI, OVID, MUBI Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Under the Sun about?
- A meticulously controlled portrait of a Pyongyang family becomes an unsettling study of propaganda, performance, and documentary truth.
- What is Under the Sun like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Under the Sun as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Under the Sun violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Under the Sun.
- What did critics think of Under the Sun?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a powerful, visually striking exposure of North Korea's stage-managed public image and the mechanisms of propaganda.
- Which films are like Under the Sun?
- Films with a similar feel include The Act of Killing, A State of Mind, and The Look of Silence.
- How long is Under the Sun?
- Under the Sun runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch Under the Sun?
- In United States, Under the Sun streams on MUBI, OVID, MUBI Amazon Channel.
