The Lovers and the Despot poster
FilmHistoryDocumentary

The Lovers and the Despot (2016)

NR · 2016-09-22 · 1h 38m · EN
69%
User score
24 votes
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They were kidnapped by their biggest fan

Hong Kong, 1978. South Korean actress Choi Eun-hee is kidnapped by North Korean operatives following orders from dictator Kim Jong-il. Her ex-husband, film director Shin Sang-ok, undertakes her search, but soon after he is kidnapped as well. In 1983, after living through years of tribulations, Kim Jong-il puts them in charge of the North Korean film industry in the hope of gaining international recognition.

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Jim HessionWriterRobert CannanDirector, WriterRoss AdamDirector, Writer

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Media

▶ Official Trailer 1

Top billed cast

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Paul Courtenay HyuPaul Courtenay HyuShin Sang-okYuna ShinYuna ShinChoi Eun-heeChoi Eun-heeChoi Eun-heeSelf - Actress / Various RolesMichael YiMichael YiSelf - US Intelligence OfficerShin Jeong-kyunShin Jeong-kyunSelf - Choi and Shin's SonShin Myung-yimShin Myung-yimSelf - Choi and Shin's DaughterChoi Kyung-okChoi Kyung-okSelf - Choi's BrotherIain T. A. HallIain T. A. HallSelf - RHK Police Inspector (1975-79)Pierre RissientPierre RissientSelf - Film CriticLee Jang-hoLee Jang-hoSelf - FilmmakerDavid StraubDavid StraubSelf - US SD Officer (1984-86)Jang Jin-sunJang Jin-sunSelf - Kim's Former Court Poet

Keywords

KidnappingEx-husband ex-wife relationship1970sHong kongMovie businessActressNorth koreaCinema on cinemaCommunismDictatorshipInter-korean relationsDocudramaPortrait of a filmmakerCommunist propaganda

Movie DNA

Genre affinityHistory · DocumentaryTheme affinityKidnapping · Ex Husband Ex Wife Relationship · 1970sDirector preference858749 · 858751Actor preference310507 · 536091 · 542647Country preferenceFrDecade preference2010

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Frequently asked questions about The Lovers and the Despot

What is The Lovers and the Despot about?

Hong Kong, 1978. South Korean actress Choi Eun-hee is kidnapped by North Korean operatives following orders from dictator Kim Jong-il. Her ex-husband, film director Shin Sang-ok, undertakes her search, but soon after he is kidnapped as well. In 1983, after living through years of tribulations, Kim Jong-il puts them in charge of the North Korean film industry in the hope of gaining international recognition.

How long is The Lovers and the Despot?

The Lovers and the Despot has a runtime of 98 minutes.

Where can I watch The Lovers and the Despot?

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