"Dear Leader" by Jang Jin-Sung (2014)

Through his writing and poetry, Jang Jin-Sung became a member of the inner member of the Korean leader Kim Jong-il. The author explains the role he played in the constant program of propaganda that has come to define North Korea; where it is not legal to write anything unless it is state sanctioned. That includes diaries and even something as innocuous as this blog.

Writing is controlled by a central agency which assigns the subjects to be written about. Mr. Jin-Sung was good at his craft and reaped much reward for his efforts, believing that he was a perfect example of the promise of a "perfect" system of government. After all, this is what he had been told and all he had ever seen.

The author explains why poetry is often the preferred way of distributing the party line; a la Mao’s “Little Red Book.” The simple answer is economic; as there is not enough paper and ink. It is also cultural in that it is so much easier to present a bad argument as art rather than simply try and impose a new set of rules. When people think that what they are doing has cultural merit they seem to go along easier. Think of the Jews and the calming effect which classical music had upon them as they were herded into the gas chambers.

His life at the top in one of the world’s most secretive nations; as well as his subsequent decision to escape; will have you turning the next page, all the while thinking “I’ll read just one more…” A trip outside of Pyongyang opens his eyes to the truth about the leader he is serving, triggering a crisis of conscious which affects him to such a degree that he is moved to plan his escape.

But how do you escape such a repressive regime? Where do you turn to find the kindred spirits to assist you when everyone is too afraid to speak openly? And, lastly, how do you get the money and food to travel? These are the most fascinating elements of the book. The human spirit is something which lives on within even the most repressive of situations. The stories of the Holocaust and the small acts of kindness; even in the midst of genocide; inform who we really are inside. And the author has to rely on that unique trait being present in his countrymen as he makes good on his plans.

While it is true that his past life as a propaganda artist may leave you feeling a bit unsympathetic towards Mr. Jin-Sung, in some respects I could not help recall the plight of the “wikileaks” guy, Assange; as well as the NSA whistle blower Anthony Snowden. In spite of the differences in their professions, the status of the 3 men as traitors versus heroes all depends upon which side of the divide you happen to be standing. This is a very informative book. 

"You Nazty Spy" with The Three Stooges (1940)

Charlie Chaplin always gets the credit for satirizing Adolph Hitler in his film “The Great Dictator”, particularly the scene in which he does a ballet with a globe. We were on the verge of war with Germany when his film was released, but before the war even began, there were others who saw the insanity unfolding in Europe, and lampooned it for what it represented. There were very few who were willing to tackle the “elephant in the room” before the war began. Even the Marx Brothers; who were Jewish; didn’t tackle Hitler with “Duck Soup” until after the war began. No one did; except for the Three Stooges.

In this, one of the most outrageously funny anti-Nazi films, the 3 Stooges, who; just like the Marx Brothers, were Jewish; fight the battle for freedom with one of the best weapons known to mankind; ridicule. When seen in the light of humor, all bullies look small and foolish. When the spotlight of humanity is cast upon them, they shrink from the large ogres which they would have us believe them to be, becoming objects of mirth instead.

This is great political satire from the legendary Kings of Slapstick.

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New York City Police Officer Helps Homeless Man

Any words here would be superfluous.

"Pinochet's Last Stand" with Derek Jacobi and Peter Capaldi

The drama of the attempt to extradite former General Pinochet from England to Spain to face trial is a well known story. But the behind the scenes manuevering that took place to cheat Justice is not often understood. That's what makes this film so powerful. It underscores the vulnerability of the Rights of Individuals against tyranny. But at the same time it sets the stage for future accountability.

Between 1973 and 1990, General Pinochet had authorized the kidnapping, rape, torture and murder of tens of thousands of people, some of whom were not Chilean citizens. In 1998 the General visited Britain for a medical procedure under the assumed protection of ally Margaret Thatcher. At the same time a Chilean activists group, operating with Amnesty International and other groups, were jointly able to bring the General to trial under the Extradition Laws between Spain and Great Britain. The General was placed under arrest immediately after coming out of surgery. He would spend the next 500 days under house arrest fighting the Extradition. Eventually he would prevail and be sent home to Chile.

During the time of the General's house arrest a massive publicity campaign is mounted by the relatives and friends of his victims. At the same time another movement launched by his longtime ally, Margaret Thatcher, takes hold. While one movement calls for his release, the other demands his Extradition. That the pro- Pinochet demonstrations were masterminded by Magaret Thatcher, a "self proclaimed" supporter of Human Rights, is very telling.

The script has some added characters who never existed, and some of the details have been changed around to suit the story, but the message is loud and clear. The world is not willing to tolerate dictators anymore. International Law exists and can be enforced. In the end, due to a loophole in the law concerning the dates in which the crimes were committed, justice was denied, but the real lesson is that justice was heard, and that bell cannot be unrung.

Tightly directed and engrossing with very commendable performances by all, this docu-drama was first aired on HBO in 2008. That's only two years ago, so I must be catching up!