A State of Mind: Critic Reviews

A State of Mind offers a rare and often chilling glimpse into the culture of North Korea.

It's a quietly wrenching eye-opener.

One leaves the film with the Twilight Zone sense that the place isn't quite the hellhole prior reports have suggested.

Not even the widest political chasms, Gordon finds, can eradicate the universal pleasure of a young girl's giggle.

Admirably non-judgmental docu about life in 'the least visited, known, understood country in the world,' per Brit director Daniel Gordon, brings a refreshing balance to the usual blind vilification of the country.

A nifty documentary by Brit Daniel Gordon, who directed, wrote and narrated.

This fascinating documentary details day-to-day life in the hard-line Communist state of North Korea.

A fresh, straightforward portrayal of what the film calls 'the least visible ... least known ... least understood ... country in the world.'

A North Korean version of films like "Hoop Dreams". Humanizes a people who are considered outside of humanity in the West.

Will raise many more questions about totalitarianism, and about the foreign policies of Western countries with regard to North Korea, than it ever answers.

a slanted view is better than none at all

Thrusts you into the near-hypnotic mentality of a 1984-ish place. But once you return to [your] society . . . [look again at] those darkly concealing words, "freedom" and "democracy."

State of Mind is an eye-opener.

A riveting BBC documentary that illuminates the character of that nation.

The film gives a rare glimpse into everyday life in the Far East-wing of the Axis of Evil.

It's so secretive, so insulated, that it's hard to imagine what life there is really like. That's what makes A State of Mind ... essential viewing.

The documentary about life in North Korea sets the story of two girls against the backdrop of a huge tribute to leader Kim Jong Il, and it's the backdrop that is more compelling.

Its mission is to foster understanding of a place and a people behind some politicians' 'axis of evil.' And it succeeds admirably.

Reading between the lines is recommended - and essential - during viewing.

Gordon gives an intimate, balanced account of how political power, famine, power shortages and a hatred of America have shaped their young lives.

The film is also admirably intimate, giving a human face to those living in a totalitarian society; their fears, joys, inspirations, and hopes.