Did you ever get intrested in what kind of movies are made in North Korea?
If yes, then I have an action-packed gem from an unlikely source to share with you today: the 1986 North Korean film Order No. 27.
This flick is guaranteed to blow your mind in more ways than one. Let’s dive in!
Patriotic Premise, Hollywood-Level Talent
On paper, the plot screams communist propaganda – a squad of elite North Korean soldiers is tasked with infiltrating and taking down the dastardly American military forces during the Korean War.
Cue maniacal laughter from the imperialist Yankee villains.
But get this – the creative team behind “Order No. 27″ is no joke.
The film was co-directed by two heavyweights – Jong Ki Mo and Merited Artist Kim Ung Sok.
Merited Artist is a major honor in North Korea’s artistic ranks, so you know Kim brought his A-game.
For the gorgeous cinematography, they enlisted Park Jin Bok, a renowned North Korean director of photography.
The dude made sure every single fight scene and pivotal dramatic moment looked crisp and beautifully framed on camera.
Then you’ve got the brilliant composer Hwang Jin Yong, who scored the film’s rousing main theme, “The Motherland Will Forever Remember.”
That militaristic anthem is bound to get your blood pumping.
Martial Arts Madness
While the directors, cinematographer, and composer lend the movie some serious pedigree, the real star is the non-stop barrage of martial arts action. I’m talking extended fight choreography that puts most Hong Kong kung-fu flicks to shame!
From underground lairs to speeding trains, our hero squad of North Korean fighters brings an onslaught of taekwondo skills against the evil American invaders. Kicks, punches, swords, and guerilla tactics galore!
At times it gets downright exaggerated - like the climactic scene of a soldier hijacking an airborne helicopter Jackie Chan-style. But you can’t help but get caught up in the adrenaline-fueled mayhem.
The stunts and fight sequences are so insanely well-choreographed and executed that big Hollywood directors could take some pointers. It’s a true showcase of North Korea’s highly-trained martial artists and stunt performers.
Patriotic Punches
Now, don’t get me wrong, “Order No. 27” has its fair share of overt nationalist messaging baked into the story.
Our hero squad’s motivation? Defend the sacred Korean “fatherland” against American imperialist aggression at all costs.
You’ve got the obligatory somber scenes mourning fallen comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice for the regime.
Rousing speeches galore about upholding revolutionary ideals and loyalty to the Supreme Leader’s vision.
Heck, the film even has a mole codenamed “Balaustine” working undercover to help the North Korean heroes locate the American enemy command.
Because apparently, no communist spy thriller is complete without a codename like “Balaustine.”
But here’s the thing – while the patriotic propaganda is ever-present, it gets vastly overshadowed by the sheer martial arts insanity unfolding from scene to scene.
The film’s entertainment value as a balls-to-the-wall action spectacle trumps any heavy-handed ideological messaging.
So Should You Watch It?
In a nutshell, “Order No. 27” may be overt propaganda on one level, but it’s also an utterly bonkers and highly entertaining martial arts tour de force from an unlikely source – North Korea’s state film industry.
The fight choreography alone makes this low-budget flick a must-see for fans of classic Hong Kong action cinema.
Sure, the commie patriotism laid on thick, but that’s half the fun! You’ll be too busy marveling at the intricate fight sequences to get too worked up.
For a wild tonal mashup of “Red Dawn” levels of American enemy villainy with “The Raid” caliber martial arts action, look no further than this lesser-known gem from the North Korean vaults. Just manage your expectations on the propaganda front and prepare to be blown away by the sheer kinetic madness.
Let me know in the comments if you plan to hunt this one down! Over and out, movie fanatics!
