Playing on the drum—missing ducks, duck weeding—communism. I've seen more than ten films from North Korea. In these films, the words socialism, communism, party were not uttered. Usually you can hear: “work for the good of his people” and “help the Great Commander”, although in this film the commander is called the leader.
This film is about life in the village. The village is technically and culturally behind the city. The villagers consider the villagers backward and call them “villages”. Residents of the village, in turn, consider the inhabitants of the city arrogant.
On such contradictions, the relationship of the fashion designer Ri-hyan and the peasant Son-shik is formed. Ri-hyang told her friend that she likes ambitious people who set goals and are respected by people. If she meets such a person, she will devote herself to him.
A sleeper who does nothing but train the ducks to the drum and play the flute to enhance duck culture. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot, he did another chemical experiment, though unsuccessful, this man draws the attention of Ri-hyang. He is not going to move to the city. Poor Ri-hyang! Why do you need this circus?
Of course, people are needed in the countryside, but can agitation be made more realistic? Well, there were beautiful shots with ripe apples and apricots on the trees, there were peasants who work and sing, but this is somehow not enough.
Sleeper wants to raise unprecedented harvests, but how to raise crops by playing the flute and knocking on the drum?
The Sleeper himself is a very incomprehensible character. Does he like Ri-hyang? If so, what did you do?
It is worth noting beautiful cheerful songs. But that's it. In my opinion, this is not the best film of the DPRK.