David Farnor | On 22, Sep 2016

The Lovers and the Despot will be available to watch online in the UK as well as in cinemas this weekend.

The documentary, directed by Robert Cannan and Ross Adam, premiered at Sundance earlier this year, where viewers were treated to one of the most bizarre true stories to be caught on camera.

The movie charts the story of suave film director Shin Sang-ok and glamorous actress Choi Eun-hee, who were the Brangelina of South Korea in the 1970s. Following the collapse of their marriage, the celebrity couple found themselves kidnapped by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il. Why? Because he was a huge fan of their films. Their way out of torture and imprisonment? Make moviess for him.

Over several years of captivity, they were forced to make films in the world’s most closed state, leading to a strange twist of film noir, showbiz and survival thriller.

The film hits UK cinemas on Friday 23rd September, courtesy of the lovely folk at Soda Pictures, but if you can’t find it on the big screen near you, it will be available on VOD on Saturday 24th September, with the movie available to purchase and stream from Sky Store, Amazon Instant Video, Virgin Movies, eir Vision Movies, BFI Player, Wuaki.tv and We Are Colony.

Here’s a trailer:

 

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