Michael Palin in North Korea

Bewilderingly there have been some pretty mediocre reviews of this mini series, with one suggesting Michael doesn't do enough to criticise the DPRK's poor record on human rights. In actual fact he asks some pretty probing and difficult questions, which leaves his minders squirming while still managing to remain very charming and non confrontational. Anyway, I didn't feel this programme needed to be about N Korea's political stance, brutalilty or isolation, but did well to connect with the country's people and gave me optimism that one day some reunification will be possible. An insight into a country that you won't find anywhere else- recommended viewing.

So you don't suppress critical thinking in the "west" and everyone is free huh? What happened to Assange then? The real critical thinking and free thinking is suppressed in the "free world" not in the same manner but as tyrannical. That's why this film doesn't understand the scale of the US wars has been damaging the world. Michael Palin is as brainwashed and unable to think and in NO moral high ground because he thinks he's from a so called free world. No obesity due to staying away from "American food industry" and people play together because they're not being constantly brainwashed by the global media on the phones. Total western brainwashed ignorance with patronising attitude.

Just recently watched this and normally love what Michael Palin does but his naivety about North Korea beggers belief . The state radio has to be on at all times and would have been broadcast he was coming . Michael don't bang on how happy the people look as it's all staged . Remember the harder people cry at state events the safer they will be . If you want to know more about the real North Korea then watch the many YouTube videos from people who have escaped the dictatorship .

I wasn't expecting much from this, having read and watched a lot about North Korea. I expected it to be pretty much a fluff piece. However, I was very surprised. Michael was very polite, but also managed to get across how contrived and manipulated everything was. He did a masterful job, conveying a lot through what he didn't say. Through careful questioning and observations, it was up to the viewer to read between the lines, even though at other times he was less subtle. I'd love to know what the people would say to him if they knew they could have complete anonymity.

Definitely worth watching if you are fascinated with this country. Not entirely unique, but an entertaining perspective.

Admittedly, I was locked in a hotel room during travel, but I have to say that I found this completely mesmerizing. Michael Palin's and innate intelligence and humanity shine through as he has some very in-depth conversations-especially with his two guides-about politics and the way the Korean people see their leaders. Plus the geography and cultural highlights were fabulous.