Michael Palin in North Korea

Totally in agreement with the other comment here as to mesmerizing (particularly the baby doll traffic police). Michael Palin of Monty Python is the best on travel, his stuff is always top notch. He tries to take us to as many varied spots in Korea as an hour allows, and his selections seems spot on. One would assume his ability to travel in N Korea (with two escorts) and the leeway in his discussions with residents might be a further sign of N Korea's interest in joining the rest of humanity. This is a priceless and insightful travel work.

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.

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.

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 .