Michael Palin is best known for his iconic roles in iconic comedies such as Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Ripping Yarns and many other movies and television shows. In 2004 he embarked on his first travel series, Around the World in 80 Days and since that trip, he has gone on several more, including journeying to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, commonly known as North Korea. During his two-week trip to North Korea, Palin documented and filmed his journey and the result is an eye-opening and fascinating look at life in the secretive state.
If you’re wondering where to watch Michael Palin’s North Korean adventure, you can find it airing on various television and streaming networks around the world. Some networks are airing the series as part of their regular programming, while others have made it available on-demand for those who wish to watch it at their leisure. You can also stream the series online or purchase a DVD or Blu-ray copy if you prefer.
The series itself is interesting because it provides an insight into a country that is often described as ‘closed off’ and ‘isolated from the rest of the world’. Michael Palin has a way of finding humor and joy in his travels, and that is certainly true for this series as well. He manages to bring out the best in the people he meets, finds a way to connect to them and gives viewers an understanding of the beauty of life in North Korea, as well as its terrifying aspects. His exploration sheds light on the culture, cuisine and history of the country in a respectful way that makes it accessible to viewers.
The series also delves into some political issues while still managing to remain unbiased. Michael Palin’s experience gives him a unique insight into North Korea, and the series is sure to delight viewers who want a more in-depth understanding of the country. By avoiding many of the sensationalist stereotypes associated with North Korea, Michael Palin helps to paint a more nuanced picture of the country and its people.
If you’re looking for an honest and engaging look into life in North Korea, then you should definitely be keeping an eye out for Michael Palin’s series. It’s sure to fascinate and inform viewers in equal measure, and could even challenge some of the preconceived notions you may have about the country.
Explore North Korea’s History
As Michael Palin travels around North Korea, he dives into the history of the nation. Starting with the country’s dynastic rulers and the Korean War, he visits important historic sites and speaks to North Korean residents about how their lives have been affected by the past. Having a professional historian accompany him on his travels allows viewers to gain a more in-depth understanding of North Korea’s tumultuous history.
Michael Palin’s journey also helps to uncover the nuances of the country. He speaks to locals about their daily lives, their struggles and joys, and manages to capture the spirit of the people. He also explores some of the lesser-known tourist attractions, such as the Mass Games, which were used as a form of propaganda by the state. It’s a fascinating look at the people of North Korea and the country as a whole.
The series also offers an insight into the government’s control over its citizens, as well as its secretive nuclear program. Michael Palin doesn’t shy away from difficult topics and manages to find ways to ask tough questions while still remaining respectful to those he meets. It’s an important reminder that North Korea is a real place with real people, and not simply a caricature filled with villains and monsters.
Symbolic Sites
Throughout the series, Michael Palin visits various symbolic sites of the North Korean regime, such as statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the mausoleum where the former leaders are enshrined, and the iconic Arirang mass games. These sites provide viewers with a sense of the importance that the North Korean government places on internal propaganda and the reverence that is given to the country’s leaders.
Palin also visits various tourist sites, such as the Land of the Tigers and the the Diamond Mountain Resort. These trips give viewers a glimpse into the rigid control that the government has over its citizens, as evidenced by the lack of freedom of movement and expression. However, they also show that these sites are not simply imposed on the people, as many of them are visited due to their cultural significance, as well as their appeal to tourists.
This combination of historic sites and tourist areas gives viewers a unique perspective on North Korea and its residents. As viewers watch Michael Palin explore the country, they come away with a more objective and compassionate view of the country and its people.
Conclusion
Overall, Michael Palin’s journey to North Korea has been a resounding success. It has given viewers an insight into the country’s turbulent history and everyday life, as well as providing an education in North Korean politics and culture. If you’re looking for an informative, entertaining and intelligent series about North Korea, then you should definitely keep your eyes peeled for Michael Palin’s journey to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Meeting the Locals
Throughout his journey, Michael Palin is provided the rare opportunity to meet and interact with ordinary North Koreans, a rarity even among foreign journalists. During his stay, he attends a wedding reception, goes to a tea house and even discovers a punk rock band. These interactions provide a unique insight into North Korean culture that is rarely seen on Western television.
By engaging with North Koreans in a way that puts them at ease, Michael Palin reveals just how friendly and warm the people of North Korea can be. He also discovers that North Koreans are very much aware of life in other countries, despite the government’s efforts to the contrary. It’s an eye-opening exploration of citizen life in the country.
Michael Palin’s conversations with the locals also help to dispel some of the negative stereotypes about North Koreans in the West. By showing that the people in North Korea are no different from people elsewhere, he helps to humanize them and to deliver an important lesson about the importance of understanding and acceptance.
State Officials
During his travels, Michael Palin is also given the opportunity to meet with a number of high-ranking North Korean officials. Through his conversations with them, viewers are able to gain an important understanding of the country’s perspective and its position in the world.
These meetings give Michael Palin the chance to ask questions about North Korean politics and to challenge some of the accepted assumptions about the country. It’s an important reminder that North Korea is far more complex than its image in the Western media portrays it to be, and that the government’s decision-making processes need to be understood in their proper context.
The interviews with government officials also help to illustrate how their relationship with the West affects their decisions, and how the two sides can come to a mutual understanding. Michael Palin’s conversations with them encourage viewers to think more critically about their own views on North Korea.
North Korean Cuisine
As Michael Palin meets with locals and travels around North Korea, he also gets to experience another essential aspect of North Korean life – the food. Throughout the series, he samples some of the country’s unique cuisines. He tries dishes such as Pyongyang Cold Noodles and dishes made of ribs, mushrooms and sea cucumbers.
By experiencing the country’s food, Michael Palin is able to offer viewers a more intimate look into North Korea. He also shows that despite the difficulties in the country, there is still a vibrant culture and cuisine that the people are proud of. It’s an important reminder that North Korea is still a place where people can experience joy, even in difficult circumstances.
The food also provides viewers with a glimpse into North Korea’s various regions. While Pyongyang is presented as the ‘ideal city’, viewers also get to experience the food from the countryside, showing that the country is far more diverse than its portrayal in the Western media.
North Korean Technology
Throughout his travels, Michael Palin is granted access to the technology that North Koreans use in their everyday lives. From North Korean versions of apps such as Google Maps and Skype, to learning how to use the North Korean version of the internet, viewers are given an insight into the technologies available to people living in North Korea.
By exploring the technology available to citizens in North Korea, Michael Palin is able to debunk some of the myths surrounding the country, particularly regarding its levels of development. He reveals that North Koreans are not as disconnected from the world as they are often portrayed to be, but instead are able to keep up with international trends, at least to some extent.
Michael Palin’s exploration of North Korean technology also reveals the enforcement and control that the state exercises over its citizens. He discovers the ‘Kwangmyong’ network, which is the North Korean version of the internet, and how it is heavily censored and monitored by the government. It’s a fascinating look at the power of technology and its implications for privacy, censorship and control.
