Cert 15
96 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong references to violence and torture
It is fair to say that North Korea is the most mysterious country on earth and because of that it has become the subject of hundreds of fantasies, made up by its detractors.
Some of them, surrounding its military arsenal, have a frightening ring of truth - some, such as it being the law to have a haircut similar to its leader, stretch credibility.
Director Alvaro Longoria says that he has always had a fascination with the communist state and was desperate to explore the real North Korea.
The Propaganda Game is the result of a successful, if long-winded, application to be allowed into the country.
However, even though he was promised free reign to film whatever he wanted, he concedes that it was done under the constant observation of two guides.
The Propaganda Game does delve deeper into North Korea than any other movie I have seen and it has some surprises - for example, the flamboyant dresses of the women and the tourist attraction that the border with South Korea has become.
And then there is the Spaniard, Alejandro Cao de Benos, who has immersed himself so much in the culture than he now has a place in government.
Bizarrely, he does not appear to speak Korean and yet he is the official spokesman, bathing in the righteousness of North Korean communism.
Longoria's film includes contributions from many inside North Korea and some key speakers from outside, including defectors.
But those hoping to cut through propaganda will be disappointed - the more the film progresses the more distant the truth seems to become.
As said, it gives a small but approved insight and discounts some of the more outlandish claims about the country and the contributions from its citizens are interesting.
But one movie-maker was never going to be able to resolve a 62-year mystery in the space of a few weeks' filming.
Reasons to watch: unusual new footage inside North Korea
Reasons to avoid: doesn't come to any conclusions over the propaganda game
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 6/10
Star tweet
Just finished my q+a on The Propaganda Game in the fantastic London Picturehouse Central. Great questions and great reaction.