I Am Sun Mu

I Am Sun Mu is a thought-provoking and deeply engaging documentary from 2015 that touches on the themes of propaganda, political dissent, freedom of expression, and hovering death threats under a totalitarian regime. This intense narrative unfolds across the borders of two Korean states and China, as it combines the life story of a North Korean defector-turned-artist with a broader commentary on the geopolitical tensions of the day.

The film is directed by Adam Sjöberg and mainly features three main characters – North Korean defector and amateur artist Sun Mu, China-based Korean-Chinese Angela, and the defector artist's impressive and eccentric manager, Ho Bin along with a fellow defector friend Il Gon.

Sun Mu which stands for "The Absence of No Boundaries” in Korean, is the pseudonym adopted by the defector after his escape from North Korea. While living in the totalitarian realm, Sun Mu served as a prolific propagandist for Kim Il-song's regime and painted numerous works praising the dictatorial regime.

This documentary traces the journey of the artist formerly known as a state propagandist to being classified as an enemy of the Kim regime. Sun Mu decided to use his creative prowess to resist the regime he had once served, painting images that criticize and shed light on the oppressive North Korean government after escaping into the anonymity of China. His art imbued with satire becomes an amalgamation of hope and haunting memories of the homeland he had left behind.

I Am Sun Mu uncovers the story of this once state-affirmed artist who had to make a daunting decision to leave his homeland and family to escape persecution due to an innocent mistake. It reveals the struggles he faced during his transition to a new life while trying to preserve his morale and spirit.

Angela, another key figure in the narrative, is Sun Mu's art promoter. Angela helps arrange a landmark exhibition displaying Sun Mu's works in Beijing. This forms the backbone of the documentary as the narrative builds up to the exhibition, driving deeper into the nuances and behind-the-scenes tensions.

The film acutely presents the stark contrast between the freedom Sun Mu experiences in his new life and the censorship and control exerted by the North Korean regime. His poignant artwork, which combines elements of pop art with North Korean iconography, is a powerful expression of that clash.

Ho Bin, the manager, undeniably brings life to the documentary; his character brims with eccentric charm and his energy is vital in keeping the hope alive for the exhibition despite the numerous hurdles one may face under the authoritarian rule. The significant camaraderie and bonding between Sun Mu, Il Gon, and Ho Bin also elementally contributes to the structuring of the narrative.

I Am Sun Mu is a hauntingly insightful picture, exquisitely lensed and punctuated by moments of dark humor and profound humanity. The documentary often shimmers with sunlight piercing through dimly lit rooms and some fully-animated sequences – presumably used to protect Sun Mu's identity – lend the film a surreal quality, contrasting the gritty realism of his situation with the brightly colored unreality of his art.

It is a film that pushes boundaries and questions authority while cushioning its commentary in highly expressive art. As the narrative unfolds, the tension slowly builds, prepping the viewers for the much-awaited art exhibition and the dramatic events that follow.

In visual and narrative terms, I Am Sun Mu stylishly blends personal and political elements into a compelling statement on art, freedom, and defiance. It is not merely about Sun Mu as an artist but about the power of art – how one can redeem oneself and find purpose in life through art, despite being an outcast. Packed with tension and interspersed with Sun Mu's captivating art, I Am Sun Mu is a highly recommended watch for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, geopolitics, personal freedom, and the indomitable human spirit.