Hana, dul, sed ... ratings (Movie, 2009)

They lived for football and dreamed that one day the General would shake their hands. Hana, dul, sed ... gives us a subtle glimpse of the workings of Pyongyang society and the way ideology functions in its citizens' professional and personal lives. It is a film about four young women, their friendship, dreams, hopes, and the passion for football they share. Being a member of the national team is not only a way to make a living but gives the players prestige, popularity, and certain privileges, like larger food rations. To Ri Jong Hi, Ra Mi Ae, Jin Pyol Hi, and Ri Hyang Ok, however, the sport means more than fame or fortune. "What is beautiful about football," says one, "is that when you run onto the pitch, it's like your heart opens up wide, like you could take on the world." As "players of the people" they lead North Korea to victory in numerous tournaments, and together they rise to rank among the top ten women's teams in the world. But when they fail to qualify for the Olympics, it ...