National Geographic has released the first five minutes of its upcoming docuseries, “Inside North Korea’s Dynasty,” exclusively to TheWrap. The four-part series aims to penetrate the secretive communist regime by taking a look at its ruling family.
From 72 Films, the series will examine the Kim family, the communist dynasty which has ruled North Korea for the last three three generations, by using expert insight, first-hand testimony and archival footage. Kim Jong Un’s unlikely pal Dennis Rodman will also make an appearance.
The series will span multiple decades, beginning with the rise and rule of the country’s founder, Kim Il Sun, through his son, Kim Jong Il, and his grandson and the current leader, Kim Jong Un.
According to the network, the series “provides a look at the Kim dynasty more complex and comprehensive than ever attempted before, revealing the workings behind the formidable family dynamics at the heart of an extraordinary country.”
“National Geographic was clear from the start — they wanted a definitive documentary on the Kim dynasty, unlike anything produced before,” said 72 Films. “We immersed ourselves in this project for a year, looking through archives that have not been viewed in decades and interviewing almost 50 people with perspectives that could shed light on this dynasty. Going in via the family was a fresh way to unlock North Korea. All three leaders are fascinating in their own right. They have all chosen to use their extraordinary power in different ways. The result is a film that is as unique in scope and depth as it is in insight and relevance.”
“Inside North Korea’s Dynasty” will premiere across two consecutive Sunday nights, beginning Nov. 11 at 9 p.m. See detailed descriptions of each episode below.
“Kingdom of the Kims” Premieres Sunday, Nov. 11, at 9/8c
For decades, Korea and its people labored under Japanese imperialist rule. But in 1912, in a small town outside Pyongyang, a child is born — Kim Il Sung, coinciding with an omen of imperialism’s doom. This is the story of how an unknown guerrilla fighter rises to power, takes complete control of his country and makes himself a god in the eyes of his people. Recounted through firsthand testimony and expertly curated archive, “Kingdom of the Kims” explores Sung’s early days in power, how he starts the Korean War, establishes gulags for anyone who could be “hostile”, tries to assassinate the President of South Korea, and plays a dangerous game of brinksmanship with the United States, including capturing a U.S. Navy ship – the USS Pueblo – taking American sailors prisoner, and the infamous tree-cutting axe murders in the Demilitarized Zone.
“The Son of God” Premieres Sunday, Nov. 11, at 10/9c
Unpacking the unique Kim father-son relationship further, “The Son of God” tracks the decline of Kim Il Sung and the rise of his son, Kim Jong Il. Jong is an unlikely successor to his father. He is not a military man — he is obsessed with cinema, particularly James Bond films. “The Son of God” tells the story of how he uses filmmaking and propaganda to win his father’s approval — and power. Not only did Jong love James Bond films, but the films influenced his behavior in trying to imitate a real-life Bond villain. Beginning in the 1970s, this film explores Jong’s rise to power as the heir apparent of North Korea, delving into such pivotal incidents as the kidnapping of filmmakers Choi Eun Hee and Shin Sang Ok; the attempted assassination of the president of South Korea; and the terror campaign waged by North Korea, such as the Korean Airline bombing by Kim Hyon Hui, in the buildup to the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
“Nuclear Family” Premieres Sunday, Nov. 18, at 9/8c
“Nuclear Family” begins as the Cold War ends — and North Korea has lost Soviet patronage, and with it, the security it guarantees and the economic support that has sustained the country for nearly half a century. As Kim Jong Il takes complete control of the country, he also starts a nuclear weapons program. With the country’s economy failing, his government makes counterfeit $100 bills, and sets up factories making crystal meth and other narcotics. He also employs a private sushi chef, and hosts lavish banquets and parties while the country continues to struggle economically — all while at the same time negotiating with the United States.
“Rocket Man” Premieres Sunday, Nov. 18, at 10/9c
The final episode starts with the death of Kim Jong Il and the rise of the new leader of North Korea — his son, Kim Jong Un, taking power at the age of 28. Using exclusive interviews, firsthand testimony and expertly curated archive, “Rocket Man” charts Un’s reign from 2011 to present day; delves into how Un consolidated power, by killing his uncle and his half-brother; examines the incredible story of his unexpected friendship with basketball star Dennis Rodman; retells his announcing that he has nuclear weapons that can reach the United States; and breaks down the historic 2018 summit with US President Trump.
Jim Carrey Depicts a Destructive Trump Presidency in 50 of His Politically Charged Artworks (Photos)
Jim Carrey has made his disdain for the current state of politics an artform... literally. The Oscar-nominated actor-turned-artist's series of drawings depict all that he believes to be wrong in D.C., with his biggest gripe going right to the top with President Trump himself. Here are just a few of his many objets d'art that lay out his discontent for all to see.
Sept. 29, 2020 •
"Trump’s allegiances couldn’t have been any clearer in that debate if his hair were on fire - and it was. #BidenHarris #TeamHuman #GoliathWillFall"
Sept. 19, 2020 •
"#BidenHarris." In Carrey's artwork, the “Fat Man” and “Little Boy” tags refer to the codenames of the two nuclear bombs detonated over Japan in 1945, when 192,020 people were killed by the U.S.
Sept. 9, 2020 •
Originally posted on Aug. 23 with the death toll from COVID-19 listed at 180,000 "and counting," Carrey updated it on Sept. 9 with the caption, "191,000 deaths - conservatively. Neutered CDC now suppressing numbers for Trump. Woodward recording proves he knew it was deadly back in February!" For effect, he added a recording of Trump obtained by journalist Bob Woodward in which the president admitted knowing how deadly the coronavirus was.
Sept. 8, 2020 •
"#BidenHarris"
June 25, 2020 •
"Trump 2020. Reckless Endangerment Tour"
June 17, 2020 •
"Can't stop tweeting," Carrey says breathless, imitating the POTUS as the caricature's head spins violently. "Need to sleep. Tweets a cry for help. Please, someone test my pee!"
May 14, 2020 •
"When America needed masks Fox 'News' gave them blindfolds"
May 11, 2020 •
"Grim Reaper officially jealous of Trump and GOP's ability to double the death toll"
April 29, 2020 •
"Trump’s next medical breakthrough: 'Want COVID out? SHOUT IT OUT!'"
March 26, 2020 •
"Trump is willing to risk countless lives to save his economic record. He has fully become the mayor from Jaws."
March 24, 2020 •
"As cases of COVID-19 double every three days in NYC, the President reassures Wall Street that he can handle the important tissues."
Dec. 22, 2019
Dec. 18, 2019 •
"That night, Donald had a very strange dream."
Dec. 4, 2019 •
"Like Captain Ahab, obsessed by a white whale of earthly dominance, Trump beckons all those who enable his madness to their doom. Will we awaken to the truth or ignore our own senses and blindly follow a maniac into the abyss? Me? 'They call me Ishmael!'"
Nov. 21, 2019 •
"His reign will soon be over. Woe to the loyal subjects of this counterfeit king."
Nov. 11, 2019 •
"Hope you had a great Veterans’ Day! I pray in the future that our soldiers will have a real leader, not a coward or a lying thieving draft dodging pirate with tiny man parts [ALLEGEDLY]! But hey, maybe next year - if justice prevails."
Nov. 9, 2019
Sept. 27, 2019 •
“Rise up! Rise up armies of darkness! Bring me the whistleblowers, that I might suck the marrow from their bones and build my border wall with their traitorous skulls!!! If you wanna call that witness intimidation, fine.”
Sept. 26, 2019 •
"Yippie-ki-yay MF!"
Sept. 13, 2019 •
"Hey, Nancy Pelosi: There’s something on the wing! Some THING! You may wanna grit your teeth and cross your fingers while this gremlin rips the engines apart - but the rest of us want to live. START THE HEARINGS! IMPEACH THIS ANIMAL!!"
Sept. 11, 2019 •
"Who will be the new National Security Advisor? Will it be The Hamburglar, or is he better suited to take on climate change? When it comes to horrible options, Trump’s bench runs deep. BTW you’re paying for the burgers."
Sept. 3, 2019 •
"United Sadists of America."
June 30, 2019 •
"Guilty Loser Donald Trump isn’t rich. Being heartless, untrustworthy and made of dirty money is the worst kind of poverty there is. So cast your vote like you’re worth something and let the angels dispose of this waste."
April 24, 2019 •
"Let’s all drink a toast to the new king of lies, and the minions who help him while democracy dies, and our kids who’ll be taught that the wicked are wise because Potus was Jack from ‘Lord of The Flies’. How much poison are you willing to swallow?!"
April 18, 2019 •
"It's not illegal for Trump’s head to spin around while he vomits copious amounts of green bile either, but he’s definitely not fit to be President, he’s definitely not exonerated and Barr definitely couldn’t go any lower."
March 17, 2019 • "Innocent people are now being slaughtered, families ruined and childrens' lives destroyed. All in his name. If the Craven Republican Senate allows this vile miscreant to continue encouraging devisiveness, the 'Trump Presidency' will become an EXTINCTION LEVEL EVENT."
Feb, 27, 2019 • "If Trump makes a nuclear deal w/ North Korea, it's a FRAUD: China and Russia trying to keep their Prize Pony in the White House. When there's a Nobel Prize for cowardice and moral desolation Trump will be the first to receive it."
Jan. 30, 2019 •
"The New American Dream! Get rid of this filth and bring our blue skies back."
Jan. 10, 2019 •
"34 journalists were murdered last year because tyrants like Trump demonized them for doing their jobs. Maybe this year he'll get a new bone saw for his bday from his pal, the Saudi Slayer, and they can chop up the next body together. That's what 'fiends' are for!"
Jan. 8, 2019 •
"When Trump tries to frighten and decieve the nation tonight, remember to follow every sentence that comes out of his mouth with, "HE LIED!" (7000 + so far) Don't let him turn you into a clown, too busy juggling his lies to see the edge of the cliff."
Dec. 21, 2018 •
"WE'RE LOSING HER!"
Dec. 2, 2018 •
"Ain't nuthin but a G-20 thing, baaaabay!"
Nov. 15, 2018 •
"As the California death toll rises our Sadist-in-Chief is spending $220 million to send troops to the border for nothing. That’s one way to get rid of Democrats. This is no longer politics. This is manslaughter."
Nov. 11, 2018 •
"Guess who cut the funding for fire management in California then blamed the fires on mismanagement? How do YOU spell infantile?!"
Nov. 6, 2018 •
"Shameless lies. Endless indictments. The rise of racist hate groups. Kidnapped children. Contempt for rule of law - and quite possibly TREASON. Let's end this ill-wind that's blowing America off-balance and turning us against each other. VOTE DEMOCRAT!"
Oct. 30, 2018 •
"The GOP are now completely invested in Trump's economy of LIES. They say they're gonna give you HEALTHCARE while working to destroy it. They make up lies about refugees while KIDNAPPING INNOCENT CHILDREN! Vote Democrat. Help save the future. DON'T FOLLOW THE RED HAT TO HELL!"
Oct. 12, 2018 •
"From the bowels of the White House he shrieked, hurled curses and tweeted bile -- because that's what demons do. YOU are the Exorcist. Vote Democrat for goodness' sake."
Sept. 25, 2018 •
"The monster is out of control. Vote for your lives!"
Sept. 2, 2018 •
"Donald Trump is now inciting civil unrest at his rallies, threatening the safety of our citizens. A real President doesn’t do this. A real congress won’t allow him to."
Aug. 21, 2018 •
"Manafort, GUILTY! Cohen, GUILTY! Flynn, Guilty! Gates, Guilty! What's happening to All the Best People? 'Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of all ages! Can the Great Spewdini spew enough lies to escape the straight-jacket of his un-Presidented criminality?'"
Aug. 18, 2018 •
"Down and down they went. Lower than any administration in history. Arthritic knees creaking and burning, Giuliani's hammy thighs chafing in the wet heat of his Master's crypt. It seemed like the bottom was nowhere in sight."
Aug. 17, 2018 •
"40 innocent children killed on a bus in Yemen. Our ally. Our missile. Our crime."
July 30, 2018 •
"Sorry, family farmers. You picked the wrong guy to protect you."
June 24, 2018 •
"Christianity, Trump style: 'Jesus was a loser. A failed carpenter. He's a savior because he was crucified. I like people that weren't crucified.' vote.gov"
June 19, 2018 •
"'If the Democrats would just stop the Mueller investigation, build a wall, declare me a God and pass a special law allowing me to marry my hot daughter I wouldn't have to devour these immigrant babies. It's terrible what they're doing. Obstructionists!'"
June 11, 2018 •
"Let's Make A Deal: You'll be a real world leader. I'll sway the midterm elections. And together we will save the world from the bloodthirsty Canadians."
May 27, 2018 •
"1500 innocent children ripped from their mothers' arms at our border. Lost in Trump's "system". Give us your tired, your poor, your huddle masses yearning to breathe free -- and we will torture them for wanting a better life. From Shining City to Evil Empire in under 500 days."
April 10, 2018 •
"If you’re screwed and you don’t know where to go to why don’t you bomb where Assad sits PUTIN ON THE RITZ."
March 23, 2018 •
"Fifty Shades of Decay"
Jan. 24, 2018 •
"11 school shootings in 24 days. The new Norm!"
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Actor throws political punches at the president regarding gun violence, immigration, Putin and the state of the country
Jim Carrey has made his disdain for the current state of politics an artform... literally. The Oscar-nominated actor-turned-artist's series of drawings depict all that he believes to be wrong in D.C., with his biggest gripe going right to the top with President Trump himself. Here are just a few of his many objets d'art that lay out his discontent for all to see.