Steve Reviews: True North

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In this review we take a look at the dark and depressing, True North. A 2020 CGI Film which shows the horrors going on in North Korean prison camps.
Twitter: / reviews_steve
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=16101082
Saberspark's Channel / saberspark

[@SteveReviews]

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[@kestrels-in-the-sky]

No I don’t think I will

[@supersaiyandiclonius3056]

Can't wait to see your review of Shin Godzilla.

[@A51fiction]

King of Pigs would be a good one for you to do. Also Saberspark. Damn never thought he'd recommend you anything

[@erik1694]

Like, review "Baby Huey". It's a cartoon with a really old and wacky animation about a big baby duck. I think you will enjoy

[@johnziras6029]

Can you do a review of Primal from Adult Swim and Invincible from Amazon Prime?

[@Saberspark]

That tweet DM lmao

[@FarikoWishless]

At least you're honest

[@GabrielGabrielGabrielGabrielGa]

"Also im a massive furry."

[@darklordmaguire207]

Ever read nineteen eighty four (George Orwell)

[@Pmtdtim]

Saber, you’re not a furry, you just like animal movies. Can you review Alpha and Omaga? That seems right up YOUR alley.

[@dulcemaria-cw5dm]

xd

[@PingerSurprise]

To me, the cheaper animation actually works with the theme: a place where there is no more humanity, no more compassion. So having not too much beauty either emphasizes it.

[@christianjamesmejia8623]

Agreed

[@welkingunther5417]

Yeah, you're right

[@USSAnimeNCC-]

Yup it like in those early call of duty game when they where more gray tho not realistic because even in war even if the battle took place in a Beautiful field it wouldn’t change much other than burning tanks, smoke, and dead bodies around unless it took place over a long time over the same land like in wwI but it add to the atmosphere of desolate place tho I see it can be over done too much sometimes making the place look bland and boring than desolate

[@straypaper]

It also helps dehumanize the characters, just a bit. Otherwise I don't think any sane human is going to be able to stomach it, and the message would end up not getting across.

[@pheonixfire9517]

So...what happens now adays is some countries still.. Especially these days..... Its really sad to see and hear about

[@windchimes8764]

I honestly love the low poly models. The animation may not be the greatest, but the overall aesthetic reminds me of Little Nightmares and Inside.

[@opalheart13stancil30]

I completely agree

[@cursedapostate3705]

Well considering being stuck in a North Korean Concentration Camp seems like a bit of a Nightmare I say it fits

[@dankacademia1865]

Yes I also thought of little nightmares :00

[@gvtterslag]

I actually adore the character models in little nightmares.

[@spedkidz]

SAME HERE

[@CougarMacDowall]

Ahhhhh what a charming movie for the whole family.

[@stonefree7973]

Liar 🔫👁

[@LegitMan335]

Not as charming as Django Unchained. There I said it .

[@GatorDoom]

No it isnt

[@Ui_Raizen]

No no I don’t think it is

[@porcogalliard4011]

@@stonefree7973 it's sarcasm

[@steel8231]

They look like they embraced the low quality animation as an art style pretty well. It almost looks like stop motion.

[@notquitehuman5097]

The semi-blocky look of the character models also has it's own appeal, they look like papercrafts adding up to the stop-motion feel.

[@michami135]

Better 75% quality, than 95% to avoid that uncanny valley.

[@welkingunther5417]

Y'know what, that's actually true, I kinda got that feel at times while watching the film.

[@AeridisArt]

Honestly, I thought the animation was purposely done like that as a style choice. I like it anyway.

[@keithbetters2047]

Reminds me of Sub Rosa

[@philemon26]

Saberspark: "I'm not a furry." Also Saberspark: 0:13

[@equinox9693]

You can tell it's edited but yeah funny reference lol

[@oli_g_98]

@@equinox9693 a m o g u s

[@Diwasho]

Saberspark: "I'm not a furry..." Also Saberspark: "...but"

[@lion.288]

I sense a crossover on the way.

[@wildfire9280]

@@equinox9693 edited? pretty sus

[@KENZC62091]

I think the guy from Hotel Rwanda said it best when it comes to raising awareness. People will see it and think "that's terrible" and then move on about their day.

[@shiawasekappukekiful]

It’s pathetic and horrifying to think of, but “it’s not your problem until it’s your problem” is pretty true Tons of charities and awareness campaigns started out of personal tragedy (amber alert, America’s most wanted) Plus there’s the bystander effect, the more people are aware of the presence of other people, the more people think “surely someone else is more suited and knowledgeable for the situation and will do something” You can give ordinary people a problem and ask them to help, but they probably won’t know where to even start “what could I even do” You can give them examples of what to do, but it has to be small, and or they have to really be driven People do care, but there’s still the innate need to maintain normalcy and avoid conflict and involvement To get people to act takes a *lot*

[@fawnieee]

@@shiawasekappukekiful because there's nothing much we can do. Most people are struggling to keep a roof over their head, to feed themselves, to care for their family. To imply that this is somehow the fault of people who are barely surviving because they do naught is pretty gross. What exactly can we do? Most charities are a farce, a money making more or less business that focuses only on profit and for billionaires to avoid paying taxes (a lot of billionaires own charities and pay into it so they don't have to pay taxes and eventually funnel the money back into their pockets. Plus, charities have rarely helped anyone and are well known to have the government infiltrate them (such as the red cross) to spy on the people they're helping. Particularly in other countries. It's why countries seldom want anything to do with the red cross even though they're struggling). You point your finger at ordinary people but never at those who have the power and resources to actually do something. You chastise barely surviving people for doing "nothing", yet I see no criticism directed to the government, to the rich; people who can actually do something. Why aren't you holding them at such high accountability? Or do you quickly run to their defence and say 'its not really their problem'. People like you always blame those who have little to no power, because the powerful have taught you not to ask anything of them. You blame and loath ordinary people but they're just trying to survive too. Why, why do people like you always blame the people who posses no power? No riches? No influence? But when it comes to people who actually have those things you say it's "not their problem". You're no different than those who screech about ordinary people trying to survive who must radically change themselves to save the planet, even though it's massive corporations that cause most pollution, most destruction and terror (100 companies contribute to 70% of pollution). Someone who hates the poor for cheating the system but looks the other way when the rich do the exact same. Why? What compels you to do that?

[@lamihadamshareef5270]

@@fawnieee You are right to the tea I can't do anything expect spread the word This also why I don't like the rich

[@complexityinc.5167]

Bruh what could a normal citizen do for concentration camps in North Korea like ya asking to start a war or something

[@shiawasekappukekiful]

@@fawnieee buddy, when at any point were poor people blamed The point of the quote from Hotel Rwanda is that while no one expects any normal random person to have the power to swiftly do anything on their own But there is power in collective action, that’s how Jim Crow laws got outlawed and how people got the word out about cancer after years of cover ups from tobacco companies It’s no secret that life is hard and unfair, but you mock the power of the common person Never was it ever stated that people are uncaring, if anything, you glossed over “people do care” part It’s just common innate human animal nature to not want to get involved, which is part of why in the video when the reactor of the film saw little actual action despite interest and sympathy every time he gave a TED talk about North Korea This innate human behavior is in virtually everyone, regardless of wealth, though it’s obvious personal constraints further constrict that behavior But don’t discredit the poor and discriminated in history that were compelled to act, it is in no blame if someone chooses not to, this fear and behavior is innate like fear of the dark, ‘it’s also their life may they do what they will with it, but to tap into that force and power of the people, takes a lot to activate period for anyone

[@jamy.k.3245]

I work as an animator and I watched this film recently (Saber mentioned it in one of his videos and it intrigued me). I must say that although I'm sensitive to animation errors, i honestly didn't mind this film at all. It was rough but consistent and you get used to it pretty fast. To quote a standard saying in animation: "good storytelling can save a badly animated film, but good animation can't save a bad story." This is a clear case of this quote. The story is heartbreaking and the characters feel real. The animation is just a medium. I find it a pity to skip such an informative piece of media just because of aesthetic reasons. So, please check this film out so you can be aware of the situation and try to be less critical of the technicalities when the issue is literally crimes against human beings.

[@malice4777]

Personally, I thought the janky animation lends itself well to the overarching story. Very cold, hard edges and slightly inhuman movements sort of fit everything. For the most part the facial animation isn't half bad, conveys the emotion.

[@wingbeacon8760]

Well said!

[@TheBlazingK]

hey, if your animator, do you have any suggestions on self taught animation. i want to learn :)

[@jamy.k.3245]

@@TheBlazingK Hey! I'd say for starters to read "the Animators survival kit" (since it has pretty much all the things you'd learn at an animation school). You can easily find a pdf format online. Practice the 12 principles of animation first and make sure you got the idea down really well before animating anything hard. (If you manage to enter a community who's willing to give you honest advice and reference on the works you do it's even better) If you care about working for animation professionally you really need to learn a variety of software too. ( Adobe programs, toon boom Harmony and Animate/flash are common. For traditional animation many use TvPaint too). There are free softwares that can help you get started though. Hope that helps!

[@TheBlazingK]

@@jamy.k.3245 Hey thanks friend. Im so happy you answer. I been watching others and they gave advice on books too but half of them wasnt very helpful. I went and took a quick review. I saw a few example on the book. It great so far. That you so much for taking the time to reply. Ty and have a good day.

[@nitrocharge2404]

I gotta say, North Korean concentration camps are absolutely horrific. I remember this Ted talk from this girl who managed to escape from one after being born there, and she recounted how absolutely cruel and horrible the conditions were

[@henrymcbark7337]

You know I always wonder if after her escape and when north korea finally saw this ted talk "Since I'm sure they have some eyes on the internet looking for articles or videos about their country" Did they like make them worse and harder to escape?

[@winniethepooh5605]

Not so sound strange but um...what are they like 😅

[@GirtheAlienGoldfish]

@@henrymcbark7337 I don't think they're actively scouring the outsider world's internet. I also think that people who do manage to escape aren't too keen on being open and honest about their experiences there.

[@bluedragon8762]

@@GirtheAlienGoldfish the leaders are scouring the internet because they don't want outside interference to try and stop them just like China (though north Korea is worse)

[@sonicbfdiag7050]

much like the Nazi Extermination Camps and Soviet Gulags right?

[@GabeDoppel]

no way does the animation deter me. If the writing has enough merit, it could be made in unity and i wouldnt mind. the fact people are even trying to find new ways to animated on a budget is inspiring

[@zzodysseuszz]

Yeah like Popee the Performer

[@ipadair7345]

@nikolai 1939 Depends on what C.E.Os think afterall most get money from cheap labour from China which also commits similar atrocities on areas they annexed, and political prisoners(rebels).

[@percyjackson3311]

Xavier Renegade Ángel.

[@mirceazaharia2094]

I don't like the animation, but I am intrigued by the story.

[@JeremysBlackWalMartBouncer]

I find the animation more fitting. Given this is North Korea, anything you do can land you in the gulag, so you have to walk on a very thin string . You need to be stiff in order to live this lifestyle as well as to keep your morals and humanity.

[@alexsolomon1952]

Honestly, I really like the animation. I feel like the whole low poly thing looks very stylised and fits with the overall tone of the film. It's not glamorous, nor should it be, it's gritty and compelling.

[@mr_owl8228]

The animation it self is bad many the character design and the style is good but the animation purely the animation

[@sorecast1460]

The animation isn't even that cheap, it looks good.

[@JayTohab]

The smartly-designed models really help the overall presentation.

[@Adornbeautify]

I agree

[@lagopusvulpuz1571]

You blind it doesn't look good. The art style is interesting since it gives them that doll-like look, but the animation is very stiff & unstable.

[@sorecast1460]

@@lagopusvulpuz1571 a lot of people agree with me, so I'm not blind

[@Randomquestion_ai]

I honestly like the animation style

[@izzysanerd6532]

This movie actually stood out to me because of the animation. Yeah it's not great, but you can tell they did the best with what they had.

[@commissarvigil4806]

And especially nowadays, The best They can do Is the Best we can ask for.

[@Raccnnibal]

I really liked the designs on the sheets for the heights a lot

[@pinkishhaven5158]

I think the animation is not great on purpose. I read somewhere(maybe at the review Padak) saying Korean animators are holding back but can easily level with the animation of Disney and more famous Western studious

[@mcwhan]

I really don’t get how much hate the animation is getting. I really like the style in relation to the films context. I think the rough animation helps reflect the grittiness of the lives of people in these camps especially the characters, adding a darker sense that these places literally distort human beings through starvation, torture and other atrocities and would look almost alien to most of us but are common every day lives of others

[@commissarvigil4806]

@@mcwhan Couldnt put it better

[@Clitor]

"Also I'm a massive furry" - Saberspark 2021

[@iwatchhentaieverydaywithsenpai]

OwO

[@ashtheskelton1901]

OwO

[@CosmicSponge2004]

OwO

[@anib8863]

UwU

[@wackyroxy3034]

Lol same

[@samantha3655]

the quality of animation actually works for this film, a rough environment and rough looking people, it fits in with how disheveled and unwell prisoners look in the camps

[@joshuaokoro-sokoh2993]

This movie actually reminds me of an Anime that I started watching called "Monster" where it's a story about savagery with just the right amounts of humanity. But this one definitely had a much needed message.

[@theguyishere249]

I love monster so good.

[@Kairos_Akuma]

Oh that Manga was so good

[@misterzygarde6431]

I can get why Saberspark thought that this film was right up your alley. Also imagine a stop motion film that looked like something out of Postman Pat or Bob the Builder that was a horror film or just plain disturbing.

[@hhgff778]

Yeah, that's the point of the movie, to be disturbing, so people can not only see but feel what is like there

[@misterzygarde6431]

@@hhgff778 I didn’t miss the point, I simply said that I could see why Saberspark would recommend this to Steve.

[@hhgff778]

@@misterzygarde6431 oh, ok. yeah I can see why too

[@antipositive7476]

I think a little nightmares stop motion show is coming

[@BuetifullPersun]

This movie fits right up his ally

[@lakamokolaka]

Oh yes time for my daily dose of depression

[@meghollows]

Same Inject the depression into my eyes :) Spelling this feels weird

[@jimmytheechidna]

yeah lets get sad

[@depressedthoughts]

Hey guys

[@lakamokolaka]

@@depressedthoughts Aww about time you showed up

[@lamihadamshareef5270]

Depersso expersso

[@alexitorico6686]

The animation doesn't look that bad. It honestly reminds of the Clone Wars style animation.

[@POTATOEH81]

I also think that there was meant to be a love triangle between the guard, Mihi and Insu guy where Mihi and Insu actually love each other but Mihi tricks the guard that she actually loves him for extra food/favour and the guard rapes her in blind anger after finding out she was lying the entire time and feel bad afterward when he find out what he actually did and how mini will get execute for it and let's them escape (either because he still loves her or to make himself feel better as an act of personal redemption)

[@zoologygirl252]

I think it is actually supposed to be a reference to the serious rape culture issue in north korea, to the point where rape is just treated as another form of sex and always, ALWAYS seen as the fault of the woman because it is believed she seduced him. Even in the army if a woman reports being raped, while both the offending officer and her will be punished she will be punished harder. Because they aren’t punishing them because the woman was raped. They are punishing them because they broke anti-fraternizing laws in the military. Many north korean women have spoken about this, that women in general have no agency over their sexuality and their body, and the thought that sex happens when the man wants it and the woman is expected to submit, talking about their own stories of rape, all the while at the same time advocating for their rapists stating that not to look down on them, that these men aren’t evil but instead do not know better and are taught this is ok and normal. Its a really really fucked up situation, especially if you have rape victims advocating for your rapist. Genuinely good willed men are brainwashed from birth to be rapists and to think rape is an expression of love like sex and not the act of violence that it is. Its sickening

[@gracehaven5459]

If you love someone you don't rape them, he may have had a moment of compassion for her but he never loved her

[@clobertina8176]

@@zoologygirl252 dang... That's another level of messed up, in every way possible...

[@Culo_Sniffin_Cheezit]

@@zoologygirl252 God have mercy on these poor people in North Korea. I hope Kim Jong Un and the rest of the NK leaders that let this monstrosity go on burn in the hottest layer of hell.

[@pronounwizard6256]

honestly i LOVE the look for the models. the low poly look reminds me of paper dolls, i think it fits in very well with the tone of the movie. kinda wanna give this a watch.

[@TobyAnderson]

The Animation is stylized enough for me to ignore the lacking quality. Who here would like to see a steve review on any of the Bionicles movies, especially Web of Shadows. They are not super dark but for a kids film web of shadows was very gritty. Not a lot of people know about these films and even less talk about them. I know Steve works off of Patreon requests but if you could give the patrons the option it would mean so much to me and all Bionicles movie fans.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

He definitely should since the Bionicles films despite being based on a series of LEGO sets they are pretty dark films

[@emperormajorian112]

Bionicle films all the way! If I wasn’t poor I would become a patron and suggest it

[@moongod5013]

I feel like the animation could be passed off as a stylistic choice if they wanted to. I'm very interested and want to see this. Thanks for bringing it up!

[@sperzieb00n]

ikr, the whole low poly look and simple animation gives characters a paper like fragility, wich fits the theme like a glove

[@Squiddyyy]

I LOVE the low poly look on the people! It makes them look like paper in some angles with creases and edges. The facial features are nicely done and it makes the film have a distinct art style. Its really visually nice!

[@d4peters86]

Now I just wanna see a crossover between you and Saberspark

[@lilysame6488]

Yes pleas

[@cradiculous]

I can only imagine what kind of horrible and horrifying film they'd have to find that would be good enough for that

[@fanboy8026]

and Alteori

[@AnimeStar77]

@@cradiculous “Where the dead go to die” maybe?

[@falcon8105]

@@AnimeStar77 I wouldn't be surprised if they did that together, that movie was nightmare fuel for me lol

[@CaptianBastard7]

so....saberspark gave you a film...this, is the crossover event I NEVER KNEW I WANTED EVEN THOUGH ITS NOT A CROSSOVER EVENT! love what ya do steve

[@saphiriathebluedragonknight375]

My mom was an orphan in South Korea, until my grandparents here in America adopted her. I may not know about my heritage, but I will always feel for the people in both North and South Korea. I wish all those people could be free, and I always will.

[@aidanfarnan4683]

*10% of comments* : The horrors of the North Korean regime are a human tragedy on an epic scale. *90% of comments* : SaberFurry finally confirmed! OwO

[@F0rever_zer0]

Welp, you made this type of comment before me. slow clap X2

[@simoneangeliquemaloney3990]

Priorities

[@fawnieee]

Humanity has always done horrendous things. I mean, looks at what capitalism/imperialism did to the people in africa; turned them into slaves for the profit and built america on the backs of slaves (like a lot of empires). It doesn't matter what society we live in, so long as the corrupt and immoral are in power horrendous things will happen. Sweatshops, child labour, the grim past of medicine (read medical apartheid) done to slaves and servants, but anything that isn't capitalism is heavily scrutinized and the horrors of imperialism/capitalism quickly forgotten and hidden away to make it look better. I.e no one talks about how the american government forced abortions and killed newborns on southern america because "to get rid of poverty, just kill the poor". Or how america treated mexicans crossing the border from pass to now. Did you know a particular someone got inspiration for the regime for camps in WW2? It was from America. But this history has been quickly hidden away and forgotten and then america points at other countries as if they're any better.

[@jmachero5852]

@@fawnieee America has done horrible things, yes, and I don’t think that should be hidden from history, but that doesn’t give you the right to completely hide away what other countries did and say America was responsible for everything (The nazi were much, much, much worse). It’s no different from blaming another country for everything, as there are many other nations who have done atrocities who aren’t capitalistic.

[@toledochristianmatthew9919]

@@jmachero5852 There were also many different forms of kingdoms, empires, democracies, and communist regimes who have all done horrible shit.

[@lizmurray6975]

personally i think the cheaper animation style helped make the emotions and the weight of the horrors feel more real. I think better animation would have made things look a little too clean.

[@palehunter6711]

I am more attracted to watching this film because of its animation, I like its rugged animation.

[@balthiersgirl2658]

For me a story is more important than animation being amazing

[@josephagar1005]

Part of me knowing that Saber and Steve are friends makes me happy.

[@shawndsavage7540]

Same

[@organicleaf]

and its always funny to see how differences attract, as in saber seems way more happy and easy going (never really watched him, thats how i simply see him) while steve is.. well.. we all just watched the same video about north korean prisoncamps

[@ivanbluecool]

Animated Movie. Me:cool. From Korea Me:oh no

[@onecertainesquire486]

To be perfectly honest, I quite liked the animation. It seemed to be appropriate for the tone.

[@Jenna-in4br]

The rough animation kinda gives it a darker feel, I like it

[@Zodia195]

I always say reality is scarier then anything fictional can dish out, and this is a perfect example of that. It's truly a sad situation.

[@Phoebe5448]

North Korea: And you thought 1984 was just a novel. Also the entire Pol Pot regime. It still beggars belief that North Korea's regime is still allowed to exist. We're not learning from history. A rose by any other name, after all...

[@Zeydarchist]

i personally think the low poly animation is a lovely aesthetic to the film itself! it's not awful like some budget animation, but it looks really nice and still shows expressions and movements and faces very nicely. i'd watch it for the animation and story!

[@backroomsguideno.87]

Okay 10 seconds in and all I can think about is this book called "Escape from camp 14" , go read it

[@KirstenMarie_MS3]

14... "Escape from Camp 14."

[@genericperson753]

Every falling star is also good.

[@victorvondeathstroke7682]

The prince of Egypt. Dark, great music, beautiful animation, death, it's great

[@anirex3919]

Seeing Saberspark text "also I'm a massive furry" made me laugh like a literal hyena

[@liamwynne566]

I actually love the animation style and think it gives it a distinctive look

[@clownfromspongebob3979]

I think that the guard could’ve been forced to be there and genuinely didn’t want to hurt the people. He comforted the kids when they were taken away, didn’t want to assault the women, and let Mihi and Insu go at the end. I think he might’ve had a breaking point and let his villain side taken over for a while, that’s why he assaulted Mihi. Not saying it’s right what he did, but it could develop his character more.

[@kyesol]

I honestly didn’t mind the movie’s animation. Sometimes, the voice acting fell a little flat, but nothing too severe to pull me out of the moment. I ended up crying at Yohan’s sacrifice, so the story was exceptional and the characters were also good. Solid 9/10.

[@Tidnro]

8:22 I’m sorry but the way he said “kindness will kill you here, piss off old man” got me dying

[@ShadyRK9]

Oh yeah. "The Interview" anyone remember when that movie is said to have ALMOST got us bombed by NK? 👀

[@LazGato]

Honestly I doubt NK has that kind of fire power capable of reaching the US maybe a ally. But even then I doubt it, it would cause a one sided war with NK or world war 3 because NK is allied with China

[@superdays7933]

@@LazGato I think they can reach Hawaii, but that's it.

[@pepperedash4424]

@@LazGato They certainly didn't have any missiles with the range to reach the continental U.S. of the time of the film's release. They may have a few ICBMs that could do so now, but they'd probably be intercepted.

[@pepperedash4424]

@@superdays7933 I think they have a few ICBMs that could reach the continental U.S., that is if the Patriot and THAAD missile defense system doesn't have anything to say about it.

[@duitk]

Honestly them trying that would be the only chance north Korea has of being liberated China has said that while they won't tolerate their buffer state bring attacked, they won't intervene if north Korea is the one to attack first and the US should be able to intercept the limited amount of ICBMs NK has. Well at least to intercept them before they reach the US, protecting south Korea and Japan is a lot harder because of the short time window they would have, and their lies the main problem, do you want to sacrifice thousands of south Koreans and a lot of the world economy to liberate north Korea? So far the answer has been no.

[@Orrenn]

Honestly, I feel like the art style helps cover for the lack of budget for the animation. It gives me a cardboard sort of feel, and the things they did need to show more fluidly seemed well done within those limitations. There's some very smart camera work here too, further lessening the impact of the limited animation. So I don't think the animation is a problem at all.

[@frogglen6350]

I mean. Schindler's list was directed by a very famous perso with a lot of mainstream street creed.

[@theblackbaron4119]

Yay more traumatizing stuff to tell a therapist.

[@alygatorstereo]

You know I feel the animation style doesn’t take away from the story and the piece as a whole, I actually think it’s sharp edges and unrefined backgrounds aid to the delivery of the film. The imagery kinda mirrors the jarring and sharp nature of their circumstance.

[@HackerWarrior84]

I think the rough animation style kinda works, if only because it guaranties that you won't find the movie to be really pretty or beautiful and end up accidentally associating that with the camps themselves. Spielberg actually did the same thing with Schindler's List. He wanted the cinematography to be more like a documentary archival footage to give it a grittier, uglier feel.

[@shiawasekappukekiful]

It’s pathetic and horrifying to think of, but “it’s not your problem until it’s your problem” is pretty true Tons of charities and awareness campaigns started out of personal tragedy (amber alert, America’s most wanted) Plus there’s the bystander effect, the more people are aware of the presence of other people, the more people think “surely someone else is more suited and knowledgeable for the situation and will do something” You can give ordinary people a problem and ask them to help, but they probably won’t know where to even start “what could I even do” You can give them examples of what to do, but it has to be small, and or they have to really be driven People do care, but there’s still the innate need to maintain normalcy and avoid conflict and involvement (like innate fear of darkness) To get people to act takes a *lot*

[@jcdf2]

North Korea is a pariah state. Both South Korea and China have an army parked on its border and other nations have missiles pointed at it and warships off its coast. There is almost a total trade blockade on the country. What else can be done?

[@shiawasekappukekiful]

jcdf2 Whatever can be done, no matter how seemingly small As said in the video, defectors and other organize info smugglings, if you can change the minds of the people, while in no way easy, it’s at least the possible start of change

[@pheonixfire9517]

Like with the Corona virus situation right now. Some people go with the thing of " I'm fine and so is my family, so surely its not that bad". Very sad and distressing tbh...

[@IamJustTheBiscuityOfTheSeaity]

I smile every time Steve uploads

[@annakarmenaluse]

Two of my favorite reviewers talking and recommending things to each other? YES PLEASE!!!!!!

[@syrusangi8743]

Awesome review, Steve. I also wanted to recommend another movie u can check out called 'The King of Pigs'. It's a story based on bullying and abuse with it's morally ambiguous protagonists

[@logansymmes2193]

The animation really fits the tone of the movie.

[@LePenguin]

0:12 Omg it's true

[@firedragon7456]

Can you review the thief and the clobber by Richard Williams

[@industrialgoose4756]

Am I the only one confused about all the hate on the animation? Those models are beautiful and expressive, low polygon doesn't mean bad, it's just a particular style which is often used poorly by lazy artists, but I think the artists here did a fantastic job bringing out the beauty in lowpoly art.

[@bananatiergod]

As much as I like this review, I feel it's pretty unfair to compare this movie to Schindler's List. One was a low-budget movie made by a man with a lot of limitations, while the other was made by Steven Spielberg, a Hollywood director with a whole lot more resources and artistic liberty.

[@MoonLoonie69]

Saberspark: I'm *NOT* a furry. Also Saberspark: 0:13 Yeah, okay. Sure. XDDD

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

Hey Steve could you please review the Short Film Bunny it's a creepy little short film it's also made by Chris Wedge the same guy who made the Ice age movies

[@anxiousscribe]

I didn't find that one creepy, just really sad. I believe that certain events in the film were a metaphor for death and that the character was likely experiencing hallucinations as her body shut down.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

@@anxiousscribe I also like to believe that the moth that annoyed her in the film was also meant to be a metaphor as I believe that the moth was either an angel telling her that her time is up or it could be the spirit of her late husband

[@luckykennedy7364]

Welp, there are many reasons to liberate North Korea. All of them are in this movie

[@jaylenharris343]

Get liberty prime.

[@LazGato]

One the only countries I would no problem with if it got invaded.

[@Colddirector]

Main problem is all the artillery they got pointed at South Korea. They could flatten Seoul if anyone tries to invade. Also China needs them as a buffer state, so maybe you could get a less cruel regime in power, but no way you're getting democracy in.

[@pepperedash4424]

@@Colddirector That still isn't accounting the limited nuclear arsenal the DPRK possesses for this very reason. Or the massive refugee crisis that would stem from such a conflict.

[@internetperson8982]

Because it would be smart to attack a country with lots of nukes

[@Jartist234]

I honestly believe that the animation level works with this story given it's subject matter. If the animation was too high, or too outlandish, it would subtract from the story within. For a story like this, meant to get peoples attention, if your animation is of high quality, the viewers may be too distracted by the animation to follow the message being broadcast. Overall, though I have not seen this movie, I feel the animation used is rather appropriate.

[@BLANK-mb8zw]

I personally think that the polygon style while being low quality actually fits this move really well the scenes are still beautiful and well done and you can actually see the love and devotion that went into the movie

[@RayRayRay4547]

I really like this art style. The best way I could describe it would be a 3D version of the Myers Briggs character design with a pinch of little nightmares.

[@ImmortalAbsol]

I enjoyed the animation, it felt interesting and stylised, I would never have thought it was due to budget if you hadn't said so.

[@_elenaio_]

I watched this movie some time ago and the animation never was a problem. I never considered it was due to a low budget, and instead just thought that it was just the style of the movie they decided to go for. The story itself was very interesting and I really liked the movie overall!

[@alanu4637]

Its unbelievable that this stuff still happens nowadays. Why hasn't anyone done anything about this. Those poor people, countries have gone to war over less.

[@dynamosaurusimperious2718]

A movie about the horrors at being a camp where if you complain you'll either be killed,hurt violently,or just have to work harder. Seem about right,so that's quite nice( also thx for Saberspark for making this video a little more possible. )( Also hope y'all have a good day. )

[@baryardeni9731]

You need actual courage to make a movie like this. In North Korea, they’ll execute whoever criticised them, so this...!

[@suprisebuttsecksspy5958]

I literally want kim jong un family and all goverment killed. So people with right heart can take over nk

[@lasarousi]

@@suprisebuttsecksspy5958 you seem to have the wrong idea that there's a human that wouldn't be corrupted by power and money. If it's not Kim it would be a trump or a Trudeau or a Maduro. Humans are trash and as long as there's 2 humans there will be someone who wants the power. The problem is humanity itself.

[@b-zar8912]

@@lasarousi That's "The glass is half empty" kinda thinking, mate.

[@lasarousi]

@@b-zar8912 pretty sure that a cup of water wouldn't systematically oppress their subjects.

[@iseegreen5297]

Money, money is the problem

[@ammieway6136]

I honestly like the way it's animated. It has its own little rough 'charm,' I suppose.

[@NinjaRed5000]

Saberspark and Steve is a collab I never thought I'd ever want

[@rosestrife1498]

Man I was just thinking about how much I missed you Steve!

[@watchforever1724]

Steve do you know about the City of ghosts on Netflix ? It’s from the same creator who did welcome to my life Cartoon Network pilot

[@medi0cregameplay193]

I'll never hate on animation that had to be settled with. It's the best they could do and I'll always respect that

[@agentcoxack7368]

The low quality animation should be something to be proud of here. It proves they weren’t in it for the money, they were in it for the message.

[@girlbuu9403]

I think recording his actual tedtalk would be much cheaper than even subpar animation.

[@theoptimistictabby2785]

Oh yoy, Steve's back!

[@donnellramsey7258]

A Saberspark recommendation?! YES! My two favorite reviewers~!!

[@-clearjellifishez-5467]

I enjoy your reviews and SaberSaprk's. That being said I looked up this movie and watched it before finishing watching your review.... And honestly? I think this- s one of the most powerful stories I've seen in animation. It's not perfect, but it gets it story and point across in a way that can't be ignored... And it's beautiful for that, despite the absolute pain it depicts. I wasn't expecting to feel so much for this film, but I honestly think it was an amazing experience.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

I do like the idea that you said in your last video reviewing all Godzilla movies and the Animated Series

[@marcusblackwell2372]

Guys, we're all calling Saberspark a furry, but how many of us have crushes on cartoon animals? I know I have a crush on Lexi Bunny from Loonatics Unleashed

[@mynameskid]

I'm sorry ...Us?

[@wildone9946]

I'm honestly liking the animation style. The simple animation looks great!

[@dwarfbunni]

I'm so glad this movie was made, I've really wanted a story to be told this ongoing tragedy in an animated format

[@chrisalonzo3770]

That intro already tells me this is gonna be good

[@jaydencarranza5601]

Another review from a great channel

[@mega_bird700]

I think the animation is captivating for this kind of project, it makes you take in everything on screen.

[@alec2733]

List of things you should watch: - fehérlófia - Alice (Swankmajer) - animerama trilogy (one thousand and one nights + kureopatra + belladonna of sadness) - 1001 nights (Yoshitaka Amano) - yellow submarine - allegro non troppo (expecially the bolero segment) - Heavy metal - Aliens, flamingos & ecstasy - cat cindarella (Alessandro Rak) - the art of happines (Alessandro Rak) - the breadwinner - atama yama - Fantasia - Azur et Asmal - kirikou and the sorceress - where the dead go to die - the Adventures of Mark Twain - fantastic planet - waking life - I married a strange person - cat soup + Nekojirou theatre

[@muskatDR]

I think the animation helps enhancing the desperation and inhumane nature of the camp

[@savagesavie1701]

A movie should not be weighed by it's appearance, but by it's meaning.

[@TDH3407]

I love your channel man, you are great:)

[@rayn7014]

Honestly, at first I thought the animation was purely a stylistic choice, reminding me of Isle of Dogs and Kubo and the Two Strings, and even some video games like The Long Dark. I didn’t realize how little money they had to work with until this video, and I think given their budget they made a great choice with their stylizing of the characters and scenery, reminding me of living illustrations in a way. There were only a few places that I felt the animation wasn’t the great, and that was mainly during heavy movement scenes like where that foot was slamming down in the snow or dragging the mine cart. Otherwise, the illustration like look worked so well for me. Like, the scene with the hand sticking out of the dirt, or the four people on poles that were executed. I’ve seen similar scenes in live action, but these ones stuck with me more simply because of the art style. They were just so striking with the angles and harsh shading and I absolutely loved it. In short, given their budget I think they made some great stylistic choices for the film’s art direction, enough for me to not even realize it may have been a budget choice over a stylization choice. I wouldn’t want to see a live action version.

[@josesk8828]

Hello steve! Maybe some day can you review "Garbancito de la Mancha"?? Im from spain and that film is historic and forgotten at the same time. The first colored animated film outside EU,with the war in europe and hidden franquismo theme,such a classic jajajajajaj Thanks for all,love your content :D

[@danielz6177]

Steve said the animation looks low budget but honestly, it looks great. It reminds me of a passionate art project or a video game.

[@curiousgeorgeatewrongjuice2856]

Whenever Steve uploads it’s a great day

[@augustseggie9118]

SABER SPARK AND STEVE REVIEWS ARE ARE MY FAVORITES

[@Silver_Sonic_23]

Steve is probably desensitized to some of the things in these types of films due to the fact that he always reviews them.

[@hannahstarinieri1351]

It makes me truly sad that tons of people won’t speak out against North Korea. Those people are the most oppressed in the world and my heart goes out for them

[@tachyon8317]

I've been watching a few channels that talk about NorKor from defectors. LOTS of interesting takes on things, and some feel* trips once in a while and accounts of truly horrific and heart wrenching things. Dimple*, Digitalsoju TV, and Voices of North Korea with Yeonmi Park are a few channels that I watch the most.

[@Milkumms._]

Could you please review Wolf Walkers? It might not be "right up your alley", but i heard it's really great and would love to hear your thoughts!!