User Reviews

I would know a thing or two about making a hockey movie with a socio-political context; and this film is a wonderful breath of fresh air, a true break from the usual coming of age and declension narratives we often see in boring and dimly lit sports films. I think that the thing I respond to the most in this piece is its unflinching portrait of the North Korean everymen who, despite losing game after game, never cease believing in one another. No script could possibly disclose the emotional gravitas captured by Edwards' uncompromising and verité gaze.

This is not what you think a documentary about North Korea Looks like. The cinematic visuals and striking proximity to the subjects allow for a sympathetic and sincere story to unfold as told by the players. The interviews are conducted in the native tongue of the players, allowing for an openness and rawness that you've never seen from a story told in this isolated country.

I had the pleasure of watching this film at the Whistler Film Festival back in the winter. This film is very touching as it provides an insight into the lives of North Korea. The cinematography is very stunning and the overall build of the film is very sublime. Yes it is about hockey but the film is about something much more than that. If you are not only a lover of hockey but foreign documentaries you should consider watching this film. Director Nigel Edwards pulls out all the stops for this one. Check it out!

Films about North Korea are rare. Edwards' Closing the Gap is even rarer. Edwards shows us, for a change, the real lives of humans in Pyongyang who, like any of us, dream of stardom and recognition. Hence the film tells a familiar story of humbleness, hard work, and dedication to a familiar sport. Here, the DPRK men's hockey team demonstrates the most human of virtues: courage, ambition, and sincerity. The team keeps its eye on the prize despite all odds and set backs. I think this is something we can all relate to.

Edwards' style is one of nearness: the closer we get to the players and their sport, the clearer we can see the human bond between them. This is achieved through Edwards' ability to listen his hosts without any preconceived notions of who they are. This shows Edwards' documentarian skill at its finest: his honest approach is mirrored by an honest story that speaks for itself.