Assassins (2021) — English Documentary

Assassins is a documentary that delves into the chilling assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The film takes viewers to the heart of a high-profile global incident, tracing the events leading up to the assassination and its aftermath. Central to the narrative are the two women accused of carrying out the attack, Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong, whose fates become intertwined with the dark world of international espionage and political intrigue. At the core of Assassins lies the question of agency and manipulation, as it explores whether the women were ruthless assassins or mere pawns caught in a deadly game orchestrated by the North Korean regime. The film presents a taut examination of the trial proceedings, revealing the complexities of their stories and highlighting themes of exploitation and vulnerability. Directed by Ryan White, the documentary combines elements of true crime and a global spy thriller, offering a nuanced exploration of the blurred lines between victimhood and culpability in a geopolitical context. Released in 2021, Assassins reflects the ongoing fascination with North Korea's clandestine operations and the international ramifications of its political machinations. As a product of the United States, this documentary speaks to viewers interested in crime, politics, and the moral ambiguities of human behavior. The film serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which states may go to secure their interests, illuminating the personal consequences of such power plays and the lives forever altered in their wake.