The Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020): Cast & Ratings
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea is a 2020 documentary starring Mads Brügger, Annie Machon and Ulrich Løvenskjold Larsen. It runs 2 hours 3 minutes and was made on a reported $2 million budget. Its Echo Score is 85/100.
- Echo Score
- 85
- budget
- $2M
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 3m (123 min)
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Wingman Media
- Budget
- $2M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Mole: Undercover in North Korea About?
The premise of The Mole: Undercover in North Korea without spoilers.
This is the true story of two men who undertook a decade-long, incredibly risky mission to infiltrate North Korea, one of the world's most isolated and oppressive nations. Their undercover operation offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a secretive regime and the challenges of navigating a society under strict control.
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea Themes & Keywords
· 9 tags- north korea
- illegal arms trade
- illegal drug trade
- espionage
- korean friendship association
- undercover
- hidden camera
- united nations
- animal in title
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea Cast & Characters
Mads Brügger leads the cast, with Annie Machon and Ulrich Løvenskjold Larsen.
-
Mads Brügger as themselves - Annie Machon as themselves
- Ulrich Løvenskjold Larsen as themselves
- Alejandro Cao de Benos de Les y Pérez as themselves
Also Starring in The Mole: Undercover in North Korea
· 6 more- Jim Latrache-Qvortrup Mr. James
- Hisham Al-Dasouqi Themselves
- Kim Ryong Chol Themselves
- Otto Warmbier Themselves
- Anders Kristensen Themselves
- Ri Won-Guk Themselves
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in rewatch factor (88) and weakest in story & flow (78).
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea Echo Score Breakdown
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea delivers a gripping documentary experience driven by daring real‑world espionage and striking visual material. Reviewers consistently highlight the film’s high‑intensity footage, compelling protagonists, and bold storytelling, while noting occasional moments of constructed narration that slightly diminish immersion. The collective sentiment leans strongly toward admiration for the film’s audacity and craft, resulting in a high overall evaluation.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of direction and visual execution, the documentary is praised for its daring hidden‑camera work and raw footage that convey immediacy. Critics note the introductory narrated segment feels overly constructed, yet the overall editing maintains tension and coherence. The production design’s stark portrayal of North Korean settings reinforces authenticity, leading to a strong assessment of its artistic craftsmanship.
- Character & Emotion 85
When evaluating character and emotional depth, reviewers emphasize the protagonists’ palpable bravery and chemistry, describing their performances as award‑worthy and intensely engaging. The retired chef’s understated calm and the operatives’ daring presence generate genuine empathy. Though some viewers find certain portrayals bordering on self‑indulgent, the overall emotional resonance is judged highly effective.
- Story & Flow 78
The narrative is lauded for its audacious premise and unfolding intrigue, delivering a plot that many find mind‑boggling and thrilling. Reviewers appreciate the originality of infiltrating North Korean networks, though a few note moments where the story feels contrived or overly sensationalized. Overall, the pacing and coherence support a compelling, if occasionally implausible, documentary storyline.
- Sensory Experience 80
Regarding sensory experience, the film’s real footage and stark visual style create an immersive atmosphere that heightens tension. While the soundtrack receives limited mention, reviewers comment on the visceral impact of on‑location sound and the stark contrast between clandestine meetings and open‑air settings. The sensory elements collectively reinforce the documentary’s gripping intensity.
- Rewatch Factor 88
The rewatch factor is highlighted as strong, with many reviewers urging others to view the documentary for its unprecedented access and adrenaline‑driven narrative. Its blend of suspense, authentic footage, and bold storytelling is seen as rewarding on subsequent viewings, sustaining interest beyond the initial screening. Consequently, the film scores high on lasting appeal.
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.
- Teaser The Mole Undercover in North Korea Trailer 2020
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea Also Known As
17 alternative titles, including “Der Maulwurf: Undercover in Nordkorea” and “The Mole: Infiltrating North Korea”.
- Also known as
-
- Der Maulwurf: Undercover in Nordkorea
- The Mole: Infiltrating North Korea
- El infiltrado
- The Mole - La taupe
- L'infiltrat
- Mullvaden - undercover i Nordkorea
- Kret w Korei
- Der Maulwurf
- חפרפרת בצפון-קוריאה
- Krtek
- 鼹鼠：朝鲜卧底
- 잠입
+5 more Show fewer
- ザ・モール
- El talp, un infiltrat a Corea del Nord
- 鼹鼠
- Šnipas Šiaurės Korėjoje
- The Mole - L'infiltrato
Seen The Mole: Undercover in North Korea?
Movies Like The Mole: Undercover in North Korea
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Inside North Korea, The Mole Agent and Kimjongilia.
-
Inside North Korea 2006 -
The Mole Agent 2020 -
Kimjongilia 2009 -
Beyond Utopia 2023 -
The Spy Gone North 2018 -
Kimjongilia 2010 -
Kim Jong-un: The Unauthorized Biography 2015 -
Undercover 2021 -
North Korea: Inside The Mind of a Dictator 2021 -
Playing Frisbee in North Korea 2021 -
The Propaganda Game 2015 -
Undercover: How to Operate Behind Enemy Lines 1943
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of The Mole: Undercover in North Korea, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Mole: Undercover in North Korea?
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea runs 2 hours 3 minutes (123 minutes).
When was The Mole: Undercover in North Korea released?
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea was released on October 11, 2020.
Who is in the cast of The Mole: Undercover in North Korea?
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea stars Mads Brügger, Annie Machon and Ulrich Løvenskjold Larsen, among 10 credited actors.
What was the budget of The Mole: Undercover in North Korea?
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea had a reported budget of $2 million.
Does The Mole: Undercover in North Korea have a post-credit scene?
No. The Mole: Undercover in North Korea has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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