Funny, but too dark in places

Rating: 7/10 (30 July 2019)

You know you've touched a nerve and are on to something when the country your satire is set in bans the film. It's a great cast and there are lots of amusing moments, but I confess it was tough for me to truly love this one, probably because of the subject matter and its overall tone. Some aspects of the comedy are hilarious - the deference to the supreme leader in some scenes, and the various jockeying for power in others - but there is quite a bit that is not, e.g. the murder depictions and rape references. I would have liked it better as a farce without these elements because of just how horrifying the actual history is, or as a more factual historical drama.