Review of Enemies of the People (2009) by James E — 18 May 2011

One of the most powerful, shocking and insightful documentaries ever made.

"Enemies of the People" is a documentary that covers the lives of members of the Khmer Rouge after the genocide in Cambodia during the late 1970's and early 80's. The documentary aims to dig deep within the members and to get them to admit to what they have done and how they are living with it in the present.

After nearly 10 years in the making, the documentary is the first and, currently, only film from director Thet Sambath. Sambath was motivated to investigate the reasons and the truth behind the killings as he had been affected by the genocide, by losing both his parents and his brother. The documentary follows him on his amazing journey to discover the answers that he seeks.

"Enemies of the People" is a documentary that will shock the audience due to the fact that the information displayed on screen in the documentary is jaw dropping and vivid. On top of the fact that every word of what is described about the past is completely true. The movie provides a shrewd and unbiased viewpoint allowing for the audience to be engaged throughout the movie and see that the interviewees are just as regular people as the audience.

Sambath acquaints himself with his the members of the Khmer Rouge first before inquiring about the past and why the committed the actions that ended the lives of many. Through this process the audience gets to witness another side of the killer and gets to hear what they have to say and feel, providing a powerful experience that no other documentary can come close to replicating.

"Enemies of the People" is not a movie for all audiences as the material throughout the film is very strong and may be a bit much for some to handle. The film is definitely a triumph in modern journalism as Sambath fearlessly delves into the minds of the murderers and reveals them to be normal people that are ashamed of what they have done.

"Enemies of the People" is one of the most powerful, shocking and insightful documentaries ever made and will be revered as a marvel of documentaries to come. The movie is an absolute must see as it will stun and leave viewers in awe as to how truly magnificant the content displayed is and as to how brilliantly the movie is crafted.