Review of The Killing Fields (1984) by Shaina R — 26 Sep 2011

The Killing Fields is adaptation of the 1975 Cambodian War regarding the dreaded Khmer Rouge. It is told from the point of view of Sydney Schanberg, a New York Times journalist, and his local representative, Dith Pran. Throughout the film, the two men begin to cover and photograph the tragedy this war has brought to its people. When Pran's family is given the opportunity to flee to America, Schanberg convinces Pran to stay and help him finish his in-depth story. Eventually, Sydney heads back for America, leaving Pran behind to face the Khmer Rouge on his own. Back in the US, Schanberg win an award for his story, while Pran continue to battle for his freedom and independence back at the slavery camps. Towards the end of the film, Sydney returns with Pran's family at an attempt to save his friend. The final shot shows the two men reuniting, safe and sound in a Red Cross camp near Thailand.

While the movie itself was very well made, filled with haunting and emotional scenes, it was not something I would recommend to someone with a queasy stomach. It was very difficult for me to watch the descriptive scenes, including that of Pran witnessing the killing fields, filled with bones and blue bags used for the suffocation of the war's innocent. The film was basically a two hour brutal torture and it is not something I will likely watch through a second time. However, the true story is beautifully told, and the acting itself is very powerful.

This historical tragedy should be an important story that every Emerson student should take into account. The Killing Fields shows the importance of communication and how important it is to report the truth to the people. The movie also gives the impression that one should never give up, and fight for their rights and their dreams. Despite the gory graphics, this film should make Emerson students proud of what they have accomplished in their lives and never give up on what they want in life.