Review of The Killing Fields (1984) by Krishna S — 31 Jul 2008

The Killing Fields is perhaps one of the most harrowing real life tales ever told on the silver screen. The title is a reference to the infamous killing fields under Pol Pot's regime in Cambodia where two million "undesirable" civilians were killed as a part of his ethnic cleansing programme in "Year Zero." It is a raw and gritty depiction of the survival of one "civilised" man in a sea of madness. But we have seen this in many other movies: The Pianist, Hotel Rwanda and Schindler's List to name a few. What sets this movie apart is that it tells a story of a time rarely talked about or explored on celluloid. Vietnam War movies are dime a dozen. But very few movies have actually bothered to even discuss Cambodia and Pol Pot's regime.

Another factor that works in favour of this movie is that unlike most of the other movies that depict the protagonist as someone white and heroic, the protagonist here is an Asian, and the story of his survival is a combination of perseverance, skill and lots of chance. The white guy is relegated to the back seat and the focus is on the Asian caught in the midst of conflict.

The story is of the survival of Dith Pran, a Cambodian journalist left behind to suffer the brunt of Pol Pot's regime. His American partner is brought back by Western forces and tries for years to find out about the fate of his friend to no effect. He wins the Pulitzer Prize, takes care of the family of Dith and campaigns for the people of Cambodia. But the real story is that of Dith's survival as things grow worse in Cambodia progressively.

The movie is brilliant technically. The locations, cinematography and art work give it an exteremely authentic feel. The performances are excellent especially of Haing S. Ngor whose own story is much similar to that of Dith Pran. Overall, this is a brilliant movie. Super solid recommendation.