Review of The Killing Fields (1984) by Jake R — 03 Jun 2008

If there were more films like 'The Killing Fields' maybe there wouldn't be so many wars in the world. Eschewing the pretentious, jingoistic sentimentality of 'Saving Private Ryan', this shows war and its consequences in a more sincere and very British way: casual, anonymous, direct, overwhelming and inescapable.

Haing S. Ngor's heartfelt performance perfectly captures the suffering and fear of an entire people, whilst the increasingly chaotic scenes in Cambodia create an atmosphere of hatred and death, detailing a destruction of civilisation that highlights the often unnoticed fact that the Second World War was not the only war where people were murdered needlessly.

Sam Waterston also gives a memorable performance, here as the passionate but powerless journalist who nevertheless campaigns tirelessly for news of his beloved partner. A horrifying but also necessary and wholly emotional picture, it ends with an image of simple humanity that, unliked its Spielbergian counterpart, does not crusade for more sacrifice but contemplates a possibility of peace in the younger generation.

Unmissable.