Film time - The Killing Fields (1984)
I recently watched The Killing Fields, and to be honest, going in I didn’t know all that much about Pol Pot or the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge (shame on me I know). Watching it felt like peeling back the layers of a brutal history I should’ve definitely been more familiar with by this point in my life. The film tells the story of Dith Pran, a Cambodian journalist who survives the horrors of forced labour and genocide after the Khmer Rouge takes over in the 1970s, while his American colleague, Sydney Schanberg, grapples with his own guilt for leaving him behind.
It’s not the kind of film that holds your hand though—I found it a bit hard going at times. The pacing is slow, and the storytelling is a touch sparse—there were moments I'm sure I wasn't picking up all the details, especially since I’m so used to modern films practically spoon-feeding us exposition. But honestly, it’s refreshing to watch something that makes you lean in and use your brain instead of zoning out while the plot is over-explained to death, like so much TV produced recently. In extended sequences characters speak in Khmer without subtitles, leaving the audience—much like the prisoners—to rely on instinct to understand what is going on. The film forces you to sit with the discomfort of not fully understanding everything right away, which feels appropriate given the subject matter. It’s raw, emotional, and messy—just like the real-life events it depicts. If you haven’t seen it, I’d say it’s well worth the time investment, but don’t expect it to be an easy watch.
One scene that particularly stood out to me was when Pran has his hands inspected by a Khmer Rouge soldier, checking for calluses. I had to Google this to understand—they were looking for signs of manual labour to identify 'true' working-class people, as the regime persecuted intellectuals and professionals. It was also interesting to see a young-ish John Malkovich portraying the photographer Al Rockoff. His performance added another layer to the depiction of journalists covering the conflict, highlighting the complexities and dangers they faced.
Remarkably, Haing S. Ngor, who played Dith Pran, I found out was not a professional actor but a Cambodian doctor who had himself endured the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. His firsthand experience brought an unparalleled authenticity to his portrayal, which is likely why he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role.
I think The Killing Fields falls into a category of films that are almost required viewing to learn about historical atrocities. Films like Schindler’s List, The Pianist, and Hotel Rwanda serve as powerful reminders of the darkest chapters in human history and the resilience of those who lived through them.
On a different note—as I can't help but notice photography gear—I did spot some interesting cameras used by the journalists in the film. It was great to see the Nikon F being used (produced from 1959-1973)—a classic piece of equipment that adds to the period authenticity—and also the Rolleiflex 2.8F.
This film is a profound and challenging piece of cinema that sheds light on a tragic period in history. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s an important one that I expect to stay with me for a long time.
9/10
