The Killing Fields
The Killing Fields

The Killing Fields

1984Movie142 minEnglish

New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg is on assignment covering the Cambodian Civil War, with the help of local interpreter Dith Pran and American photojournalist Al Rockoff. When the U.S. Army pulls out amid escalating violence, Schanberg makes exit arrangements for Pran and his family. Pran, however, tells Schanberg he intends to stay in Cambodia to help cover the unfolding story — a decision he may regret as the Khmer Rouge rebels move in.

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IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic86/100
Google Users92%
Director: Roland JofféGenres: Drama, War, Biography

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the experiences of two journalists, Sydney Schanberg and Dith Pran, during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Schanberg, an American reporter, and Pran, his Cambodian interpreter and friend, are separated when the Khmer Rouge take control of Phnom Penh. The story follows Schanberg's desperate search for Pran amidst the horrific genocide and Pran's harrowing survival in the Cambodian countryside.

Critical Reception

The Killing Fields was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and outstanding performances, particularly from Haing S. Ngor. It is widely regarded as one of the most impactful films about the Cambodian genocide and the human cost of war.

What Reviewers Say

  • A harrowing and deeply moving depiction of the Cambodian genocide.
  • Features a breakout, Oscar-winning performance from Haing S. Ngor.
  • Praised for its unflinching look at human suffering and resilience.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's emotional power, historical significance, and the standout performance of Haing S. Ngor. Many highlight its gut-wrenching portrayal of the Khmer Rouge regime and the enduring friendship between the protagonists.

Awards & Accolades

Won 3 Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for Haing S. Ngor, Best Cinematography, Best Editing) and was nominated for 5 others, including Best Picture and Best Director. It also won numerous BAFTA Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

Fun Fact

Haing S. Ngor, who plays Dith Pran, was a real-life Cambodian doctor and survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime. He was the only actor in the film who had personally experienced the events depicted and his performance was heavily informed by his own trauma.

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TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_When a Southeast Asian country decides to reset to Year Zero_** Just after the USA withdraws from Vietnam, the Khmer Rouge overtakes Phnom Penh in April, 1975 as an American journalist (Sam Waterston) is forced to leave his Cambodian ...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A remarkable film that deserves to be viewed and that recalls a barbaric moment in the history of a country.** When there's a war, there's bound to be a film about what happened during that same war. Human conflicts have always fueled ...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Sam Waterston is New York Times journalist Sydney Schanberg on post in Cambodia as the civil war comes to it's violent, cruel conclusion. Working with local journalist Dith Pran (Haing S. Ngor) they report on the rapidly deteriorating situa...