Review of The Killing Fields (1984) by Ben F — 27 Jul 2012

The mastery of "The Killing Fields" is seen in almost every aspect of its production. Roland Joffe and Craig Nelson provide such professionalism and artistic integrity to a film of major political proportions. From a political point of view, this film is undeniably important for audiences to witness a side to violence that is not always exposed so easily. In terms of filmmaking, "The Killing Fields" represents pure art in every sense of the word. It's a total masterpiece.

A journalist and his assistant attempt to document the horrors of the Cambodian Genocide during the Vietnam war, where violence has enveloped both nations. Throughout the course of there journey, they are met with insurmountable odds, having to face tough decisions like risking there lives in order to successfully document what they are witnessing. The film's story is so perfect because its so distinctively real and vivacious. It's brutal honesty brings the audience closer and closer in. It's almost as if you are viewing a true eye-witness account. That's how good this movie is.

The performances are absolutely remarkable. Sam Waterston does an amazing job in this film, and he really makes you believe that you are taking a look at actual occurrences. His wonderful acting lights up the screen. He will really blow you away. The rest of the cast does a fantastic job as well, especially Haing Ngor, an actual Cambodian who went through these experiences. The performances and story unfold like a Newspaper special, documenting everything that happen in a reflective manner.

The film's visuals are the most Breathtaking aspect. To witness all of the horror and violence through the perspective that the filmmakers allow us to is truly remarkable. The movie is made in such a way that we are viewing what is occurring in a journalistic manner. "The Killing Fields" doesn't take any steps to dumb down its audience. It presents them with the brutal truth. Landscape shots of the Cambodian countryside are vivid and surreal. Every second of film is used to the directors' advantage. Everything has a purpose here.

"The Killing Fields" not only serves as a remarkable achievement in film, but a strongly political important picture. Its a film that truly had guts, to present its audience with honest documentation of the horrors and atrocities that were committed in Cambodia during the 1970's. If it isn't, it should be on some list somewhere of the most politically important movies ever made. It exhibits a mark in human history, and in the history of film, of a time of political instability, social unrest, and unrelenting violence. A truly important film, and a truly wonderful film at that.