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.
Acting
Haing S. Ngor lived this — Oscar for non-actor.
Cinematography
Chris Menges makes horror almost unbearably beautiful.
Direction
Joffé balances Western guilt with Cambodian suffering.
Director
Roland Joffé
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Haing S. Ngor was a real doctor imprisoned by the Khmer Rouge; his wife died in childbirth because he couldn't reveal his identity to help her. He had never acted before.
The term 'killing fields' entered English lexicon through this film — Schanberg's original reporting and this adaptation shaped global awareness of the Cambodian genocide.
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