8.0
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Drama, History, War • 1984 • 142 min • Adults (18+)
The Killing Fields (1984)
The Killing Fields (1984)
Overview
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.
Starring Cast
Sam Waterston • Haing S. Ngor • John Malkovich
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Center
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
Buddhism: Positive
Viewer Rating
8.0
Overview
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.
Starring Cast
Sam Waterston • Haing S. Ngor • John Malkovich
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Center
Primary
Political: Center
Confidence: Low
The film's central thesis critiques the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime and the devastating human cost of war, while also subtly questioning US foreign policy, resulting in a balanced humanitarian and journalistic focus that transcends a clear left or right political alignment.
Diversity: Moderate
Confidence: High
The movie features a diverse cast that accurately reflects the historical setting and real-life individuals, including a prominent Cambodian character. Its narrative focuses on the human impact of the Cambodian genocide and the bond between two journalists, without explicitly critiquing traditional identities or centering DEI themes in a critical manner.
Secondary
Buddhism: Positive
Confidence: High
The film depicts the systematic persecution and destruction of Buddhist monks, temples, and practices by the Khmer Rouge. The narrative unequivocally condemns this anti-religious violence, positioning the audience to sympathize with Buddhism as a victim of extreme ideological brutality.
LGBTQ: N/A
Confidence: High
The Killing Fields, a historical drama set during the Cambodian genocide, does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The narrative is entirely focused on war, journalism, and survival, rendering the portrayal of LGBTQ+ elements as not applicable.
Trans: N/A
Confidence: High
The film 'The Killing Fields' focuses on the Cambodian genocide and the experiences of a journalist and his assistant during the Khmer Rouge regime. There are no identifiable transsexual characters or themes present within the narrative, leading to a 'N/A' rating for its portrayal.
Female Combat: N/R
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Gender Swap: No
Confidence: High
The Killing Fields is a historical drama based on real events and people. The main characters, Dith Pran, Sydney Schanberg, and Al Rockoff, are portrayed by actors matching their historical and canonical gender, with no instances of gender swapping.
Race Swap: No
Confidence: High
The film portrays real historical figures: Dith Pran (Cambodian), Sydney Schanberg (white), and Al Rockoff (white). The actors cast for these roles, Haing S. Ngor (Cambodian), Sam Waterston (white), and John Malkovich (white), accurately reflect the historical race of the individuals they portray.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
7.8
7.5
Critic Ratings
9.1
7.6
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