Feb. 18, 2017|Cambodia|136 Min.|TV-MA
Genre: Drama;History;War
Description: “First They Killed My Father” is a gripping film that follows the story of a 5-year-old girl who struggles to survive during the rise and brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Directed by Angelina Jolie, this movie stands out as her finest work behind the camera. It offers a rare perspective on a national tragedy, told through the eyes of a child, making it one of the most compelling war films ever made.
Based on Loung Ung’s memoir, the film portrays the harrowing experiences of her family after the Khmer Rouge seized control of Cambodia. What sets this film apart is its approach—it avoids typical Hollywood sensationalism and instead focuses on the raw, unfiltered perspective of a child. The story is driven by the performance of Sareum Srey Moch, who portrays Ung. At just five years old when the Khmer Rouge took Phnom Penh, and seven when she escaped, her young mind was marked by hunger, violence, and loss. She was forced to learn survival skills no child should ever need, such as planting landmines, firing weapons, and confronting the horrors of war.
The film’s emotional depth is particularly evident in its latter moments, as glimpses of hope begin to emerge. Yet, it never resorts to artificial optimism, staying true to the harsh realities of Ung’s journey.
Cast director: Angelina Jolie
Cast actor: Sareum Srey Moch, Phoeung Kompheak, Sveng Socheata, Mun Kimhak, Heng Dara, Khoun Sothea, Sarun Nika, Run Malyna, Oun Srey Neang, Horm Chhora
Original name: First They Killed My Father