The Killing Fields (1984)

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The Killing Fields is a romanticized adaptation of an eyewitness magazine story by New York Times correspondent Sidney Schanberg. Covering the U.S. pullout from Vietnam in 1975, Schanberg (Sam Waterston) relies on his Cambodian friend and translator Dith Pran (Haing S. Ngor) for inside information. Schanberg has an opportunity to rescue Dith Pran when the U.S. army evacuates all Cambodian citizens; instead, the reporter coerces his friend to remain behind to continue sending him news flashes. Although his family is helicoptered out of Saigon (a recreation of the famous TV news clip), Dith Pran stays with Schanberg on the ground. Racked with guilt, Schanberg does his best to arrange for Dith Pran's escape, but the Cambodian is captured by the dreaded Khmer Rouge. Accepting his Pulitzer Prize on behalf of Dith Pran, Schanberg vows to do right by his friend and extricate him from Cambodia. The rest of the film details Dith Pran's harrowing experiences at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, and his attempt to escape on his own. The Killing Fields won Academy Awards for Hang S. Ngor (a Cambodian doctor who lived through many of the horrific events depicted herein), cinematographer Chris Menges, and editor Jim Clark; an Oscar nomination went to Roland Joffe, who made his directorial debut with this film. Spalding Gray, who played a small role in the film, later elaborated on this experiences in his one-man stage presentation Swimming to Cambodia. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

141 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

Roland Joffé

Writer(s):

Bruce Robinson

Producer(s):

David Puttnam

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Situations, Violence)

Categories:

Drama

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• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Sound
• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actor
• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Most Promising Newcomer
• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Editing
• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Adapted Screenplay
• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Production Design
• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Sound
• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Picture
• 1984 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Cinematography
• 1984 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
• 1984 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
• 1984 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Cinematography