The movie "Killing Fields" directed by Roland Joffe in 1984 was undoubtedly the biggest surprise of this year's movie-watching experience.
Set in the Vietnam War, the film tells the story of two journalists fighting side by side, separated and then reunited. Many of these bloody and shocking scenes are also trying to accuse the audience of heinous crimes about the Khmer Rouge. It is worth noting that the script is adapted from a real story.
The whole film is mainly spread around the themes of "brotherhood", "professional ethics in journalism" and "stubbornness of life".
Regarding "brotherhood" , Cambodian Pandey served as a local interpreter and assistant to the war correspondent Zinni. He used his courage and wisdom to turn the dangers into peace at the critical juncture of the lives and deaths of reporters such as Zinni. Later, after the Khmer Rouge occupied Phnom Penh, journalists from various countries returned home smoothly, but Pandey could only stay because he did not have a passport. Pandey has personally experienced the labor reform under the cruel Khmer Rouge regime, and has also witnessed the violent rule under totalitarianism. At the same time, Zinney has won many awards in China (the United States), but he has always tried his best to find Pandey. In the end, Pandey relied on his wisdom and perseverance to escape the danger, and the two finally met again.
If the story itself has a thrilling charm, then the arrangement of the narrative structure and the performance of the actors are the points that the film can add. In the embassy, several journalists who were in distress were all overwhelmed and distressed by the portraits needed for forging Pandey's passport. After the photos were successfully washed out, the atmosphere suddenly became relaxed, joyful and excited. However, after the photo faded and the passport was returned, everyone was full of frustration, and the atmosphere suddenly fell. And Zinny was also full of regret, worry, and self-blame. In this tension and relaxation, joy and depression, the emotions of the audience were mobilized, and at the same time they deeply realized the incomparable closeness and friendship between life and death.
Similarly, in the second half of the film, Zinni’s story and Pandey’s story are cross-presented. This contrast shows the life of the two who are very different. But because of Zinni’s concern, these two stories are made. Closely linked together, and promote the tension of the narrative. Most importantly, it has been giving the audience expectations, that is, paving the way for the audience to witness the reunion of the two sides. As a result, when they met again and embraced, their expectations were met and their emotions reached their fullest state.
Regarding the performance of the actor, Wu Hanyun (Pandy)’s acting skills are of course nothing to say, but what impressed me the most was the performance of Sam Watson (Sinney). What Pandey’s role needs is more calmness. , So this is also doomed to its emotional suppression. As for Zinni, he can release his emotions in a relaxed and stress-free situation when he returns to China. Therefore, his performances are more contagious. For example, when he confessed and blamed himself to his wife at home, we can easily learn from He read out the complex emotions in his expression and was moved at the same time. The emotion is transferred from the actors to the audience.
Regarding "journalism professional ethics" , the film is also expressed through many shots. At the beginning of the film, Pandey saw the police and an ambulance passing by, and instantly based on news sensitivity, he noticed something was wrong with the incident, and then followed up the investigation. Similarly, Zinni and his colleague Kafi Centolaru were preparing for a meal in a restaurant, and suddenly gunfire happened next to them. Kafi quickly reacted and picked up the camera to take pictures of the first scene. Before that, he fell ill. In bed, still getting some aspirin from the waiter.
News reporters discover and report the truth, and because of their special status, that is, independence and supervision of power, they have always been respected by people. When Zinney faced the officers, he was neither humble nor arrogant, nor afraid, even questioning, which was awe-inspiring. Going to the first scene of the crime was required by his journalism career. For this reason, he left everything and even life and death behind. Similarly, although Pandey is Zinny's assistant, his professionalism is worthy of admiration. Zinny is going to the first scene, and he finally contacted a ship. As for the hardship of the connection, the film did not expand in detail. The director's intention here should be to highlight the characteristics of his quick work and perfect assistant. In the film, Pandey also set up a conflict specifically for Pandey, that is, family and career. Of course, Pandey chose a career in the end.
Regarding the "stubbornness of life" , this is completely manifested in Pandey. Under totalitarian rule, Pandey stayed alive carefully, observing the silent way of survival. He remained sane and calm, and was always looking for a chance to escape. But this doesn't mean that he didn't cause any trouble, on the contrary, he almost died. While going to drink cow blood, he was caught, then dragged off and beheaded. Fortunately, a boy whom he met before saved him. Later, he embarked on a journey of escape.
This story is comparable to "The Shawshank's Redemption", and it is even more thrilling. While escaping, he passed by a lake with dead trees. He stepped on the muddy ground and suddenly fell into the mud pit by accident. The mud pit was full of dead people's bones and shabby clothes, and he couldn't help shivering. At the same time, the most shocking scene in the film unfolded. The lake is full of human bones. This is a powerful accusation against the Khmer Rouge's totalitarian rule.
Of course, with only thematic performance without good narrative ability, the look and feel of the film will also be discounted. This film won the 57th Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, Best Photography and Best Film Editing, which is worthy of the name. In terms of photography, there are many elements in the lens, and most of them are sporty, but we will not feel confused, which is enough to prove its superb. With the editing and soundtrack, the narrative rhythm of the film is also just right, and it does not make people feel boring, dull or even sleepy.
Finally, it also records a period of history and reflections on history. As later generations who are directly related to us, we should understand and reflect. right?
View more about The Killing Fields reviews
