Below are our favorite picks of western movies that are based in or involve Cambodia. All of which make great watching prior to a visit to the Kingdom of wonder. Here they are in no particular order.
1. The Killing Fields (1984)
Director: Roland Joffé
A devastating portrayal of the Khmer Rouge era, The Killing Fields is a sobering recount of the atrocities committed during the Cambodian genocide. The film centers on the relationship between American journalist Sydney Schanberg and his Cambodian colleague Dith Pran, who becomes a victim of the regime. Nominated for several Academy Awards, The Killing Fields remains a crucial film in understanding Cambodia’s tragic history.
2. First They Killed My Father (2017)
Director: Angelina Jolie
Based on Loung Ung’s memoir, this powerful drama follows a young girl’s harrowing journey through the Khmer Rouge regime. Directed by Angelina Jolie and filmed in Cambodia, the film is an intimate and personal look at the effects of war and the survival of a family during one of the darkest chapters in Cambodian history.
3. Tomb Raider (2001)
Director: Simon West
Shot in Cambodia, Tomb Raider takes viewers to the iconic Angkor Wat temples. The film follows Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) on a quest for a mystical artifact. The stunning visuals of the ancient ruins provide an exotic backdrop for this action-adventure film, making it a memorable and visually captivating experience.
4. Same Same But Different (2009)
Director: Detlev Buck
A German film set in Cambodia, Same Same But Different explores the relationship between a German backpacker and a Cambodian bar girl. The film delves into the complexities of love, exploitation, and human trafficking, offering an insightful look at Cambodia’s socio-economic struggles and the impact of Western tourism.
5. Wish You Were Here (2012)
Director: Kieran Darcy-Smith
Filmed in both Cambodia and Australia, Wish You Were Here follows four friends whose vacation to Cambodia turns into a tragedy when one of them goes missing. The film explores themes of guilt, grief, and emotional consequences, with Cambodia’s atmospheric landscapes amplifying the sense of mystery and loss.
6. Beyond Borders (2003)
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring Angelina Jolie and Clive Owen, Beyond Borders is a drama about a humanitarian worker who becomes involved with the struggles of refugees in war-torn Cambodia. The film highlights Cambodia’s devastation from the Khmer Rouge regime while touching on the broader humanitarian crises across the world, blending personal sacrifice with global issues.
7. The Sea Wall (2008)
Director: Rithy Panh
The Sea Wall is a dramatic portrayal of a family’s struggle to survive in rural Cambodia. Adapted from Marguerite Duras’ novel, the film centers on a mother and her children, exploring the intimate and emotional challenges of post-genocide life. Its haunting cinematography and powerful performances highlight Cambodia’s landscape and ongoing struggles.
8. City of Ghosts (2002)
Director: Matt Dillon
A neo-noir crime thriller set in Phnom Penh, City of Ghosts follows a corrupt insurance agent (Matt Dillon) returning to Cambodia to search for a missing partner. The film gives a gritty, atmospheric look at post-genocide Cambodia, touching on corruption, the underworld, and the emotional scars left by the Khmer Rouge era.
9. The Lost Reel (2014)
Director: Sotho Kulikar
The Lost Reel is a Cambodian drama that uncovers the forgotten world of Cambodian cinema from the 1960s and 1970s. The story revolves around a young woman who discovers a lost film from Cambodia’s golden age, and through it, uncovers the deep impact the Khmer Rouge had on the country’s cultural identity. The film beautifully blends history with personal discovery.
10. Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll (2014)
Director: John Pirozzi
A documentary that explores Cambodia’s vibrant rock-and-roll scene in the 1960s and 1970s, Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten tells the story of the musicians and artists whose careers were tragically cut short by the Khmer Rouge. The film is a nostalgic celebration of Cambodia’s cultural heritage, offering a poignant look at what was lost during the genocide.
11. Dogora (2004)
Director: Olivier Vancraeynest
Dogora is a unique documentary that combines music and visual storytelling to explore Cambodia’s post-genocide recovery. Featuring the Cambodian Space Project, the film delves into the country’s musical renaissance, reflecting the resilience of the Cambodian people. With evocative imagery and stirring music, Dogora captures the spirit of recovery and cultural revival in Cambodia.
12. Rice People (1994)
Director: Rithy Panh
Set in rural Cambodia, Rice People tells the story of a family’s struggle to rebuild their life after the Khmer Rouge. Focusing on the personal and emotional challenges of post-genocide survival, the film explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the enduring impact of war. It’s a deeply moving portrayal of life in Cambodia’s rural heartland.
Images taken from IMDB.
