Riveting, interpretative, with great performances. ***1/2 (out of four)

Rating: 8/10 (27 September 2000)

Starring: Sam Waterson, John Malkovich, Dr. Haing S Ngor, Julian Sands, Craig T. Nelson, and Bill Paterson. Directed by Roland Joffe. Written by Bruce Robinson. Produced by David Puttnam and Ian Smith. Running time: 141 minutes. Rated R (for warfare violence including disturbing images, and for language).
"The Killing Fields" is a riveting, interpretative war drama with a sense of meaning and truth. The film is involving because the main characters react to various situations as we would, thus developing a relationship with the audience. Those characters are well written and portrayed by Sam Waterson, John Malkovich, Dr. Haing S. Ngor, Julian Sands, Craig T. Nelson, and others; each is presented with determination and dramatic impact.
During the film's many war sequences, Roland Joffe pays close attention to many details in order to create a strong sense of realism. We witness children reacting to the chaos and loud noises by covering their ears with their hands; we see mutilated animals and bloody carcasses covering the streets and sidewalks. The war sequences are personal, harrowing, and believable.
Supporting the film is a firm, consistent narrative that makes the story intriguing and engaging. The audience is well informed on the information in the story. "The Killing Fields," features enough dramatic impact and harrowing compact scenes to satisfy both fans of war movies and individuals looking for a decent dramatic action picture.