First They Killed My Father (2017)

First They Killed My Father (2017) is a biographical historical thriller film directed by Angelina Jolie and written by Jolie and Loung Ung, based on Ung’s memoir. Set in 1975 Khmer Republic, it follows the story of Loung Ung, a five-year-old girl and daughter of an officer in the Khmer National Armed Forces, known as ‘Pa’ to his seven children. As the Vietnam War spills over into Cambodia and the United States military begins bombing North Vietnamese forces sheltering in neutral territory, the Cambodian Civil War breaks out. The U.S. eventually evacuates its embassy and withdraws from Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge takes control of Phnom Penh, forcing all families to become refugees under the false pretense of protecting them from American bombings. Pa Ung faces danger when he denies working for the government and is questioned by Khmer Rouge soldiers who would kill him if they discover the truth.

Loung’s family is welcomed by ‘Uncle’ (also known as Loung’s maternal uncle), who is Pa’s brother-in-law. They stay with Uncle and his family for a while, until Aunt expresses concerns about the danger of Pa’s true identity being discovered. Unfortunately, this means that Loung’s family must depart from Uncle’s home. On their journey, they are eventually captured by Khmer Rouge soldiers and taken to a labor camp along with other refugees. Here, they are forced to construct their own shelter and endure grueling work conditions. All of their possessions are seized, and food is scarce due to all crops being sent to fighters. Any attempts to obtain more food result in merciless beatings, which Loung sadly witnesses her siblings endure as they try to provide for themselves and their family. Besides hard labor, the camp also promotes the regime’s propaganda, strictly prohibiting any foreign items (even life-saving medication) and punishing such offenses with death.