Pretty disappointing seeing as this was picked from amongst the lot around the world as one of the 5 nominees for the 2014 Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards. This, while very unique and interesting in concept, just never fully grabbed me in a way like a movie of this nature should. It involves a narrator, speaking about the atrocities that took place during the Cambodian revolution in the 1970’s. It did a fairly good job at depicting the dreadful events that occurred as a result of the Khyme Regime. A totalitarian one that killed many people in its wake. What I particularly did not enjoy so much about it was the way in which it infused archival footage interspliced with still footage of figurines that the director used in place of the footage. While also trying to make it poetic and metaphorical in its use of the figurines and voice over narration. This, while obviously effective for some, given its “glowing” reviews and Oscar nomination, didn’t quite connect with me on any kind of personal level. I was always feel when you’re depicting reenactments and/or dramatizations of moments in History, this is an essential component in order for it to be effective. This is one, despite the many accolades it may have recieved, you may want to skip out on.
Grade: C
