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MOVIE DECISION GUIDE
The Killing Fields
MOVIHERO READ
Patiently paced, emotionally heavy drama that rewards full attention. Best if a historical drama about journalism and friendship.
75/100
TMDB RATINGWHAT IT'S ABOUT
New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg is on assignment covering the Cambodian Civil War, with the help of local interpreter Dith Pran and American photojournalist Al Rockoff. When the U.S. Army pulls out amid escalating violence, Schanberg makes exit arrangements for Pran and his family. Pran, however, tells Schanberg he intends to stay in Cambodia to help cover the unfolding story — a decision he may regret as the Khmer Rouge rebels move in.
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75/100
TMDB RATINGYOUR WATCHLISTNew York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg is on assignment covering the Cambodian Civil War, with the help of local interpreter Dith Pran and American photojournalist A…
MAKE THE CALL
Does this belong in your night?
A decision, not a review. Choose the kind of night you want and keep your queue honest.
RELEASE SNAPSHOT
Release snapshot for The Killing Fields.
MoviHero lists November 23, 1984 as the release date for The Killing Fields. Roland Joffé is the listed director. The listed cast includes Sam Waterston as Sydney Schanberg, Haing S. Ngor as Dith Pran, John Malkovich as Al Rockoff, Julian Sands as Jon Swain. A trailer and 5 stills are available on this page.
Release dateNovember 23, 1984
GenresDrama · History · War
Runtime2h 22m
DirectorRoland Joffé
CastSam Waterston as Sydney Schanberg, Haing S. Ngor as Dith Pran, John Malkovich as Al Rockoff, Julian Sands as Jon Swain
TrailerAvailable on this page
Images5 stills
BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY
Is The Killing Fields right for tonight?
Pacing, attention and emotional impact are estimates from the current MoviHero Watch Profile, not verified scene-by-scene reviews.
How much time should I set aside?
The Killing Fields runs 2h 22m. Allow extra time for breaks.
Is it slow or fast?
The current MoviHero pacing estimate is 3/10: a more patient pace.
Is it a good choice when I am tired?
The attention estimate is 8/10. Consider saving this for a night when you can concentrate.
How emotionally intense is it?
The emotional-impact estimate is 8/10, suggesting a stronger emotional experience. This does not tell you whether the ending is happy or sad.
CHANGE ONE THING
Like this, but...
These share a listed genre with The Killing Fields. Profile differences are estimates, not a guarantee of the same story or mood.
But shorterQuo Vadis, Aida?2021 · 1h 44m
38 minutes shorter (1h 44m). Shared genre: drama, history, war.
But less emotionally intenseLand of Mine2015 · 1h 40mEstimated emotional impact: 6/10 versus 8/10. Shared genre: drama, history, war.
But less demandingThe Battle of Algiers1966 · 2h 2mEstimated attention required: 6/10 versus 8/10. Shared genre: drama, history, war.
RATING & SOURCE
TMDB audience rating
TMDB: 75/100 (7.5/10) from 870 votes. Updated Oct 13, 2026.
External ratings are converted directly to /100. We add no popularity, metadata or Watch Profile bonuses. MoviHero audience ratings are calculated separately from numerical ratings submitted here.
MOVIHERO EDITORIAL
Should you watch The Killing Fields?
The Killing Fields follows an American journalist and his Cambodian colleague through civil war and the Khmer Rouge takeover. Their friendship gives the film its centre, while their very different chances of escape expose its stakes.
WHY THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU
01The Killing Fields follows an American journalist and his Cambodian colleague through civil war and the Khmer Rouge takeover
02a historical drama about journalism and friendship
03a Cambodian civilian perspective alongside foreign reporting
QUICK DECISION GUIDE
Know the watch before you press play.
A fast read on the experience, then the reasons this movie may or may not fit your night.
01Pacing3/10
02Emotional Impact8/10
03Mind-Bending2/10
04Scary1/10
05Violence7/10
06Rewatchability5/10
PERFECT IF
01a historical drama about journalism and friendship
02a Cambodian civilian perspective alongside foreign reporting
THINK TWICE IF
01you are avoiding persecution and mass violence
02you want a straightforward battlefield story
MOVIHERO AUDIENCE RATING
What did you think?
Your movie rating. Your audience score.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
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OPTION 2
Other ways to watch The Killing Fields
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United States
The Roku Channel
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Kanopy
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Plex
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WHAT WATCHING IT FEELS LIKE
Watch Profile
Seven estimates of the viewing experience, based on the stored Watch Profile. These are separate from the movie rating and are not verified scene-by-scene assessments.
Pacing3/10
Emotional Impact8/10
Mind-Bending2/10
Scary1/10
Violence7/10
Rewatchability5/10
Attention Required8/10
WATCH A PREVIEW
Trailer
A CLOSER LOOK
Stay with the image.
CAST & CREW
The people who make it land.
PART OF A WATCH JOURNEY
Where The Killing Fields fits.
SIMILAR GENRES & STORY THEMES
Keep the night going.
78/100
TMDB RATINGLand of Mine
2015·Drama · History · War
79/100
TMDB RATINGThe Battle of Algiers
1966·Drama · History · War
76.5/100
TMDB RATINGQuo Vadis, Aida?
2021·Drama · History · War