Watch S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine

S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine is a 2003 documentary film that provides an intense view of Cambodian history during the reign of the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s. It brings to light the atrocities committed by the regime, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people in what is now known as the Cambodian Genocide. The film is directed by Rithy Panh, a Cambodian film director who lived through the Khmer Rouge regime.

The film is named after S-21, a former school turned into a detention and torture center in the heart of Phnom Penh, where thousands of Cambodians were brought to be interrogated and killed during the regime's rule. The film takes us into the chilling world of S-21, where we meet Khieu 'Poev' Ches, a survivor of the facility who is able to recount in vivid detail the horrors he experienced there.

Through the use of interviews with former guards and prisoners, haunting archival footage, and dramatic reenactments, S-21 portrays a vivid and shocking depiction of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime. The film shows the terrifying extent of the regime's control on the people of Cambodia, its systematic use of torture and murder, and the sheer horror of the crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge.

The film highlights the stories of several survivors of the regime, including Yeay Cheu, a mother who lost her six children to the Khmer Rouge, and Nhem En, a former Khmer Rouge cadre who was responsible for taking ID photos of thousands of prisoners that helped to identify them for mass executions. These stories are heart-wrenching, and provide an intimate look into the personal devastation wrought by the regime.

Despite its heavy subject matter, S-21 is a beautifully crafted film that is visually stunning and well edited. Its use of archival footage is particularly effective, as it provides a haunting and visceral glimpse into the lives of those affected by the Khmer Rouge. The cinematography is also impressive, as the camera is able to convey the dread and horror of the events that are depicted on screen.

One of the strengths of the film is how it showcases the perspective of the Khmer Rouge, both through interviews with guards and cadres and through the portrayal of the regime's own propaganda films. The viewer sees firsthand how the Khmer Rouge justified their brutal regime and how they saw themselves as the defenders of the Khmer people. This adds a layer of complexity to the film and helps to provide a rich understanding of the historical context.

Overall, S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine is a powerful and haunting portrayal of one of the darkest periods in Cambodian history. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the Khmer Rouge or in understanding the nature of genocide as a whole. While difficult to watch at times, the film is ultimately a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of memory in preserving the truth of our past.