Watch The Last Days of Colonel Savath

The Last Days of Colonel Savath is a Cambodian drama film from 1995 directed by Lek Chaiyan Chunsuttiwat. The film follows the story of Colonel Savath, a high-ranking military officer in the Royal Cambodian Army during the late 1970s. Set during the Khmer Rouge regime, the movie provides an intimate and powerful account of the horrific events that took place during this period in Cambodia's history.

The movie starts at the height of the Khmer Rouge regime, with Colonel Savath (played by Kong Sophy) being held captive by a group of guerrilla soldiers. As the film progresses, we are taken through a series of flashbacks that illustrate the Colonel's experiences leading up to his capture.

Through these flashbacks, we see that Savath was initially part of the Khmer Rouge movement and shared their vision of a new, communist Cambodia. However, as the regime becomes more oppressive and brutal, Savath becomes disillusioned and disillusioned with the movement. He is particularly disturbed by the violence and disregard for human life that characterizes the Khmer Rouge's approach to governing.

Despite these misgivings, Savath continues to serve the regime out of a sense of duty and a belief that he can make a difference from within. He is put in charge of a work camp where prisoners are forced to work long hours in horrific conditions. Savath struggles with the morality of the situation and his own role in perpetuating the suffering, leading to tensions with his superiors.

Throughout the film, we are also introduced to other characters who play important roles in the Colonel's story. One of these is Mony (played by Mom Soth), a former classmate of Savath's who becomes his confidant and ally. We see Mony struggling to understand why Savath remains loyal to a regime that he clearly despises, and how to reconcile his admiration for his friend with the atrocities he is part of committing.

Another important character is a woman who is brought to the work camp and becomes Savath's lover. Her story serves as a powerful example of the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge regime on women, who were often subjected to sexual violence and exploitation.

The Last Days of Colonel Savath is an incredibly moving film that brings to life one of the darkest periods in human history. The performances of the cast are exceptional, particularly Kong Sophy in the lead role of the Colonel. The film is beautifully shot, with lush cinematography that contrasts sharply with the brutality of the subject matter.

As a viewer, one is left with a sense of deep sadness and horror at the unspeakable crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Yet, there is also a sense of admiration for Colonel Savath and others who risked their lives to do what they believed was right, even in the face of impossible odds. The Last Days of Colonel Savath is a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history and of the need to continue to examine the darkest aspects of humanity in order to learn from them.