Watch Brother No. 2

Brother No. 2 is a documentary film that explores the legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The film is directed by Anne-Sophie Birot and co-written by her and historian Jean-Louis Margolin. The documentary is structured as a series of interviews with former Khmer Rouge leaders, victims of the regime, and experts on Cambodian history.

The central figure of the film is Nuon Chea, also known as Brother No. 2, who was the second-in-command of the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot. Nuon Chea is currently on trial for crimes against humanity and genocide related to his role in the regime. The interviews with Nuon Chea are particularly revealing, as he speaks openly about his beliefs and actions during the time of the Khmer Rouge.

The film also delves into the history of Cambodia leading up to the Khmer Rouge regime, including the country's struggles under French colonialism and the U.S. bombing campaign during the Vietnam War. The interviews with experts provide context for the rise of the Khmer Rouge and their radical communist ideology.

Throughout the film, the testimonies of survivors of the regime are intercut with interviews with former Khmer Rouge leaders. These survivors recount their experiences of forced labor, torture, and sudden execution. Many of them lost entire families to the regime. Their stories are heartbreaking and often difficult to watch, but they provide essential insight into the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.

The documentary also features footage from the notorious Tuol Sleng prison, where thousands of Cambodians were tortured and killed during the regime. The images are grim and haunting, a reminder of the brutal reality that so many people faced at the time.

One of the most powerful aspects of Brother No. 2 is the way it shows how the legacy of the Khmer Rouge still affects Cambodia today. The film examines the culture of fear and distrust that persists in the country, particularly among older generations who lived through the regime. It also explores the ways in which Cambodians are grappling with the past, including attempts to bring former Khmer Rouge leaders to justice and efforts to preserve the memory of those who were lost.

Overall, Brother No. 2 is a powerful and deeply affecting documentary film that sheds light on one of the darkest periods in Cambodian history. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the Khmer Rouge regime, the history of Cambodia, or the human experience of living under totalitarianism. The film is both informative and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression on all who watch it.