(1979) John Pilger vividly reveals the brutality and murderous political ambitions of the Pol Pot / Khmer Rouge totalitarian regime which bought genocide and despair to the people of Cambodia while neighboring countries, including Australia, shamefully ignored the immense human suffering and unspeakable crimes that bloodied this once beautiful country.
Plot Summary:This compelling documentary shows the dreadful situation of Cambodia in 1979, less than a year after the Vietnamese army ousted the Khmer Rouge who brutally reigned from 1975 to early 1979. It explains through recent history and footage how it happened, showing USA's and China's involvement. John Pilger explores hospitals, former torture centre and the desolate capital city. He talks to victims and former soldiers of the Khmer Rouge regime, as well as doctors. He shows Cambodians, notably children, affected by hunger and disease. He questions the international community, notably the West, about their lack of reaction. Warning: some images are disturbing.