The Killing Fields
7.8
The Killing Fields fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and violent
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Violence8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
History, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and editing
- Music Composition9
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
Energy
HighNerve-racking and violent
Fast from start to finish.
The Killing Fields is nerve-racking, violent, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare10Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
HighHistory, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, war, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Warfare10Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Biographical8Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout score, cinematography, and editing
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
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About
Here, only the silent survive.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about The Killing Fields
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Killing Fields worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Killing Fields rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Killing Fields?
2 h 22 min
The Killing Fields runs 2 h 22 min.
Is The Killing Fields based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Killing Fields?
Not quite. Critics rate The Killing Fields higher (96) than audiences (78). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Killing Fields a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $14 million to make and earned $35 million worldwide, 2.4 times its budget.
What language is The Killing Fields in?
It was made in English, with some Russian, Khmer, French. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The Killing Fields?
+22GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Killing Fields in 36 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Killing Fields use?
TV Tropes lists 57 storytelling tropes for The Killing Fields, including Yank the Dog's Chain, Reasonable Authority Figure, Enemy Civil War.