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Parents' Guide to

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Poignant, violent story of child during Khmer Rouge's reign.

Movie NR 2017 135 minutes
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

age 14+

As seen through the eyes of a child

This will be panned and overlooked for what its not by people too narrow minded to appreciate what it is. If you forget who made it, forget that a woman directed it, only then will it get recognition on its merit and artistry in film making.

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2 people found this helpful.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This artful depiction of the brutality visited upon the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge is even more affecting because it's seen only through the eyes and heart of a 7-year-old girl. Filmmaker Angelina Jolie, noted for her personal commitment to children around the globe, has found the perfect vehicle for that commitment, and Sareum Srey Moch is stunning as Loung. Like its predecessors, Empire of the Sun and Beasts of No Nation, the film tells a war story by showing a child's fear, grief, and ultimate resilience. Jolie is careful to keep moments of extreme violence to a minimum. What Loung sees, the audience sees, and it's enough. If bearing witness is a reason for movies to exist, First They Killed My Father has strong purpose. Recommended for mature teens.

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