S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine Poster

S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine 2003

★ 7.434 votes101 min📅 2003-05-17

Dive into the haunting depths of history with *S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003)*, a harrowing documentary directed by the acclaimed Rithy Panh.

Director: Rithy Panh

Cast

Chum Mey
Himself (Survivor)
Khieu 'Poev' Ches
Himself (Guard)
Yeay Cheu
Herself - Him Houy's Mother
Nhiem Ein
Himself - Photographer
Houy Him
Himself - Security deputy
Ta Him
Himself - Him Houy's Father
Nhieb Ho
Himself - Guard
Prakk Kahn
Himself - the Torturer
Peng Kry
Himself - Driver
Som Meth
Himself - Guard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003) about?

This documentary exposes the atrocities committed at the S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, where the Khmer Rouge imprisoned and executed thousands. Survivors and former guards share their harrowing experiences, offering chilling insights into the motivations behind the regime's brutality.

Who directed S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine?

The film was directed by Rithy Panh, a Cambodian filmmaker known for his powerful documentaries on the Khmer Rouge era and its aftermath.

Who stars in S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine?

The documentary prominently features Chum Mey, Khieu 'Poev' Ches, Yeay Cheu, Nhiem Ein, and Houy Him, whose testimonies form the core of the film.

Is S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003) worth watching?

Though undeniably difficult, this documentary is a vital historical record and a masterclass in investigative filmmaking. Its unflinching honesty and emotional weight make it essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand Cambodia's tragic past, even if the subject matter is heavy.

How long is S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine?

The film runs for 101 minutes.

About S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003) — A Devastating Documentary on Genocide and Memory

Dive into the haunting depths of history with *S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003)*, a harrowing documentary directed by the acclaimed Rithy Panh. This 101-minute film confronts the unimaginable horrors of the S-21 genocide prison in Phnom Penh, where survivors and former guards confront the darkest chapters of Cambodia's past. Through raw interviews with those who endured imprisonment and those who enforced it, Panh strips away layers of time to reveal the chilling motivations behind one of the 20th century's most brutal regimes. The atmosphere is suffocating, a visceral reminder of humanity's capacity for cruelty—and the resilience of those who lived to tell their stories.

This is not just a recounting of events; it's a meditation on complicity, memory, and the lingering shadows of war. With its unflinching gaze, *S21* forces viewers to reckon with how ordinary people became instruments of genocide, all while maintaining a stark, documentary realism that lingers long after the credits roll.