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Poster for S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine

S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine

Seen it?

2003 | 101 min | Documentary, History, War

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite almost no lasting buzz. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Right up the alley of people who love a true story told well and anyone who likes stories from the past brought to life. You'll come away knowing something you didn't. Fans of For Sama or Shoah should feel right at home.
The mood
Intense, eye-opening.
The pace
Well paced for a documentary, at 1 hr 41 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

Documentary of the S-21 genocide prison in Phnom Penh with interviews of prisoners and guards. On the search for reasons why this could have happened.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsWeak

    1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $24K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 12K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Rithy Panh

  • Chum MeyHimself (Survivor)
  • Khieu 'Poev' ChesHimself (Guard)
  • Yeay CheuHerself - Him Houy's Mother
  • Nhiem EinHimself - Photographer
  • Houy HimHimself - Security deputy
  • Ta HimHimself - Him Houy's Father
  • Nhieb HoHimself - Guard
  • Prakk KahnHimself - the Torturer
  • Peng KryHimself - Driver
  • Som MethHimself - Guard