The film, First They Killed My Father, follows a Cambodian family through the effects of government conflict. From a sociological perspective, this story has an even deeper meaning than is on the surface. On the surface, it is a sad story about a Cambodian girl in the middle of a war. However, when you analyze it, it is about more than that. It is not only about the people of Cambodia as a whole, but about pain, destruction, and the innocence that children should have.
To start the film, there are news clippings giving the background of the situation. A war in Vietnam spreads to Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge swore that they would take Cambodia back. The story is centered on a young Cambodian girl named Loung Ung. Loung is a happy child who lives in the city with her family. However,
…show more content…
The group of monks are being herded by soldiers with guns, who degrade them with terrible sayings such as, “You monks are parasites. Draining the blood of the people.” This shows (ethnocentrism) because the soldiers see themselves as superior to the monks. When Loung’s family arrives at the camp, they are forced to give up all of their possessions. They are told that they must build their own house and they must dye all of their clothes, so that nobody is different. At this camp, everyone is forced to work in the field, as they must earn their stay and “work hard for Angkar.” While Loung and her sister are working, a soldier sees Loung’s sister eat a bean. This causes her to receive a (negative sanction.) She is hit in the head by the soldier even though she pleas for his forgiveness. Three of Loung’s siblings became soldiers, however her sister comes back injured and later dies. Then, Loung’s father is taken away to help repair a bridge. After Loung’s brother is hurt while trying to steal food, their mother tells Loung, her brother, and her sister that they must