Sri Lanka's Killing Fields

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Keywords: Sri Lanka, Civil War, Tamil Tigers, Human Rights, War Crimes, Documentary, History. Three words: 'Disturbing', 'Eye-opening', 'Unflinching'.

Introduction

'Sri Lanka's Killing Fields', directed by Callum Macrae and released in 2011, is an investigative documentary that takes a deep dive into the final weeks of the 25 year-long civil war between the government of Sri Lanka and the secessionist rebels, the Tamil Tigers.

Synopsis

The documentary, presented by Jon Snow, presents a forensic and unflinching investigation into the atrocities committed during the final weeks of the civil war in Sri Lanka. It shines a light on the horrific human rights abuses and war crimes that took place, largely unnoticed by the rest of the world.

More Film Analysis

Analysis

 
'Sri Lanka's Killing Fields' employs a gritty, investigative style and a depth of research that is both staggering and unsettling. Macrae's documentary does not shy away from the harsh realities of the conflict, exploring its subject matter with a steadfast commitment to truth and justice.

Historical and Factual Context

 
The documentary provides a valuable historical and factual context, detailing the long and bitter struggle between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers, and the devastating impact it had on the civilian population.

Key themes in the film

  • The human cost of war
  • Accountability for war crimes
  • The role of international community in conflict resolution

Film Comparisons

'Sri Lanka's Killing Fields' can be compared to other hard-hitting documentaries like 'The Act of Killing' and 'The Look of Silence', which also explore political violence and impunity.

Noteworthy Moments

One of the most significant moments in the documentary is the presentation of harrowing video evidence that suggests war crimes may have been committed by both sides of the conflict.

Reviews

This documentary was well received by critics and audiences alike, praised for its fearless exploration of a largely overlooked conflict. "A chilling exposé of the horrors of war, 'Sri Lanka's Killing Fields' is a must-see for anyone interested in human rights and justice," writes one reviewer.

Conclusion

'Sri Lanka's Killing Fields' is a powerful and important documentary that shines a light on a forgotten conflict and the terrible human cost of war. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in human rights, conflict resolution, and modern history.

More film information:

FILM SUMMARY

  • IMDB score: 8.7/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
  • Metacritic score: 85
  • Film festival awards: Peabody Award (2012)

 

PERSONALITIES

  • Callum Macrae: Director
  • Jon Snow: Presenter

 

LOCATIONS

  • Sri Lanka

Key Questions Raised by the Film:

  • How could such atrocities be committed with little international intervention?
  • What is the responsibility of the international community in preventing war crimes?
  • How can accountability and justice be achieved in the aftermath of such a conflict?

I wonder what the film would be in another art form

  1. If this film was a famous book, which one would it be? 'The Diary of Anne Frank' for its painful and intimate look at human suffering during a time of war.
  2. If this film was a famous song, which one would it be? 'Imagine' by John Lennon for its dream of a world free from conflict and suffering.
  3. If this film was a famous piece of art, which one would it be? Picasso's 'Guernica' for its powerful depiction of the horrors of war.
  4. If this film was a famous celebrity, who would it be? Angelina Jolie for her commitment to human rights and her role as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.
  5. If this film was a color, which one would it be? Grey, for its somber and grim depiction of war.
  6. If this film was a music style, which one would it be? Classical, for its ability to convey deep emotions and tell a story without words.