In 1970s Cambodia, the life of an American journalist takes a dramatic turn when he finds himself caught in the midst of the Khmer Rouge revolution. Sidney Schanberg, a reporter for the New York Times, and his photographer, Dith Pran, are immersed in covering the civil war that is ravaging the country. Initially, both men feel destined to capture the story of the war, filled with adrenaline and a passion for documenting the truth.
When the Khmer Rouge regime seizes control of Phnom Penh, the situation becomes desperate. As Americans are evacuated, Dith is left behind, trapped in a country that is rapidly collapsing. Through Sidney’s eyes, the viewer feels the anguish of being unable to help his friend and the guilt that consumes him for not being able to save him. The film intertwines the great horror of the Cambodian genocide with the heartbreaking friendship between the two men, showcasing how loyalty and sacrifice are put to the test in times of extreme adversity.
As Dith navigates the hell of the labor camps and confronts the brutality of the regime, the story becomes a powerful reminder of the struggle for survival. Sidney's quest to reunite with his friend evolves into a personal mission, highlighting the human cost of a conflict that continues to resonate in the collective memory. Through his courage, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of evil is revealed.