Customer Reviews

Nova: Terror in the Minefields [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone who thinks documentaries done by people who can't make features should see this film. The beauty and terror of Cambodia in one film. I defy anyone to watch the small child walk happily through a field (maybe, a minefield), the deminer probing for a mine or the Khmer Rouge patrol planting mines, and not understand that this is the real thing. "Saving Private Ryan" is nicely packaged make believe. This is a tough film. A man and a woman made it under what must have been harrowing circumstances. I will [name them]: David Feingold was the Director/Writer; Deborah La Gorce Kramer, Co-Producer.... They risked their lives so that those of us who lead safe ones could understand the meaning of mines. As an American and a vet, I am ashamed that the US has not signed the Landmine Treaty. See this film, and you will undewrstand why.

The film takes you right into the minefields of Cambodia -- you follow deminers as they attempt to clear the more than 8 million mines in the country. The film crew also followed Khmer Rouge mine laying operations, producing extraordinary sequences. The film shows clearly, however, that there are not "good" mines and "bad" mines -- they all are a danger innocent civilians long after the war is over. One soldier is horrible injured by a mine laid by his own army. A beautiful 17 year old girl looses a foot cutting firewood. The film also follows the battle to ban landmines. Since this film was made, a treaty was signed, but the US has not signed and the mines are still in the ground. The camera work is beautiful (particularly in the Cambodian countryside), and you can't help but be moved by issue.