Customer Reviews

In the Shadow of Angkor Wat [VHS]

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This wonderful documentary is ostensibly about Angkor Wat, but it is inclusive of the total Khmer experience; spiritual, artistic, ceremonial all packed into a too-short hour of tape. What sets it apart from the many videos I have collected about Cambodia is that it is told from the Khmer perspective. It probably could be called more of an "art film" than a documentary. It incorporates still photography, traditional music and arts, archaeology, sociology and theology. It's straight from the Khmer worldview and right out of the Khmer soul. You get to hear the real Khmer people tell of their beliefs, their spirituality, their past incarnations--not to mention, you learn how to communicate with stones, boats, and long-dead artisans. You get to hear a troup of orphans who practice shadow-puppet theatre (a Khmer link to their distant Indonesian cousins) give their thoughts about the creations of their ancestors. I just can't say enough about this film! I felt instantly transported back to the temples I haven't visited since 1995 but got the immediate feel for 5 minutes into the tape--the sounds, the ambience, it is all captured here so realistically it nearly brought the scent of the incense and the stones and the sra srang all back with the package. If you plan or can only afford to buy one Cambodian video, shell out the $26 for this one.

Although this video offers rare glimpses into the lives of people living in and around Angkor, it is a cursory glimpse providing virtually no factual or historical context.

This video is not recommended for those who are trying to study up on the temples prior to making a visit. It offers few historical details and picture quality is poor.

Slow pace, little insight -- you are better off searching for a book.