A “harrowing” movie based on real events that won three Oscars is streaming for free in the UK. The Killing Fields (1984) is a biographical drama about the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, which led to one of the most deadly genocides in history. The story is seen through the eyes of New York Times writer Sydney Schanberg (played by Sam Waterston) and Cambodian journalist and interpreter Dith Pran (Haing S. Ngor), who worked together covering Pol Pot’s murderous regime.

The screenplay was based on a story by Schanberg that appeared in The New York Times Magazine. The cast also includes Julian Sands, Craig T. Nelson, John Malkovich, and Athol Fugard. The film was directed by Roland Joffé from a screenplay by Bruce Robinson (writer and director of Withnail and I).

The Killing Fields was critically acclaimed and received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It picked up three gongs, including Best Supporting Actor for Ngor, who had never acted before. It also won the Oscar for Best Cinematography and Best Editing.

One fan gave the film a 10/10, called it “THE most haunting, emotional film experience… and I’ve only ever seen it on video”.

They said the scenes in the French Embassy are standouts, adding, “I can never watch the final scene from this sequence with a dry eye.”

Another said it features “fine” performances from Waterston and Malkovich as well as nicely played smaller parts by Nelson Gray, but that Ngor’s performance was “above all of them”.

“This was Ngor’s first film and had no previous acting experience. Quite a performance from Ngor, earning a well-deserved Academy Award.”

A third wrote: “The Killing Fields is a suspenseful and exhilarating experience, a journey through an apocalyptic landscape that features one shocking image after another. Watch, and you’ll see why the film is so acclaimed.”

A fourth said: “Everyone needs to see this movie at least once. Although it might be a little disturbing, the violence is not gratuitous.

“It only adds to the story and emphasizes the tragedy. Despite the tragic elements, however, the movie is inspirational. One of the best films to come out of the 80s!”

A fifth said the film depicts the atmosphere of the time with “stunning clarity, complemented by superbly imaginative camera-work and sound effects”.

“Anyone with a but of conscience is going to remember this film for life.”

The film, which has a 15 certificate, is a tough watch and contains strong war horror, violence and language – so viewer discretion is advised.

The Killing Fields is streaming now on Plex with ads.