Educational Media Reviews Online

This engrossing film chronicles the life of Norodom Sihanouk, a man deeply engrained in Cambodia’s history from the time he was appointed King in 1941, to his exile and eventual return as King in 1991. Interviews with his contemporaries cite Sihanouk’s pivotal decisions and leadership during the French Indochina war, the crusade for Cambodian independence, and his stance of “anti-American neutrality” preceding the Viet Nam War. He demonstrated his conviction of need for by abdicating the throne, and thereby extinguishing the country’s monarchy. He sought aid from adversarial countries, such as China, the U.S.S.R., and the U.S.A. He used this aid primarily to improve infrastructure and develop the country’s education system. Feeling that the communists would win, he refused U.S. aid at the onset of the Viet Nam War. Fearing entanglements accompanying aid from China and the U.S.S.R., Sihanouk sought the friendship of France. Sihanouk is clearly portrayed as one who engaged in frequent, and often contradictory, political maneuverings.

Far from a saintly figure, Sihanouk squelched opposition in governing bodies in Cambodia, and initiated covert agreements and operations during the Viet Nam War. Evidence suggests that his open hands for aid led to civil war in Cambodia. He was exiled and eventually aligned himself with the Khmer Rouge.

This fine work offers an excellent array of film clips, sound recordings, and still photographs. Although the film makers are never reluctant to exhibit the maladies of his decisions and alliances, especially the atrocities committed during his association with the Khmer Rouge, they never truly reveal Sihanouk’s deepest and/or consistent motivations. The film does not paint him as either a patriotic zealot, or a power-crazed Caesar. It does, however, clearly exhibit that he had no loyalty to any other country or organization with which he dealt. This is a detailed, balanced, factual exposition of life and decisions of Sihanouk.