Rice People (1994)

In Cambodian refugee camps, when children are asked where rice comes from, they answer, "from UN lorries". They have never seen a rice field. One day, these children will have to learn to ... See full summary »

Director:

Rithy Panh

Writers:

Shahnon Ahmad (novel), Ève Deboise

Stars:

Peng Phan, Mom Soth, Chhim Naline

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peng Phan	...	Yim Om, mother
Mom Soth	...	Yong Poeuv, father
Chhim Naline	...	Sakha, oldest daughter
Va Simorn	...	Sokhoeun
Sophy Sodany	...	Sokhon
Muong Danyda	...	Sophon
Pen Sopheary	...	Sophoeun
Proum Mary	...	Sophat
Sam Kourour	...	Sopheap
Noy Samnang	...	Ming Voeun
Phang Chamroeun	...	Man
Chou Saokhun	...	Voth
Daniel Hung Meas	...	Pou Mann (as Meas Daniel)
Sou Bottra	...	Savuth
Say	...	Kheam

Storyline

In Cambodian refugee camps, when children are asked where rice comes from, they answer, "from UN lorries". They have never seen a rice field. One day, these children will have to learn to live in Cambodia, i.e., they will have to learn to cultivate, to plough, to work the land. Rice people tries to share this way of life, to demonstrate the fragile equilibrium on which it lies and the freedom it represents.

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Plot Keywords:

planting | rice | rice field | cambodia | cambodian | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan (1983)

User Reviews

what to know about the Asian agrarian life-the best film so far.

Undoubtedly one of the best films that i have seen on village life. The scene where Vong Poeuv cuts his heel with the razor to get rid of the thorn, is heart touching and moving, the artiste has done a nice job. Om's (Vong's wife) scene in the bar/hotel where she drinks and the transformation she has shown from a sensible, responsible housewife to an obsessed and possessed(!) women is excellent. The last daughter prying along with her mother is refreshing. The large family, the little wish for a son, the helplessness and the innocence, the daughters caring reactions towards their mother in the later half of the film-all leave an enduring emotional feeling in the audience. The scene where the couple move in a boat in a lake and collect the lotus flowers is a tribute to the nature, this scene has created a desire in me to visit and see Combodia.

I recommend this film for all those urban audience for i feel that the city people should know the agrarian lifestyle.

Details

Country:

Cambodia France Switzerland Germany

Language:

Khmer

Release Date:

12 October 1994 (France)

Also Known As:

People of the Rice Paddies

Box Office

Gross USA:

$43,511

Company Credits

Production Co:

JBA, La Sept Cinéma, Thelma Film AG

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1