First They Killed My Father's reviews
Media reviews
Roger Ebert
Angelina Jolie's 'First They Killed My Father' is far and away her best work as a director: a rare film about a national tragedy told through the eyes and mind of a child, and as fine a war movie as has ever been made.
The Playlist
If not for Sareum?s charismatic performance the film might fold like a house of cards.
Entertainment Weekly
It?s an artful, quietly affecting piece of filmmaking, more than worth the lessons learned.
Indiewire
The result is relentless and involving even when it stumbles. Jolie may not be a full-fledged auteur yet, but she unquestionably possesses a singular aesthetic that courses through her work and exists completely apart from her high-profile acting career.
The Wrap
Jolie can?t decide whether she wants to be a poet or a field reporter, and the combination results in an important story that?s frequently, breathtakingly beautiful but ultimately more admirable than affecting.
The Guardian
The film?s real ferocity is saved for the ideologues of terror
Rolling Stone
Clearly a passion project for Jolie. Her adopted son Maddox, 16, was born in Cambodia and served as executive producer on the film.
The A.V. Club
The most remarkable thing about First They Killed My Father is how quiet it is.
Variety
The film is so understated with regard to Loung?s basic predicament that we don?t recognize her driving desire...until the movie is over.
Vulture
Amid all the important facts, I longed for something unnecessary from the filmmaker, some expressive flourish whose sole purpose isn?t just to convey information. Again I find myself typing the words, ?It?s an unquestionably worthy story, I just wish it was told with more inventiveness.?