First They Killed My Father
Performance & Direction: First They Killed My Father Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is First They Killed My Father (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this War.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any War is often anchored by its ensemble, and First They Killed My Father features a noteworthy lineup led by Sareum Srey Moch . Supported by the likes of Phoeung Kompheak and Sveng Socheata , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of First They Killed My Father (2017) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: First They Killed My Father
Quick Plot Summary: First They Killed My Father is a War, Drama, History film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A 5-year-old girl embarks on a harrowing quest for survival amid the sudden rise and terrifying reign of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: First They Killed My Father
Ending Breakdown: First They Killed My Father resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to war resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the war themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of First They Killed My Father reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
First They Killed My Father Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
First They Killed My Father draws heavily from documented historical records. As a war, drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: First They Killed My Father adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch First They Killed My Father?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy War films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: First They Killed My Father
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $24.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
First They Killed My Father Budget
The estimated production budget for First They Killed My Father is $24.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: First They Killed My Father
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Where to Watch First They Killed My Father Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixFirst They Killed My Father Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about First They Killed My Father age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of First They Killed My Father is 136 minutes (2h 16m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, First They Killed My Father is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First They Killed My Father worth watching?
First They Killed My Father is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find First They Killed My Father parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for First They Killed My Father identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of First They Killed My Father?
The total duration of First They Killed My Father is 136 minutes, which is approximately 2h 16m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.