'FREEDOM DEAL: The Story of Lucky' - Press, Reviews & Reactions

'Freedom Deal' pioneered what was reported as the first global crowdfunding campaign ever mounted for a Cambodia-based feature film, an effort to rebuild independent filmmaking in a country whose cinema industry was destroyed under the Khmer Rouge. The milestone was carried in a press release syndicated across PR.com and multiple newswire services.

Robert Lewis, a founding member of DEVO and a Kent State University alumnus who witnessed the 1970 campus protests firsthand, advised the production on US period story elements and its psychedelic-rock musical direction, connecting the Cambodian ground story to the American anti-war moment it triggered.

The Cambodia Daily supported the production directly, providing advertising space in its Khmer-language edition for the film's open casting call in Phnom Penh, a casting process that drew over 100 auditioning participants and is credited by name in the film's production notes.

The film was selected for Overlook 2014, the 5th CinemAvvenire Film Festival in Rome, where the festival direction praised its innovative style and social engagement.

'Freedom Deal: The Story of Lucky' screened at Anthology Film Archives in Manhattan on November 13, 2013, as part of the New Filmmakers, New York series, bringing the film's East Coast premiere to one of the city's leading independent and experimental film institutions. "This will be the first time that the floating vampire head-being, known in Cambodian folklore as an 'Arb', will appear in a Western movie," said writer-director Jason Rosette at the time.

"'FREEDOM DEAL: The Story of Lucky' is a remarkable fusion of genres, seamlessly weaving military history, supernatural elements, and interpersonal drama, all set against the backdrop of tumultuous US-Asia relations during the Vietnam War. This film, starring Khoun Darith and Polynn Sok, explores various themes such as friendship, survival, culture, and the harsh realities of war, while also delving into intriguing supernatural aspects.

Set in the heartland of Cambodia in 1970, the narrative follows a young Cambodian boy, Lucky, played by Khoun Darith. Lucky's tranquil life in his rural village is turned upside down due to the raging war. The Vietnam war's devastation seeps across the border, forcing Lucky into a journey filled with dangers and life-altering decisions. As the young protagonist grapples with these challenges, the film agilely marries reality with folklore, providing a vivid snapshot of life during the Vietnam War.

Polynn Sok plays Lucky's friend Samnang, who is swept up in the war and its subsequent turmoil alongside Lucky. Their intertwined destinies offer a unique perspective on friendship. The dependency, loyalty, and, at times, tension between these two characters add an engrossing depth to an era of fear, chaos, and uncertainty.

'FREEDOM DEAL: The Story of Lucky' creates an atmosphere of tension and impending doom, as it addresses the imminent Operation Freedom Deal's encroachment, a joint military operation undertaken by the U.S and South Vietnam forces. The operation which aimed to eliminate communist bases and supply routes in Cambodia delineates desperate times and the impact of great military forces on innocent, rural lives.

Intriguingly, what sets this war drama apart from others is its excellent incorporation of supernatural elements. Across the narrative, Lucky always appears to be followed by an elusive, mesmerizing 'Arwai' (ghost), a focal point of the Cambodian folklore tales that his mother used to tell him. This ghost provides the film with an intriguing supernatural edge, presenting a contrast to the tangible horrors of the war. Even amid the grim realities of war, Lucky's belief in the supernatural continues to shape his perceptions and decisions, which provides a riveting and unique look into how stories and beliefs can influence our actions and attitudes.

Director J Rosette ingeniously interlaces historical events and supernatural elements along with a personal tale of friendship and survival. The film is rich with authentic historical details that shed light on the Vietnam War's cross-border impact and subsequent era of terror in Cambodia under Khmer Rouge. 'FREEDOM DEAL: The Story of Lucky' also highlights local Cambodian folklore, offering viewers a glimpse into the community's rich cultural and mythical heritage.

Although a historical film, 'FREEDOM DEAL: The Story of Lucky' is also a study of characters and relationships. Their survival during such an era and their interaction with each other creates riveting personal stories that humanize the war and all that it brings. The performances by Darith and Sok in their respective roles as Lucky and Samnang are empathetic, believable, and powerful. Their portrayal of the two young boys, and their nuanced performances, capture the resilience, hope, and courage of these characters caught amid war's upheavals.

In conclusion, 'FREEDOM DEAL: The Story of Lucky' is a cinematic tapestry of war, folklore, and personal drama. It juxtaposes the harsh, brutal realities of military conflict with cultural lore and personal narratives. With commendable performances by Khoun Darith and Polynn Sok, a compelling narrative that bridges history and supernatural elements, the film offers a unique viewing experience, making it a must-watch movie for anyone interested in history, supernatural themes, or stories of human resilience in the face of profound adversity."