Drama

Diamond Island

Bora, an 18-year-old, leaves his village to work on the construction sites of Diamond Island, a project for an ultra-modern paradise for the rich and a symbol of tomorrow’s Cambodia. He befriends his fellow workers and finds his elder brother, the charismatic Solei, who went missing five years earlier. Solei introduces him into an exciting world, that of an urban and wealthy youth, its girls, nights and illusions.

Release Date : 2016-12-28

Language :Khmer

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : Aurora FilmsAnti-Archive

Production Country : CambodiaFrance

Alternative Titles :

Cast

Character Name : Bora

Original Name : Sobon Nuon

Gender : Male

Character Name : Solei

Original Name : Cheanick Nov

Gender : Male

Character Name : Aza

Original Name : Madeza Chhem

Gender : Male

Character Name : Dy

Original Name : Mean Korn

Gender : Male

Character Name : Virak

Original Name : Samnang Nut

Gender : Male

Character Name : Lakena

Original Name : Samnang Khim

Gender : Male

Character Name : Mesa

Original Name : Sophyna Meng

Gender : Male

Character Name : Lida

Original Name : Jany Min

Gender : Male

Character Name : James

Original Name : Sreyroth Dom

Gender : Male

Character Name : Blue

Original Name : Batham Oun

Gender : Male

Character Name : Pinky

Original Name : Sreyleap Hang

Gender : Male

Character Name : Ana

Original Name : Phara Phon

Gender : Male

Reviews

Tejas Nair

@nairtejas

2021-06-23

The electronic music of Diamond Island stood out for me as I entered the dull life of Bora, its protagonist, who moves to Phnom Penh in search of a better livelihood. The story then narrates his coming-of-age as he mingles with his long lost brother and his charismatic life and friends in the Cambodian city that is characterized by late night parties and concerts, riding and driving fancy vehicles, romance, and everything that he was not accustomed to when he was in his native, a village. It's a fine watch, especially when you observe the Cambodian culture, but in terms of international cinema standards, I don't see anything extraordinary here. The actors are all debutants, which is evident in their performances. But the dialogues, cinematography, and the score make up for it. **Grade C+**. (Watched at the 2020 IIHS UrbanLens Film Festival.)