Life and Death at Preah Vihear

The premise sounds like a convoluted joke: two Buddhist countries are in conflict over an 11th-century Hindu temple because of rival claims made concerning a French map drawn in the early 20th century. But according to David A. Feingold's documentary, little humor is to be found in this long-running and often volatile situation. The site, known as Preah Vihear to the Cambodian government and Khao Phra Viharn to the Thai government, is located within modern Cambodia. But the Thais argue that it was placed in Cambodia because the French colonial powers that ruled Cambodia during the early 20th century created artificial borders that robbed Thailand of access to this historic site. Although a World Court tribunal ruled in Cambodia's favor in the matter, Thailand continues to claim the site as its own. Unfortunately, internal conflicts in both countries—most tragically in the years of Khmer Rouge occupation in Cambodia—have kept the temple off limits and created endless animosity between the neighboring countries. The recent unrest in Thailand that resulted in a military coup have only intensified fears that a war of words will spill over into a larger fight. Feingold's film is rich with rare archival footage that details how the two countries have quarreled endlessly over the disputed site, although a tour of the somewhat less-than-majestic location might leave jaded outsiders wondering what all the commotion is about. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)