You may think, as I did, that A Perfect Soldier refers to the human subject of the documentary, Aki Ra, but it does not. Instead it refers to the actual subject of the documentary, landmines. Even though the Khmer Rouge happened over 30 years ago in Cambodia, thousands of people are still killed or maimed every year by landmines planted during that era.

 

 

Aki Ra was one of those who planted them there. Like many children at the time, he was kidnapped by the Khmer Rouge, and forced to become a soldier. Many of these soldiers, like Aki Ra, were only six years old when they started. Many died while fighting or planting mines and traps. Aki Ra managed to survive to adulthood physically intact.

 

The film estimates that 1 in 5 Cambodians, like Aki Ra, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Coupling that with survivor's guilt, Aki Ra has devoted his life to clearing landmines from his homeland. His childhood knowledge from planting them, a metal detector, a penknife, and a stick are his tools for finding, safely removing, and diffusing these deadly objects. A portion of these are on display at his Cambodian Land Mine Museum.

 

 

This film gives a vivid picture of what growing up was like for Aki Ra in those war-torn times. It emphasizes the depth of his need to make amends. Not only does he clear landmines, but he also adopts the orphans caused by landline explosions. His foundation seeks to ensure these children receive proper care and education for a better future. He built this foundation from scratch, occasionally running afoul of government officials while doing so, yet he perseveres with growing international support.