The Beautiful Country

Name: The Beautiful Country
Genre: Drama
Released: July 8, 2005
Duration: 125 min
Rating: 64
Cast: Damien Nguyen, Dang Quoc Thinh Tran, Ling Bai

2005

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Critic Reviews

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Universal acclaim based on 10 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: July 8, 2005 | R

Starring: Damien Nguyen, Dang Quoc Thinh Tran, Ling Bai

Summary: Bui doi - "less than dust" - is a slur aimed at Vietnamese children with American fathers. This film, set in 1990, relates the odyssey of a young "bui doi" as he escapes Vietnam, endures refugee camp, and survives a brutal ocean crossing and indentured servitude with a human-trafficking ring. Nevertheless, he manages to keep hope, humanity,Bui doi - "less than dust" - is a slur aimed at Vietnamese children with American fathers. This film, set in 1990, relates the odyssey of a young "bui doi" as he escapes Vietnam, endures refugee camp, and survives a brutal ocean crossing and indentured servitude with a human-trafficking ring. Nevertheless, he manages to keep hope, humanity, and a generous spirit alive as he searches for connection with his long-lost family. (Sony Pictures Classics)… Expand

Director: Hans Petter Moland

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 125 min

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Critic Reviews

J.R. Jones

The script, by newcomer Sabina Murray, is occasionally cloying as the naive hero falls for a bitter prostitute (Bai Ling), but its epic tale of two cultures tragically entwined is anchored by deep and elemental emotions. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Ken Fox

Versatile, highly skilled Norwegian director Hans Petter Moland's poignant drama examines the lingering effects of U.S. intervention in Southeast Asia. Read full review

Kirk Honeycutt

The film achieves its power through a careful gathering of crucial details, in wordless glances, cruelties of nature and of man and the relentless determination to gain the promised land. Read full review

M. E. Russell

One of those hard-to-pin-down movies where you're not quite sure which sort of story the filmmakers wanted to tell. Read full review

Derek Elley

Standout performance is by Nolte who, in the final 20 minutes, draws on a deep reservoir of playing broken romantic heroes to portray Binh's father. The subtle, resonant scenes between the two men are worth the price of admission. Read full review

Jami Bernard

Bai Ling plays a resourceful prostitute from a Malaysian refugee camp who grows harder and more alienated by the day. Nick Nolte, Tim Roth and Temuera Morrison offer strong supporting performances. Read full review

Desson Thomson

Feels like a manufactured Asian "Chocolat," which drives the label 'art house movie' even further into mainstream banality. Read full review

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User Reviews

Bob

Jan 6, 2006

Within 5 minutes you could tell this was not an American made movie - too subtle and too intelligent for the mass audiences. I was surprised to find it was of Norwegian origin, though.