- available formats: 35mm

The Beautiful Country - a film by Hans Petter Moland

Starring: Bai Ling,Tim Roth, Nick Nolte

2004  Berlin International Film Festival - Nominated Golden Berlin Bear
2004 Amanda Awards, Norway -  Nominated Best Film, Best Screenplay

“Beautiful country is an emotionally compelling tale of a young Vietnamese on an arduous journey from his homeland to Texas in search of his American father.”
Emanuel Levy, EMANUELLEVY.COM

Bui Doi – “less than dust” – is a slur aimed at Vietnamese children with American fathers.  The Beautiful Country, set in 1990, relates the odyssey of a young Bui Doi as he who embarks on a personal journey with a young beautiful woman, Ling, aboard a refugee ship to America in search of a better life and Binh's estranged American father .  Binh 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 a connection with his long lost family.  His quest leads him from Saigon to Malaysia to New York City and, finally to a remote Texas ranch and a redemptive reunion.

 

2004, USA / Norway, English / Cantonese / Mandarin / Vietnamese, 137 min.