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.