The Beautiful Country (2004)
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)
Cast and Information
Directed By: Hans Petter Moland
Written By: Lingard Jervey, Sabina Murray
Starring: Tim Roth, Nick Nolte, Bai Ling, Temuera Morrison, Arthur J. Nascarella, John Hussey, Damien Nguyen
Genre: Drama
Where to Stream
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The Beautiful Country belongs to 5 collections
1. Netflix Instant (collaborative: moderated by somnivore - 29 stars)
2. Human Trafficking (collaborative: moderated by Ag0stoMesmer - 4 stars)
3. 1990s period film (collaborative: moderated by djross - 3 stars)
4. Metacritic - Generally Favorable Reviews (collaborative: moderated by sengir)
5. Terrence Malick (producer) (collaborative: moderated by Ag0stoMesmer)
Browse the full list of collections
| Date | User | Rating | |
| Jan 18, 2012 |  |
tinysausage | 74 57th |
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The other side of Vietnam. A harrowing film, if a trifle overwrought, but the ending is excellent.
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| Dec 27, 2010 |  |
JohnSandwich | 70 63rd |
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decent iirc
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| Dec 13, 2010 |  |
Magb | 65 30th |
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This film presents situations that by all rights should be very sad and moving, yet it doesn't quite stick. The script is intermittently weak and strong, only truly going off the rails when Binh makes it to America. The very end where Binh meets his father is the most unusual and daring part of the film, and made me disappointed when I realized that the whole movie could've had that kind of tone to it.
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| Dec 02, 2010 |  |
SlantMag | 30 78th |
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"Moland's humanistic story about xenophobia, man's persevering spirit, and life's bitter ironies only stumbles during its final act." - Nick Schager
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| Jun 16, 2009 |  |
KAH | 2 40th |
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I can appreciate what Moland is trying to do here, he just doesn't do it too well.
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| Jan 28, 2009 |  |
muutanet | 56 45th |
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Well done, but a little too straight forewards and lame storytelling, nothing new. Story was not strong enough to impress, except in the very end. All hight points for Nick Nolte.
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| Sep 17, 2007 | Dustyd | 70 63rd |
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well shot and acted
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| Aug 14, 2007 | idiot27000 | 59 29th |
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Good performances, but too many cliches.
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| Jun 25, 2007 |  |
MartinTeller | 55 11th |
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Well-meaning, but contrived and manipulative. Binh's journey is frought with one clichéd hardship after another, and each is milked for maximum sentiment. The script lurches in stops and starts, laboriously making its way towards the ending, which is the most restrained and satisfying part of the picture. You care about what happens to Binh, which makes it all the more frustrating that his story is so hackneyed (would you believe there's even a hooker with a heart of gold?).
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| Mar 01, 2007 |  |
TheDiceman | 60 62nd |
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Quite good.
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| Average Percentile 52.2% from 94 Ratings |  |