The Beautiful Country (2004)

Smeared with the emotional fallout of the U.S.-Viet Nam war, The Beautiful Country chronicles the poignant journey of Binh, a 'Bui Doi'—a term, translating to 'less than dust,' used for children born of Viet Namese mothers and U.S. G.I. fathers. Navigating a cruel world that treats him as an outcast, Binh, a shy and reticent young man, lives a life of quiet despair in the countryside, haunted by his father's ghostly presence in an old photograph and burdened by the weight of his own appearance. Compelled by a yearning for belonging, Binh embarks on a quest to Saigon in search of his mother. His journey takes him into the underbelly of a harsh world, where he bears witness to his mother's uphill struggle as a maid, and discovers a half-brother, Tam. Tragedy strikes, setting the stage for a life-altering journey for Binh and Tam, one that takes them through the heart of danger and uncertainty. Their desperate escape leads them to the confines of a prison in Singapore for illegal immigrants. Here, Binh encounters Ling, a Chinese girl ensnared in the dark web of human trafficking. Their paths intertwine, bound by shared struggle and a glimmer of hope. Their journey continues on a ship commandeered by a seemingly benevolent smuggler, played by Tim Roth, whose trade lies in the trafficking of lost and desperate souls. Upon their clandestine arrival in the U.S., Binh and Ling find themselves ensnared in the treacherous labyrinth of the underground economy in San Francisco's Chinatown. Their struggle for survival continues until Binh can finally embark on the last leg of his quest - the search for his father in Houston, Texas. The Beautiful Country is a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. It's a testament to those who bear the scars of war, and a homage to the relentless quest for a place to call home.

The Beautiful Country is a drama movie featuring Tim Roth and directed by Hans Petter Moland.

The Beautiful Country is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy The Beautiful Country on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.