Its epic tale of two cultures tragically entwined is anchored by deep and elemental emotions.

| Apr 12, 2010

This haunting film casts a wide swath that veers between obvious cliches and intensely visceral truths.

| Original Score: B | Apr 16, 2009

Worthwhile as an informative and touching reminder of the existence of a forgotten set of innocent victims of the Vietnam conflict.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | May 7, 2007

An ambitious movie made on a modest budget, its intention is better than its execution.

| Feb 22, 2007

The most stunning beauty comes in human connections, physical touch, unconditional acceptance, familial love - in the treacherous and tender terrain of the human heart.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 8, 2006

"The Beautiful Country" touches on many thorny social issues about the way the world works, but it's ultimately Binh's story, a truthful and heartening one.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Nov 10, 2005

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 3, 2005

Norwegian director Hans Petter Moland's ambitious but bleak social problem film is compelling but never fully satisfies in its clumsy dramatics.

| Original Score: B- | Aug 28, 2005

Some of the plotting borders on ludicrous, and newcomer Nguyen is pretty much charisma-free.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 26, 2005

There's little said about what is driving Binh on this journey -- and without that, the trip is nearly as hard on audiences as it is on him.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 26, 2005

A well-intentioned but not entirely successful blend of tragic melodrama, social-issue expose and compassionate portraiture...

Full Review | Original Score: '2.5/4' | Aug 25, 2005

It's beautiful in its simplicity, exhibiting the kindness people are capable of and how profound that can be.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 20, 2005

...tells what could have been a bathetic story with persuasive compassion, admirable restraint and a painterly precision

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Aug 19, 2005

What it badly needs is Terrell Owens; in other words, a reason to pay attention.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 14, 2005

Unlike Oliver Stone's combative ... Heaven & Earth, The Beautiful Country mines peace and serenity from the hurtful, chaotic aftermath of the Vietnam War.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 12, 2005

Beautiful movie about a young man's search for his past. Vietnam is indeed a beautiful country, but the way this movie is filmed, everywhere looks good.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 10, 2005

The Beautiful Country provides a panorama without insight.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 7, 2005

If the road to hell really is paved with good intentions, cliches and stock characters are the asphalt.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 5, 2005

Conditions for the characters may be bleak, but their perseverance makes the story compelling.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 5, 2005

[A] graceful and yet harrowing drama.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 5, 2005