Journey From the Fall (2005)

92% of critics liked it
(24 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(1,676 ratings)

The true story of the Vietnamese refugees who fled their land after the fall of Saigon -- and those who were forced to stay behind -- sets the stage for this powerful drama from independent filmmaker Ham Tran. On April 30, 1975, American troops finally left Vietnam as they withdrew from the war they… More The true story of the Vietnamese refugees who fled their land after the fall of Saigon -- and those who were forced to stay behind -- sets the stage for this powerful drama from independent filmmaker Ham Tran. On April 30, 1975, American troops finally left Vietnam as they withdrew from the war they decided could not be won. As Saigon fell and the Communist North Vietnamese forces took full control of the nation, many people who fought the Communists alongside the South Vietnamese and the Americans found themselves in great danger. One such man was Long (Long Nguyen), who faced imprisonment in a "re-education camp" for his crimes against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Before he was sent away, Long urged his wife, Mai (Diem Lien), to take their family to America by any means possible, and with Long incarcerated with no hope of escape, Mai, her mother and her young son, Lai (Preston Tri Nguyen), escape Saigon aboard a tiny fishing boat to make the dangerous journey to the United States. Six years later, Mai and her family have settled in Northern California, where they've begun a new life -- one that an older Lai (now played by Nguyen Thai Nguyen) finds profoundly difficult to accept. Journey From the Fall (aka Vuot Song) was written and directed by Ham Tran, who was born in Saigon and emigrated to America with his family in 1982; this was his first feature after a handful of award-wining shorts. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 15 min.
Directed By: Ham Tran
Written By: Ham Tran
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Mar 30, 2007 Limited
On DVD: Oct 30, 2007
Studio: Imaginasian Pictures

Critic Reviews

Jason Anderson, Globe and Mail
It's to the great credit of Tran and his cast that the movie has such immediacy, gracefulness and power.
Janice Page, Boston Globe
Even when its wires are showing, the movie's soul is always evident.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
An emotionally intense story of capture, imprisonment, torture and escape.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
A stunningly ambitious Vietnamese-American indie film that aims to wrap up the whole of the Vietnamese experience into a Vietnamese Exodus.
G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle
A story that needed to be told.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
Its sad story is ultimately humane and compelling, thanks to some special faces placed in the saga.
Bruce Kirkland, Jam! Movies
As a fictional version of historical fact, it artfully tells a story of humanity that will interest anyone who wants to understand what happens in a war zone when the shooting stops.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Writer/director Ham Tran sheds light on life in post-Vietnam War, and there are some very strong moments.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
noteworthy film provides unforgettable human faces that bring greater awareness about this under reported history
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
Broad, sweeping melodrama in the Michael Cimino mold.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
Beautifully photographed and acted, it's a story that sticks with you.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
An emotionally moving film that presents the story of the Vietnam War aftermath from the perspective of those who once called themselves Vietnamese.
Ted Fry, Seattle Times
A first-rate cast, script, committed director and physical production that burns with authenticity make Journey From the Fall affecting history for all who wish to avoid the doom of forgetting its lesson.