The Children of An Lac
The Children of An Lac

The Children of An Lac

1980Movie100 minEnglish

Based on the true story of film actress Ina Balin and her efforts with American Red Cross volunteer Betty Tisdale, as well as a compassionate Vietnamese woman running a Saigon orphanage, to rescue as many children as possible and fly them out of the country before South Vietnam's fall in the spring of 1975 through the An Lac baby-lift.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Thomas WeigelGenres: Documentary, War

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the harrowing experiences of Vietnamese orphans during the final days of the Vietnam War. It focuses on the desperate efforts to evacuate these vulnerable children to safety as Saigon falls. The film captures the immense human cost of conflict through the eyes of those most innocent.

Critical Reception

'The Children of An Lac' received critical acclaim for its powerful and unflinching portrayal of the orphan crisis during the Vietnam War. Reviewers lauded its emotional depth and historical significance, highlighting its success in bringing attention to a often-overlooked aspect of the conflict. It is considered an important historical document.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and essential look at the plight of Vietnamese orphans.
  • Highlights the devastating impact of war on the most vulnerable.
  • Praised for its historical importance and emotional resonance.

Google audience: Audience reviews are limited but generally express profound sadness and empathy for the children depicted, acknowledging the film's powerful emotional impact and historical value.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Fun Fact

The film's release coincided with the increasing awareness and resettlement efforts for Amerasian children and other war orphans in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review