Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Patricia Arquette | ... | Laura Bowman | |
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U Aung Ko | ... | U Aung Ko |
Frances McDormand | ... | Andy Bowman | |
Spalding Gray | ... | Jeremy Watt | |
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Tiara Jacquelina | ... | San San - Hotel Desk Clerk |
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Kuswadinata | ... | Colonel at Hotel (as Kuswadinath Bujang) |
Victor Slezak | ... | Mr. Scott | |
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Jit Murad | ... | Sein Htoo |
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Ye Myint | ... | Zaw Win |
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Cho Cho Myint | ... | Zabai |
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Johnny Cheah | ... | Min Han |
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Haji Mohd Rajoli | ... | Karen Father |
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Azmi Hassan | ... | Older Karen Boy |
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Ahmad Fithi | ... | Younger Karen Boy |
Adelle Lutz | ... | Aung San Suu Kyi |
Laura is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after the murder of her husband and son, and goes on vacation with her sister to Burma. After losing her passport at a political rally, she is left on her own for a few days, during which time she falls in with students fighting for democracy. She and their leader, U Aung Ko, travel through Burma, whilst witnessing many bloody acts of repression by the dictatorship, in an attempt to escape to Thailand. Based on a true story. Written by James Hastie <jdh1000@cus.cam.ac.uk>
Patricia Arquette plays American doctor Laura Bowman, who takes a holiday to Burma in an attempt to heal her spirit after the murders of her husband and young son. She is left behind in Rangoon during a military crackdown and leaves the city with an aging man who works as a "tour guide." But he is no simple tour guide; he is a professor who introduces her to the life outside of the tourist traps ... the two of them get caught up in the political upheaval and Laura sees with her own eyes how the government betrays and oppresses its own people.
This movie is one of my favorites because of its themes. First, it's informational (describing some of the injustices that are occurring in Burma). Secondly, it's about a woman's struggle to find meaning in life after an incredible loss. Thirdly, it's about compassion and sacrifice, and people coming together - without even knowing each other - to endure pain and fear.
Just about every beautiful scene in this movie is important; nothing is wasted here. It's an earnest and moving film. There is also a very emotional score composed by Hans Zimmer which complements scenes nicely.
A definite recommend, especially to people concerned with human rights ... and people who want to know, "What purpose can I serve?"