Watch Chau, Beyond the Lines

Chau, Beyond the Lines is a powerful and emotional documentary film released in 2015. Directed by Courtney Marsh, the movie tells the story of a young Vietnamese boy named Le Minh Chau, who was born with physical deformities as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. The film follows Chau as he grows up in a care center, trying to find his place in a world that views him as flawed and abnormal.

The documentary takes place in the Hoa Binh care center, situated just outside of Ho Chi Minh City, where Chau has been living since he was a child. The care center caters to children suffering from disabilities caused by Agent Orange, a defoliant that was widely used by the US military during the Vietnam War. Chau is one of these children, and his struggles provide the backbone of the film's narrative.

Early in the film, we see Chau undergo surgery to repair his cleft lip, one of the many health issues he faces. It's a challenging experience that highlights the physical and emotional pain he endures on a regular basis. Despite this, Chau remains a positive and determined individual, determined to make something of his life despite his disabilities.

As the film progresses, we see Chau interact with the other children in the care center, often taking on a leadership role. He's particularly close to a young girl named Mai, who has also been affected by Agent Orange. Their friendship provides a heartwarming aspect to the film, as we see how Chau's kind and compassionate nature has helped him form deep connections with others, despite his struggles.

In the midst of these personal challenges, Chau also dreams of joining the Vietnamese military, determined to prove his worth as a citizen and show that his disabilities don't define him. We see him attending classes and undergoing rigorous physical training as he works tirelessly towards this goal. However, the film doesn't shy away from the reality that Chau's disabilities may make it difficult for him to achieve this ambition.

Throughout the film, we also see interviews with staff at the Hoa Binh care center, who describe the many difficulties of caring for children with disabilities in Vietnam. Funding is limited, and care centers like Hoa Binh often struggle to provide basic necessities, such as wheelchairs and medical supplies, to their patients. The film sheds light on these issues and highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the children and staff at Hoa Binh.

Overall, Chau, Beyond the Lines is a moving and inspiring documentary that takes viewers on an emotional journey through one young man's struggles and triumphs in the face of adversity. It's a powerful reminder that disability does not define a person's worth and that there is hope even in the most challenging circumstances. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in stories of resilience, determination, and the human spirit.

Chau, Beyond the Lines is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.