During the Vietnam War, Brian Anderson, a young Army medic, is stationed in Saigon. Initially apathetic and self-serving, he eventually has his heart won over by the children at a nearby orphanage where he does volunteer work. At first, a doctor named Katherine Cross has to persuade him to help the children. But soon, Brian willingly puts his career and safety on the line to provide the orphans with the food and medical supplies they need.
Acting
Dennis Christopher's genuinely affecting transformation from dirtbag to hero
Practical Effects
Grimy, unglamorous Saigon locations shot in Philippines
Director
Peter Werner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was one of the first American films to acknowledge Vietnamese civilian suffering rather than treat the war as exclusively an American trauma.
Dennis Christopher broke his ankle during filming but kept shooting; his limp in later scenes is real. The real Paul Hensler consulted briefly then disowned the production for softening the military's hostility toward his actions.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
