Vietnam Texas

Vietnam Texas, released in 1990, is an intriguing tale of past meets present, East meets West and the potential reconciliation in the aftermath of a catastrophic event like war. Directed by Robert Ginty, who also stars in the movie alongside Haing S. Ngor and Kieu Chinh, the film brims with elements of action, drama, and crime in equal measure.

The story follows Father Thomas McCain (Robert Ginty), a seemingly regular priest in a parish set amidst the bristling urbanity of Houston, Texas. However, the man of faith disguises a tumultuous and haunting past; he's an ex-Vietnam War veteran living under a new identity. Suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Father Thomas struggles to confront his past atrocities and soul-damaging experiences from the war - a fallible man wrestling with his tormented conscience in the quest for his redemption and inner peace.

When a group of Vietnamese refugees seeks asylum in his parish, the past he has desperately been trying to escape unexpectedly looms before him once again. Among the refugees is Levan (Haing S. Ngor), a man who shares a complex history with Thomas dating back to the days of the war. This discovery sets the two men on a collision course, conjuring painful memories and exposing hidden ghosts, sparking a conflict which promises to involve both personal tests and moral dilemmas.

Things reach a boiling point when a ruthless Vietnamese gang leader tries to manipulate the innocent refugees for his malicious motives. When the safety of those under his protection is threatened, Father Thomas must make a crucial decision: continue to hide behind the peace of his priestly garb or confront his dark past and assemble the experience and skills he'd hoped to never employ again.

Robert Ginty commandeers both sides of the camera with dexterity. As director, he masterfully paints the narrative with a dark palette, highlighting both the devastating consequences of war and the scarring aftermath. As actor, he effectively portrays the internal struggle of a man haunted by past traumas. However, it's the hypnotic performance of the Academy Award-winning actor, Haing S. Ngor that anchors the film, his character acting as a mirror to Ginty's Father Thomas, symbolizing the potentially destructive echoes of the past.

Kieu Chinh, an immensely talented actress known for her roles depicting Vietnamese women's resilience, adds another layer of depth to the story. Her character carries the significant burden that many immigrants shoulder – the responsibility to protect and provide for their families in an alien land while fighting the culture shock, language barriers, and discrimination.

The film leverages skillful cinematography to ignite the emotional intensity of the narrative. The contrast between the sunny, sprawling Texas landscapes and the gloomy, claustrophobic interiors of the parish creates a tangible sense of pressure. Adding extra oomph to the film is its music, working skillfully to escalate the tension and enact an audio-visual synchronization that can send chills down the viewer's spine.

"Vietnam Texas", though a product of its time, is unexpectedly timeless. It echoes the societal strain of integrating refugees and veterans' psychological trauma - issues that are still relevant today. The movie serves as a piercing social commentary wrapped in a gripping story, effectively tackling such a sensitive subject while maintaining its thrilling entertainment value.

Without revealing too much of the plot, Vietnam Texas is a captivating rollercoaster ride of emotions. Layered with elements of action, suspense, drama, and searing human emotions, this film is a deep dive into the psyche of a war veteran and a stark showcase of the lingering reminders of war that can shape and shift our lives. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, rooting for the characters, and learning a thing or two about humanity along the way.