GANDIA Film-Review

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FILM REVIEW: HEAVEN AND EARTH

Upon watching the film, I loved how Phung Thi Le Ly Hayslip (as portrayed by Hiep Thi

Ly) realized the meaning of her struggles in the ending scenes of the movie. I’ve considered

these as the best scenes for the reason that I was deeply moved by her strong belief and constant

love for her family. She had shown as well maturity as she had grown physically, mentally,

emotionally and spiritually. However, scenes that depicts the soldier’s brutality among civilians,

inhuman and forced mandatory employment to war and unfair treatments were the less favorable

parts of the movie. For the reason that y innocent lives were at stake and their properties forcibly

taken and rights and freedom were suppressed. And so, it left a deep scar and hate towards their

attackers. Nonetheless, they long to peace and may live as free men.

The presentation of the different scenes projects struggles in life that teaches someone to

be strong and look forward with hope amidst chaos and unwanted circumstances. As manifested

by Le Ly, she had understood deeper what her life has been through. As she had dubbed: “The

gift of suffering is given so that we may be brought closer to God to teach us to be strong when

we are weak, to be brave when we are awake, to be wise in the midst of confusion and to let go

of that which we can no longer hold. Lasting victories are won in the heart, not on this land.”

As a viewer, and as a young person, I agree with that this was the rea message of the film.

It’s impact greatly my belief regardless whether he/she was a Buddhist or Christian, she had

shown unwavering faith towards the Supreme Being. Le Ly’s Various experiences drives her to

realize the true meaning of “Heaven and Earth” to which we may pass through the same stages in

life.
In this movie, the perfect marriage of Steve and Le Ly, though, Le’s second affair, slowly

deteriorated due to the idealism of Steve’s concept of a relationship that the husband is the

“breadwinner” and the wife solely serves the household. This broke confusion to Le Ly’s role as

a married woman dragged by her culture of women who can play multiple roles in the family.

What I’ve seen is that there was lack of understanding of different backgrounds and culture

which resulted to confusion. If someone intends to marry a person with different race,

nationality, and culture, I may suggest that the acquisition of knowing the future partner’s

personality is a priority.

Just like the characters in this movie, no one is espared of challenges, be it positive or

negative, that can sometimes lead anyone to question his/her faith. When life is too low, he/she

may felt lost and a lone wanderer. Unless he/she “awake from sleep” towards reality, only then

he/she may start to accept such experiences and would equip him/her to start anew.

If given the chance to meet the film’s screenwriter, I would certainly inquire how and

why he/she utilized Phung Thi Le Ly Hayslip’s experience and als if given the opportunity to

encounter Le Ly, first I would commend her to for the strong faith and personality she had

shown and would advice her to keep on living it up for future generations to emulate.

The movie “Heaven and Earth” projects a usual scenario of a couple’s life yet with

different nationality and cultural background if no deeper thought is given along their growth and

relationship it could sprout misunderstanding and confusion. On the other hand, the “Hacksaw

Ridge” character strongly exercised his belief in the sanctity of human life. Both films relates

human lives, experiences, and expected circumstances. Also, they projected actual uncertainties

of situations and the importance of facing these realities.


In this movie, I have the understanding that heaven portrays someone’s faith and spiritual

life yet we have the earth that serves as a stage to dramatize suffering and unfortunate scenarios

that one should embottle to pass through and become stronger.