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