The Story of Woo Viet (1981)

Overview
"The Story of Woo Viet" is a Hong Kong drama movie released in 1981, directed by Ann Hui and starring Chow Yun-fat and Cora Miao. The plot focuses on the life of a Vietnamese refugee, Woo Viet, played by Chow Yun-fat, who is required to leave his homeland due to the ongoing war. The movie checks out styles of displacement, social prejudice, and the longing for a much better life, offering a severe reflection of the refugee crisis from the Vietnam War.

Plot Summary
The film begins with Woo Viet's life in Vietnam, where he is seen preparing to escape from his war-ravaged homeland. Regardless of being a highly ranked soldier, Woo Viet sees no future in a land filled with violence and destruction, pushing him to leave on a congested boat to a Hong Kong refugee camp.

Upon arrival, he encounters bias and difficulties within the refugee neighborhood. Amidst this bleak environment, Woo Viet strikes a deep friendship with fellow refugee, Lap Quoc, and a romance with Shum Ching, a Hong Kong citizen who is assisting in the camp and who reveals him generosity and a glimmer of hope for a better future.

Extension and Conflict
Life takes a violent turn when Lap Quoc gets attacked by a group of Vietnamese thugs and passes away a tragic death, which leaves Woo Viet dispossessed. Shum Ching consoles him and together, they plan to emigrate to the United States for a brighter future. Nevertheless, to sponsor his journey, Woo Viet becomes an agreement killer, going against his moral beliefs and resulting in Shum Ching distancing herself from him.

Life as a Contract Killer
As an agreement killer, Woo Viet takes a trip from country to country to complete his projects, with an objective to gather adequate cash to sponsor his journey to the US. This life leads him into a constant state of anxiety, seclusion, and loss of self, as he carries out his objectives without concern or hesitation, although it opposes his own ethical principles.

The Downfall
The film culminates with Woo Viet landing in the Philippines for a task, where he discovers Shum Ching again. Nevertheless, the pledge of revived love is broken when Shum Ching betrays him, causing his arrest. The film ends with Woo Viet's desires for a peaceful life breaking down, as he seems forever stuck in a life loaded with violence and unpredictability.

Conclusion
"The Story of Woo Viet", though a tragedy, remarkably portrays the harsh truths dealt with by numerous refugees throughout the Vietnam War. Chow Yun-fat's performing is engaging, providing a memorable efficiency that sticks with the audience long after the film ends. Ann Hui's instructions has actually been praised for not shying away from the severe truths of the refugee scenario and the desperation that leads individuals to make unimaginable options. This film is a poignant reflection of the haunting battles of being a refugee and the lengths one may go to protect a much better future.

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