Original subtitles

Duc, Quoc. Come here.

FOR OUR CHILDREN

Hello?

We lost?

I see.

Mom, get up.

We're taking a family picture.

- I'll tell the minister right away. - Let's take the picture here.

Honey, are you done?

It would be better here.

Big brother, I hope you know how to take a picture.

Over here.

Mom, come here.

Duc, Quoc.

Duc, Quoc, come here right now.

The boys are too excited.

Come. Stand in front of me.

Quickly.

Stand in front.

There. Don't move.

Tuck your shirt in.

Tuck it in your pants.

Stay still and look at the camera.

Done?

Great.

Sao Mai, look.

Your mother left you this.

You see the diamonds?

I'm not sure.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...

Oh yeah. I see them.

7, 8, 9...

10, 11, 12, 13.

Sao Mai, do you think we'll have to leave?

The important thing is that we'll be together.

That's what my father told me.

Where will we go?

Far away. Very far away.

I'll hide the diamonds in the boys' shirt collars.

Are you sure this is the only way?

Big brother?

Tell him.

Sao Mai and I might stay. Leaving is suicide.

It's already too late.

If we stay, our children will die.

Minh is right. You must go.

What about you and Dad?

Don't worry.

They can't do anything else to us.

I'll go upstairs to check on Tinh and Sao Mai.

Break down the door!

- Take the other side! That way! - Yes.

Quickly. Team 1 upstairs. And Team 2 downstairs.

Search the whole house.

Hurry! There's not much time!

When French colonial rule came to an end in 1954,

Vietnam was divided in two.

The North became communist,

whereas the South was supported by the Americans.

The ensuing conflict, dubbed "the Vietnam War",

would end in 1975.

The North beat the South,

leading hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese to flee by sea.

They were known as "boat people".

They're giving us clothes.

- We weren't sure you were coming. - It's the snow.

They're 26. I think they're as hungry as I am.

I would imagine.

Come in! Come in!

My name is Jacqueline.

Come in and warm up.

Tinh, come here. I have to talk to you.

What is it?

Get down.

This is for you.

If we're separated.

Keep it always.

Mom, I'm really scared.

I know.

Break down the door! Hands up!

- Open the door! Come out now! - Wait here.

Hands up!

Faster! That boy!

- Rice pudding's in the fridge. - We have rice pudding?

- I told you that, Normand. - They can eat the sweets.

I don't think they want May Wests and Swiss Rolls.

Why not? They're delicious.

On behalf of the whole town,

I'd like to welcome our new citizens.

I know the trip was hard

and that you must have faced many dangers on the way here.

This is your home now.

Starting tomorrow, your sponsors will help you get settled.

In the meantime, please have fun.

And as they say in your country...

- How do you say it? - Chao mung.

- Cha no? - Chao mung. It means "welcome."

- Cha mong. Is that right? - Chao mung.

Chao... mung.

Chao mung.

Chao mung... to Quebec!

Good evening, my compatriots.

Firstly,

please clap for the sponsors.

I'm going to translate for our host.

You have the same name?

My name is Nguyen An Tinh. My daughter's is Nguyen An Tinh.

I read that your names sometimes have a specific meaning.

My name means "peaceful place". Hers means "peaceful inside".

The tones change the meaning.

I'm afraid that won't be useful here.

I'm Lisette.

Just Lisette.

I'm hungry.

I'm so thirsty, but they give us so little water.

I hope we don't run into any pirates.

When we get there, I'm going to drink 10 liters of water.

I'm hungry.

I don't know when we'll be back.

I left my family to be here.

Your room is in the renovated area.

You're lucky.

It won't be long.

Look, there's a television.

There.

Come into Daddy's arms.

Rest. Close your eyes.

Are you asleep?

No.

Do you think we'll go back home someday?

Have a good day!

I'm scared.

Come with me across the street.

It's closed, ma'am!

I'm looking for something for lice.

- Are you from Vietnam? - Yes.

They mentioned the refugees on the news.

Turn right at the stop sign. It's after the travel agency.

You can't miss it. Welcome to Quebec!

Hello! Who's there?

We're almost done.

It hurts.

You're lucky I'm not cutting your hair.

Be patient!

Sit up straight.

I'm almost done.

...And you?

My name is Marie-France. And you?

My name is Marie-France.

And you?

My name is Marie-France.

Johanne. Tinh.

Johanne.

Tinh.

Johanne. Tinh.

We'll have you over every Sunday.

Johanne, Tinh. Tinh, Johanne. Sounds good, doesn't it?

My name is Marie-France. And you?

My name is Marie-France.

Where are the keys?

You'll see, it's a very nice apartment.

I'd choose this room. It gets the best light.

You could put your bed here, and your posters here,

and your books here.

- Do you like music? - The appliances are in good shape.

And the rent is paid for the first three months.

With a little paint, I think it'll be great.

We'll have to find work now.

Don't you get paid to take your French classes?

Six dollars per day.

- Just let it run... - Yuck!

But we were expelled because Minh and I speak French too well already.

Well, I'll show you how to search the classified ads to find a job.

You said you could fix it,

but Mom said you didn't know what you were doing.

Check that, please.

Why is it yellow? At my place, it's pink.

Hand me the clip.

The pipe is just a little worn.

Hey! They left their parrot!

Don't touch.

Look, Minh! A nice toaster. You can't live without a toaster.

A toaster is essential. No toaster, no toast.

- Do we need that? - How much?

- $15. - $15?

- We don't need it. - What do you mean?

You need toast in the morning.

Winter here isn't like in Vietnam.

You can't go outside when it's -30 with a bowl of rice in your stomach.

- You said $5, right? - 15.

$15? Come on! It's not worth that! It only has two slots!

- I'll give you $10. - How about you give me $15.

Besides, it's for my friend Minh.

He's a boat people from Vietnam and I'm his sponsor. Right, Minh?

Even if it was for your grandmother, it'd still be $15.

You're tough!

- I need a sewing machine. - How would you feel...

- ...if you were a refugee... - Just let him do this.

- All right. - ...and couldn't buy a coffee pot?

- I don't drink coffee. - You know what I'm trying to say.

$10. You're not going to starve over $5.

He's a refugee! They only gave them $300 to get started!

- Fine. Take the toaster. - OK, Minh. Give me $10.

- Is it true that you're a refugee? - Of course.

Yes.

I saw you on TV. Not you, but...

- Duc. Quoc. Stop! - I have a gift for you.

- This will keep you warm. - Thank you very much.

That's nice. Here's your change.

With a little peanut butter,

you'll be able to eat breakfast like a real Québécois.

I saw a nice table over there. Follow me.

There aren't a lot of Vietnamese people here.

There are just French and English people. And we're all white.

Except for Christelle, who's Black, because she's Haitian.

That's Vietnam! It's so far!

- My name is Marie. - No. Me, Johanne. You, Tinh.

Tinh.

Tinh.

Tinh.

So, you understand when I talk to you!

I've moved before, too. I used to live in Trois-Rivières.

It's not as far, but it's still far. And my cousin Sylvain was there.

Have you ever been to Thailand?

I think it's close to Vietnam.

I heard it's really nice.

My uncle went there and he made me some spicy food.

It's really spicy. Have you ever had Thai food?

Did I say something wrong?

I'm here, Tinh.

The clasp is on the other side. Don't move.

Come over, Minh. We'll untie it.

Do you know what room you'll be in?

Go on, I'll hold it.

Will you and your brothers be in the same room?

- You were a deputy minister? - Yes.

- So you have a degree? - Yes.

If you put that on your CV, no one's going to hire you.

Lift it up, otherwise it won't fit.

It's bigger than a futon, huh?

- I can do any kind of work. - I'm sure.

You OK?

We'll work on your CV together. I'll break it all down for you.

OK, let's go.

Wow, the power's back!

Your husband's good, isn't he?

He's great!

Who's that?

- Hello. - Hello. I'm Lucille.

- This is my daughter, Christiane. - Nice to meet you. I'm Minh.

Tinh, come help me.

We live down the block and we made you some food.

Shepherd's pie and spaghetti sauce.

Thank you. That's very generous.

We'll go. You seem busy.

Thank you.

There's no more room, Mom.

Where do you want to move them?

There are a lot of things to do in this house.

Hurry up.

Let's not tell the sponsors about the mattress.

They've been very nice to us. We don't want to be rude.

All right.

You want me to help you? Is it heavy?

Yes, very heavy.

- I can help you. - There are bedbugs in the mattress.

Keep going.

Keep going. This way.

OK. Put it down here.

Thank you very much.

What do you want to be?

You could be a doctor or a pilot!

Good idea! Or whatever job they offer me.

I'll take any job.

It's always better to work than to do nothing.

What colour is the sky?

What?

What colour is the sky?

- Come! You'll be late for school! - Yeah, I know.

What colour is the sky?

Warm bread! Who wants warm bread?

Warm bread!

Who wants warm bread?

Warm bread!

Warm bread!

- Open the trunk. - Go around. Quick.

Warm bread!

I don't see anything.

Keep your eyes down and don't say anything.

What are you doing? I thought you'd gone back to Vietnam!

I'll see you after my boring history class.

History is essential to know who we are.

Does anyone want to try?

A sound? A noise? A voice?

A yell?

Anything that reminds you of Vietnam.

Let's try.

It could be your grandmother's voice.

Or the sound of your cat purring.

No one?

Who wants to eat warm bread?

Who wants warm bread?

Who wants to eat warm bread?

That's good.

One more time?

Who wants to eat warm bread?

Who wants warm bread?

Who wants to eat warm bread?

Thank you, Tinh. Can you explain what that was?

Woman and her baby.

Woman and her baby.

Killed...

Pardon me?

Tinh?

Did you know her?

Let's play a different game, OK?

I was thinking: I should teach you how to snowshoe.

What do you think? It's not hard.

So?

Tinh?

Yes, yes.

"Yes, yes," you want to learn? Or "Yes, yes," you don't understand?

- Yes, yes. - Never mind.

Hey!

I wasn't aiming for you! Sorry!

You look so dumb in your hockey jacket!

You aren't even good this year! You're going to lose!

It was just a snowball.

Well, it wasn't funny.

Forget him. He's an idiot.

- Yes, yes. - You hear that?

Even Tinh thinks you're dumb!

He's not the smartest, but he's a good guy.

He lived next door until last summer.

I invited him behind the pool and he French kissed me.

He wasn't good at first, but he got better by St-Jean celebration.

Hey!

You throw like a girl, Johanne!

Ow! You hurt me!

Tinh, come help me!

Here it is.

What sounds remind you of Vietnam?

Your mother's laughter.

I was sent by the employment office.

Ah! Minh Van Lê?

I'm Charlie.

I understand you're a refugee.

How long have you been here?

Three weeks.

And I see that you speak French. You learned it in Vietnam?

At the French Lycée of Saigon and at the University of Saigon.

The stench of French colonization, huh?

Exactly.

I won't lie: you're too qualified for what I have to offer.

There are no small jobs, small positions, small people...

That's where respect at work begins.

- I only need a delivery person. - That's fine.

It's $3.25 an hour, plus tips.

An income is all my family needs.

OK.

Your daughter can sit here and I'll give you the tour.

You can sit down and study.

Your CV didn't mention your studies.

I studied law, then worked in the Ministry of the Economy

as leader, spokesperson and deputy.

A higher-up in the South Vietnamese government.

That's not nothing.

Vinh! I have two orders to finish up, please.

Based on the reports I've seen about people fleeing the new regime...

it must have been very hard.

Yes. As soon as-

Excuse me.

Ni hao, Golden Lantern! Honey, your mom's on the phone!

As soon as the communists took over the South...

not only did the country start lacking for everything...

they deported thousands of people to re-education camps.

They sent the stubborn ones to die in wars against China and Cambodia.

Not to mention that there's no more freedom of speech,

and that you can be locked up for a "yes" or a "no".

That said...

...I admit that even in the South, things weren't always great.

Democratically speaking, it wasn't like here.

But with the war, we had to cut corners sometimes.

Survival requires difficult decisions.

But I don't want to waste your time on futile political discussion, sir.

Not at all.

I don't think I would make a good politician in Quebec.

Fine.

But save the "sir" for my grand pa.

You start tomorrow.

Come in.

Hello. I'd like to buy a book. A story about Vietnam.

Yes, my favourite is...

...this one.

- Here. - Thank you.

Tinh, this is for you.

You're going to learn this book by heart.

- You're going to love it. - Thank you.

For what that cost, you could feed a family for a month in Vietnam.

Just to buy you one book so you can learn French.

You'll need to work hard if you want a good job.

Doctor, pharmacist, lawyer, dentist.

Or you'll have to settle for being an engineer or an accountant.

Tinh, do you understand?

Yes.

- Is that a letter for Saigon? - Money for the family.

Any news about Sao Mai?

We'll know they're safe when...

...if they get our letter.

Come on.

It's all wet.

Duc, Quoc.

- Come on. - Get up.

We're here.

Come on, you two!

- Honey, is this it? - Normand? They're here.

This is it!

Come in! Welcome to our home!

Watch out!

Hello! Welcome!

Come in. Stay on this side of the car.

Go in.

Go right in.

My father built this house with his own two hands.

He was very talented.

I'll show you upstairs.

Rat vui duoc gap Cô.

Excuse my mother.

She thinks she's going to learn Vietnamese.

Mom, you can't even speak English.

It's not a problem. I appreciate it.

It's nice to meet you, ma'am.

- It's nice to meet you, ma'am. - It's time for my favourite show.

- It's about science. - I'll keep practicing...

I'm going to be a surgeon one day.

When I had my tonsils out, I decided I wanted to be like them.

- Hello? Hi, Jackie! - Oh yeah! Your blue dress!

The Lê family is over.

Jacqueline says hello.

Mom!

The Michauds are taking the kids to the zoo next week.

- There's the ski trip... - Mom!

- Hang on, Jacqueline. - Mom!

- What? - Where's my blue dress?

Go look in my closet.

Yes, sorry. So, there's the ski trip and then the play.

With actors from Montreal, yes.

Girls? Come wash your hands. It's time to come to the table.

- My hands aren't dirty, Grandma. - Come on!

- When's good for you? - I wore it to my uncle's wedding.

They got divorced after a year, but my parents don't talk about it.

That works. Yes, I'll tell them.

Bye.

Bye! Thanks!

It's all creased! I'll fix it.

Sorry. I'll get you something to drink.

You'll see, Tinh.

- This is the best song. - It's never been out in the rain.

It's still on the original tires.

It's a real museum piece.

Turn that music off!

- No, no. - Mom...

No. Put these on the table.

Mom, we're going to use the nice dishes.

- Oh, OK. - Yeah.

I made rice and vegetables. I figured you'd like that.

- Right here, next to Daddy. - These dishes are all dusty!

Tinh here.

Mom and Grandma here.

In Vietnam, did you have servants?

Yes.

So my daughter wasn't exaggerating

when she said you had seamstresses?

Those women worked for my mother.

Unbelievable! That's my dream.

- Mom? - Huh?

- Must you repeat everything I say? - We're just chatting.

You can have a seat right there.

Perfect. Food's ready! Normand!

Come on, boys. You can sit here.

- Right beside your brother. - Come and eat, boys.

That's the most comfortable chair.

- Christ, what a bunch of morons...

Normand! Language!

Eat what's served to you. Otherwise, it's not polite.

- Here, Normand. - Otherwise, it's rude.

You can cut that for us.

- Meat for the kids. - Anyone want pickles? They're good.

- Are they sweet or sour? - Sweet.

- Who wants salad? - I'll take some!

- Eat some salad. - Boys, have some bread!

Here you go, Johanne.

Oh my goodness! Thank you!

- Goddamn Jesus Christ! - Johanne! What's that about?

Do you swear in Vietnamese? My dad even swears in English.

Jo, that's enough. See what you've done?

Tinh, don't let Johanne teach you bad words. OK?

- Were you bombed? - Johanne, we're eating.

Johanne, that's not something you should ask our guests. OK?

Atomic bombs?

What do atomic bombs have to do with anything?

They use them in wars.

OK. You're asking that because of the war in Vietnam?

I don't think they used atomic bombs in Vietnam.

- No? - No, just regular bombs.

It wasn't a big war like the world wars.

Atomic bombs were just in Japan, right Minh?

Normand is right.

And we didn't experience the war.

Explain.

You, go ahead.

We lived in peace during the war.

It was only when it ended that we had to flee.

Tinh, have you finished your homework?

Your head's in the clouds.

Always lazing around.

After your homework, I need you to get me some sugar downstairs.

What colour was the sky today?

Blue?

And yesterday?

Blue.

Can't you see it?

Darker?

Lighter?

Grayer?

Why?

Remember it.

It's important.

When you appreciate the nuances of the sky's blues...

you appreciate life.

They put a chain around my neck...

As a judge...

they accused me...

of having sentenced their communist compatriots.

My death was certain.

For the first time...

I saw the different blues.

The sky...

cut my chains.

Most of the prisoners died...

strangled...

shot...

and forgotten.

I should have been one of them.

You're going snowshoeing today.

What are you doing?

I want to lie down, too.

Look.

Is it hard to walk on snow?

You can show us how.

Mom, can you find my snowshoes, please?

I know they're here. I'm not sure about the moccasins.

Mom!

Don't touch! My dad will kill me if he sees fingerprints on his car.

- I found them! - See? You didn't look hard enough.

Yes, I did.

My grandfather made them out of animal skin.

What kind of animal?

- I don't know... - Careful around my car!

You know I hate it when people touch my stuff.

You don't like when people touch your stuff?

How about this?

- That, I like. - Just a little, huh?

- Depends where... - Tinh, come on!

Yes, yes.

It's like you've been doing this your whole life!

Johanne!

Tinh!

I told you not to fall! That's how you get lost.

Here.

Did you hear that?

It's like the trees are talking to us.

- Stop! - Duc, Quoc! Study!

When will you do your homework?

Now.

You should've been studying instead of wasting your time.

From now on, homework comes first.

Understood?

Yes. Sorry, Mom.

Your apologies aren't worth anything if you don't try to learn.

You're everywhere but here.

Can you speak to me in Vietnamese?

Why? We're not in Vietnam.

Erase that.

Ni hao, Golden Lantern. Yes, go ahead.

OK...

So two wontons, four egg rolls, one chow mein, one spare rib

and a vegetable fried rice, is that right?

That'll be $19.75 plus tax.

6089 de Bellefeuille Street.

Yes, I know it well. Just a moment.

- Minh! - Yes?

- Don't keep Mr. McCredo waiting. - No problem.

Thanks.

Sorry. Is that everything?

OK. Thank you, Mr. Nadeau.

Is that your book?

I wrote a book, too.

You want to see it?

I wrote hundreds of pages on that one sheet of paper.

They've all disappeared, except in my mind.

You see, when I was in the camps...

that was the only paper I had.

Every time it was full...

I'd erase it to be able to write the next page.

Come here.

Get to work.

Can I keep this one?

No.

"I think often

"of that image

"that I alone can still see...

"...and that I have ne...

...and that I have never spoken of."

"...never..."

Start over.

"I think often of that image

"that I alone can still see

and that I have never..."

"The only sound was the ferry's engine,

an old dipalidated engine with a thrown rod."

Repeat that word.

- Dipalidated. - Dilapidated.

Dilapidated.

That's very good!

"The river flows dully, making no sound,

"like blood in the body.

"No wind on the water.

"The only sound was the ferry's engine,

an old dilapidated engine with a thrown rod."

You want to dance more?

Why stop?

Two tickets please.

- Thank you! - Thank you!

I know I talk a lot of the time...

which means that I don't really know you.

And it makes me sad.

Like your cousin Sao-something. You must think about her.

Sao Mai.

I'm sorry. I couldn't remember.

I'd like you to tell me about Sao Mai, if you want.

Shhh yourself, you big meanie!

I miss her.

A lot.

We've been waiting for days and we're still here.

It might be tonight.

Look.

I'm not sure I want to go.

We have to leave for our children's future.

You're still hesitating?

What if the boat sinks? Or pirates intercept us?

Chung, come!

I'd rather die at sea than watch my children-

Don't worry Sao Mai with this.

Share the rice with your brothers and sisters.

Don't forget.

If we're ever separated...

Hurry up! They're here.

They won't wait. Quick!

Duc, Quoc!

Hurry.

Get in!

Go!

Tinh!

- We're leaving! - Take good care!

Is it much farther?

It won't be long. We're almost there.

Not too crammed in back?

Pardon?

Like a tin of sardines.

No, it's fine.

Minh, you can lose the tie. We're not going to a wedding.

- Pardon? - Normand says you look nice.

- I like your tie. It's elegant. - Thank you.

In Vietnam, when you're invited to a reception, you get dressed up.

It's a matter of respect for your hosts.

I wouldn't call this a reception...

Here it is.

Look at him.

Come on.

- Robert, they're here! - Robert, they're here! Come on!

Come on!

This way, Minh.

I thought you were going to flake on us again this year!

You don't know me at all!

- It's good to see you. - You too!

- Have you been on a diet? - Look who's talking!

I thought we'd get here earlier...

There are a lot of us, though.

Who would have thought that my laziest son

would turn into a charitable man!

You could learn a lot from him.

You're going to make me blush, Dad.

Johanne, don't drink too much! Explain it all to Tinh.

Minh, this is my dad.

- Welcome. - Thank you.

- I have to get back to the boiler. - I'll bring some chairs down.

- It's your first time? - Yes.

If you want, we can leave your tie in the truck.

No, you're good?

Do you like it?

Is it good?

Did you like it?

I don't think she liked it.

You're going to be so full, we'll have to roll you home!

I'm not sure beans and pork rinds

will make them want to stay in Quebec.

- It's better than poutine. - What do you have against poutine?

What's poutine?

It's French fries, brown sauce and cheese curds.

It's little pieces of cheese. We call them curds.

- I've had it. - And?

Look at his face! He liked it!

Just don't get cheese curds mixed up with cheese balls!

- Stop! You'll confuse them! - No, no!

- No, he just likes saying the word. - Absolutely!

Curds, curds, curds!

If they want real Quebec cuisine, they need spaghetti with meat sauce!

- Oh yes! - Mom's recipe.

God bless her.

Her sauce was the best in the world.

- All right, a little speech. - Go on, Dad!

Please.

I just want to say to my son, and to my daughter-in-law Lisette...

that your generosity is admirable.

And to our new fellow citizens, that you are now part of the family.

Yes.

On behalf of my family...

I'd like to thank you for welcoming us with such kindness and goodwill.

It's an honour to rebuild our lives in your beautiful country

and to share this feast with you.

From the bottom of our hearts, we'll be forever grateful.

There are four pills.

One for each of you.

It's better to die than to be captured by pirates.

Don't be scared. Daddy's here.

Come here.

Tinh.

Tinh, lift your feet up!

My babies!

Come with me. Hurry up, Tinh.

Jesus Christ.

My God...

What's important is that they're here with us

eating the best beans in the world.

That's right.

We had no idea what you went through to get here.

Every day was the same.

Are you finished eating?

Sit down and eat.

I don't know if I would've had the strength to carry on.

I'm sure you would've done whatever it took for your child.

Family is the most important thing.

Life is a battle where sadness leads to defeat.

Please, eat.

What's up sweetheart?

Kiss!

It looks so good!

I know! Your life is going to change.

This is all you'll want to eat.

Turn it until it hardens.

The perfect stick.

I got it everywhere!

Why are you crying, Tinh?

It's time for Grandma's song. Come on!

Come on, Tinh!

- Now! - How much time do we have?

This is it. Go!

Wait. Everybody smile! OK, smile!

Careful. If you go over, I'll have to reimburse them.

We won't be able to sell it.

There. You're getting better.

354 Bougainvilliers Street. Don't forget the egg rolls, Minh.

Minh, you know what? The second is more urgent.

So go to 1327 Red Rock first.

Mrs. Kirouac. She orders every day.

Vinh, the chop suey won't make itself.

I still have five minutes of break.

When you write, you can hear the clouds move.

Or see the remains of the stars.

Listen: nummular.

Lament.

Quadraphony.

Sacculina.

Logarithmic.

Those are my words.

Now write yours.

Words can dance.

Who are you, Tinh?

I CAME INTO THE WORLD.

Think.

Then write.

I see you growing up...

growing stronger than I ever could have imagined.

I see the shadow lifting.

And the light reflecting off you.

All that matters to us now...

is your and your brothers' futures.

And I think the best way for you to feel free...

and even to find Sao Mai, if you want...

is to embrace your new life here.

That's why I'm so strict with you.

But what do you want... for yourself?

Mom...

I love you, Mom.

I love you, too.

Come on, kids.

Come help.

Go help your father.

Duc, come help me. Take this bowl.

Can you get the rice for me?

Thanks, honey.

Be careful when you crack the egg.

Should I cut these up?

Can you do the carrots?

Careful.

I spent my days handling arguments

between the French chef and the Vietnamese chef.

Otherwise, I spent my afternoons doing my hair and makeup...

and getting dressed up to accompany Minh to events.

We could dare to dream.

You wouldn't want to leave that!

Can you put some music on?

Good idea.

Minh made dinner.

Minh made this?

- Yes. It's his recipe. - I don't believe you.

It's delicious, honey.

- Thank you. - It's very good, Minh.

Normand, what do you make?

Spaghetti sauce.

- You think that's true? - It's good.

- Here, Normand. - That's for you.

I have to go to the store.

I'll be leaving in 15 minutes.

I have to go.

Has anyone seen my red sweater?

It's on the bed!

Thanks, honey.

You're welcome.

I CAME INTO THE WORLD

DURING THE TET OFFENSIVE...

Since then, Kim Thuy (Tinh) has written several books in French, published in over 45 countries.

Her brothers Tin (Quoc) and Nhon (Duc) became a dentist and CEO/actuary.

Their parents enjoy a peaceful retirement in Quebec.