We learn in the film's introductory scenes that war broke out in the Sudan in the 1980s pitting the northern parts against the southern Sudan. Many were killed, especially young boys, and families were fractured. One group became known as "The Lost Boys" of Sudan, and this movie is about them. They were young teenagers, or younger, in 1987 when they were separated from their families. Those who survived traveled 1000 miles in the desert mostly without food. Many others died of starvation.
Now young adults, in 2001 many were given the opportunity to travel to various parts of the USA. We find out much later that today they are in 23 different states. A pleasant, but never intrusive, narration is provided by Nicole Kidman.
Panther Bior, John Bul Dau, and Daniel Abol Pach are themselves. Their trip to the USA came with the condition that they get Social Security cards, and within 90 days have jobs and begin to pay their own way and, eventually, reimburse the US Government for their cost of air travel.
The film includes much of the humorous introduction the "lost boys" had to American culture. We see a sponsor showing them how to turn lights on and off (many had never used electricity), how the refrigerator kept food cold, how to use the toilet and toilet paper, and an admonition "don't throw trash out the window", and showed them how to use a trash can.
Through all this we learn several things about the Sudanese. They are kind, intelligent, learn new tasks quickly, have a good work ethic, and value 'family' highly.
The transition was difficult and they were homesick, but they took the opportunity to get education and, as they were able, send money back to their people left behind. Some have earned college degrees and, in some cases, returned to Africa to help improve things there.
At 1:20 into the film there is a very touching reunion. John Bul found his sister and mother alive, and has arranged for them to travel to the US. After 17 years John is no longer a boy, but a very tall man, and the family reunion in the airport terminal is great.
All in all a superb movie.
Now young adults, in 2001 many were given the opportunity to travel to various parts of the USA. We find out much later that today they are in 23 different states. A pleasant, but never intrusive, narration is provided by Nicole Kidman.
Panther Bior, John Bul Dau, and Daniel Abol Pach are themselves. Their trip to the USA came with the condition that they get Social Security cards, and within 90 days have jobs and begin to pay their own way and, eventually, reimburse the US Government for their cost of air travel.
The film includes much of the humorous introduction the "lost boys" had to American culture. We see a sponsor showing them how to turn lights on and off (many had never used electricity), how the refrigerator kept food cold, how to use the toilet and toilet paper, and an admonition "don't throw trash out the window", and showed them how to use a trash can.
Through all this we learn several things about the Sudanese. They are kind, intelligent, learn new tasks quickly, have a good work ethic, and value 'family' highly.
The transition was difficult and they were homesick, but they took the opportunity to get education and, as they were able, send money back to their people left behind. Some have earned college degrees and, in some cases, returned to Africa to help improve things there.
At 1:20 into the film there is a very touching reunion. John Bul found his sister and mother alive, and has arranged for them to travel to the US. After 17 years John is no longer a boy, but a very tall man, and the family reunion in the airport terminal is great.
All in all a superb movie.