POV

will this air in canada

by christine
June 12, 2009, 12:31 AM

Can't Wait!

Look forward to see "Betrayal". I like support and learn about my my Lao heritage. From San Diego, California, wishing you all "PEACE!!".

by Vai
June 12, 2009, 1:21 PM

Wow, haunting is absolutely right! Can't wait to see this air! Will definetely watch it with the fam!

by Chan
June 13, 2009, 8:09 PM

Tears Awaits

Just knowing that these stories are surfacing into public's eyes of America does it all for me. Even if i have not seen the movie yet. Still searching and waiting to view it. (California-28/M)

by Sounthavi Damrong
June 15, 2009, 8:13 PM

I can't wait Ai Thavisouk!!!

by Mary Souphida
June 16, 2009, 3:21 PM

Looks Good!

I can't wait!!! The trailer is awesome!

by Joy
June 23, 2009, 11:21 PM

WELL DONE!

I was very moved at how real the movie was for me and my family. All Laotian refugees can relate to the story and what they had to go through. It made me appreciate my parents more because it must have been really hard for them at the time of when they first arrived here in America. I will see this movie over and over again!

by Maly W
June 24, 2009, 6:54 PM

A must watch!!!

It brought me to tears and gave me the chills each time I watched it. It truly captures what many went through for their family and for a glimmer of hope and prosperity. I held a showing of this film for my community. Everyone was moved by how relatable his story is and many left in tears. I would definitely recommend gathering your friends and family to watch this together! I will be watching again.

by Ratsamy P
July 8, 2009, 6:23 PM

It hits close to home

I saw the trailer and loved it, found out by my brother who say the film with his wife. I was kinda surpise, since, we never heard about the movie or seen it's preview to let us know this kind of documentary was ever made. It certainly hit home..and I can't wait to see it...

by Kasey
July 8, 2009, 10:14 PM

This movie is a must see 5 stars

A Lao family betrayed three times: First by their country with help of USA and others dissolving into chaos and then a totalitarian regime forcing them to to flee, then by the resettlement process in USA exposing them to the very worst in US society, and finally from within their family in the most heart-wrenching scenes you will ever see in a movie. If only for the fact that this is a story played out in real time by Lao in Lao language in USA, see it and wonder at the human spirit surviving, with love, despite everything.

by John Driscoll and Chanthanom Ounkeo
July 9, 2009, 5:09 PM

About time we get some recognition!

Our lives are unexplainable to those who don't know what's outside the box of just thinking Americans exist of only a certain race. We had family that tried to do their part for America and I think this will be perfect to let those who don't know who we are, learn from this movie. Let it move all of us and bring more peace to world! With Love, Laos Pride!

by Diane C
July 12, 2009, 10:23 PM

Hypocrisy

So the US "waged a secret war" in Laos? Against whom would that have been waged? Why, against the North Vietnamese who were occupying a large swath of the country and using it as a transport and staging area. The US supported the sovereign Royal Lao government and indigenous Hmong forces to counter NV support of the Pathet Lao.

The consequences of this conflict fall entirely on the shoulders of Vietnam, which occupied and exploited Laotian territory, armed the Pathet Lao, and then supported the brutal repression of Lao people after their allies won. Why don't you do a documentary about the war Vietnam waged in Laos?

by Jared C.
July 14, 2009, 8:56 PM

Betrayal

I just saw this movie at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria Queens.
Amazing, moving, beautiful imagery.

by Agnieszka Piekos
July 15, 2009, 10:51 PM

The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)

I live in Camas, WA 98607.
What local station and when can I see The Betrayal(Nerakhoon)?
Thanks

by Thuan
July 19, 2009, 6:20 PM

The Betrayal

I am Cambodian-American and is dating a Laotian guy. In my community, there's a lot of Cambodians and Laotians. I am trying to get him and his family to watch this film. This is probably the first film I've heard of that showed Laos involvement during the Vietnam War.

by Sambath Bo
July 20, 2009, 10:18 PM

Amazing and moving.

I saw this movie when it came to Columbus. I myself am Laotian, and I always hear my parents, aunts and uncle's talk about how they came to america. To watch it first hand is an eye opener. I enjoyed the movie so much and cannot wait to watch it with my parents tonight on PBS.

by Tracy
July 21, 2009, 9:05 AM

I'm looking forward to watch it tonight..

I heard alot of good things about this film and been looking forward to watch it tonight. As laotian refugee, I think we all can relate to Thavisouk story. I saw Thavisouk in San Francisco Lao New Year Festival this past April.

by Dek Nongbon
July 21, 2009, 5:04 PM

AMAZING

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing this movie twice and meeting Thavi twice in NYC. Immediately after seeing the movie and meeting Thavi, I felt like he was a family member b/c of this story. I'm sure many of us who have grown up here in America will really appreciate the vivid picture Thavi shows in this documentary, and have an utmost appreciation for our families and heritage. Thanks Ai Thavi and congrats!

by Johnny Phoummany
July 21, 2009, 8:26 PM

Betrayal

Oh, the blindness of humans. What an amazing story and I will be haunted by the images of this piece for many days. Every mother in American should watch this film. How can the richest nation in the world abandon these loving, peaceful and courageous people. Shame on all of us.

by Robert Tolaro
July 21, 2009, 11:27 PM

Well Done

I am neither laotion or laotion american but what I am is a human being like those depicted in the film and like them I feel pain and hurt. Once we as people realize such things only then can the world and all of us who are brothers and sisters learn from history and change it.. An Exceptional Film.. WELL DONE AND PEACE TO ALL WHO INHABIT THIS PLANET..

by Mikhail Tate
July 21, 2009, 11:33 PM

Amazing Documentary

This has to be the most well made documentary I've seen in years. Truthful, well thought out, and very well done. Speaking from the generation that has dealt with the many 'domino effects' of the Vietnam war, I'm very happy this was made. PBS should air this often!

by Kim Eden
July 21, 2009, 11:35 PM

A MOTHER'S LONGING

This film is a heart-wrenching work of art. It makes me reflect on the freedom I have and remember that people like this have made it possible. I'm still wondering if the mother was able to visit her two daughters in Laos and also, the grandmother, before she died, which may have been her own mother?

by Victoria Di Benedetto
July 21, 2009, 11:39 PM

Saw the film on the pbs channel and brought back memories of my time in Laos as a young MSG assigned to the American Embassy. I remember Laotian people as peaceful,happy and full of compassion to all. I felt pain in my heart when Laos was lost.

by Chief
July 21, 2009, 11:40 PM

Betrayal

The movie was haunting, heartrenching, and insightful. I am an Italian/American (My grandparents and Aunt and Uncle) were born and lived in Italy. I am also a Vietnam veteran so the movie had personal meaning for me. As I get older I am always anxious to learn more about my families past, what it was like for my grandparents when at the age of 35 they brought two children to the U.S.. When I was young I didn't know what qeustions to ask, and now that I am older they are no longer here to ask. This is a program that I am sure many Laotian would like to have, to share with their children when they are old enough to understand what it was their parents and grandparents lived through and did. It would be a real service to these people if you would make the film available to them to purchase. I could not find anyplace on the web site that mentioned that you could buy a copy.

by William McD
July 21, 2009, 11:43 PM

I taught school in Laos during the Indo-China War. This is not the story of all the Lao people from that period, but it is the story of far too many.

As much as I loved my experience of Laos and my Lao friends now, I would give it up to erase what happened there.

by RIchard Hesse
July 21, 2009, 11:45 PM

betrayal-laos family documentary

i was overwhelmed by this documentary and the story of this family.
we fight every war in the name of "Democracy", "freedom". yet never own our sins and as accurately named our "Betrayal" in our foreign policy.
Americans have no clue of war, not since the civil war anyway. they have no clue, they simply go on living their daily lives. we are still doing it today.
we do not take ownership ever.
most Americans would never have survived such loss and pain. the young man who is the central figure, truly remained true to his family and the resposibility he assumed for them out of necessity, he chose to do the right thing not the easy thing. what an extraordinary person. what an extraordinary film. THANK YOU, THAVISOUK PHRASAVATH AND ELLEN KURAS

by karen
July 21, 2009, 11:51 PM

"Betrayal" review

"Betrayal" is beautifully documented. My wish is that the directors and cinematographer of this film win wide recognition and awards. I was in Laos in February, 2007 and learned first hand of the US' role in the devastation of this country and its people. Congratulations to POV and thank you for bringing these important works for public viewing.

by karen MacArthur
July 21, 2009, 11:55 PM

Excellent

This documentary gave a lot of insight into Thavi's family and their journey from Laos to America, and their different chapters here....I really enjoyed it..and I am definitely e-mailing my friends now so that they can go and see it ^_^

by Mia Henriquez
July 21, 2009, 11:58 PM

Betrayal

Amazing revealing film in scope and relevance and intimacy.
thankyou.

by Erik Parillo
July 22, 2009, 12:01 AM

AMAZING

I have lived in Sheboygan WI for the past 24 years and although I went to school and have worked with Hmong people since the age of 12 I have never really had an understanding of or appreciation for the trails of my neighbors. Thank You for making such an amazing film.

by Ericka T
July 22, 2009, 12:04 AM

AMAZING

I have lived in Sheboygan WI for the past 24 years and although I went to school and have worked with Hmong people since the age of 12 I have never really had an understanding of or appreciation for the trails of my neighbors. Thank You for making such an amazing film.

by Ericka T
July 22, 2009, 12:05 AM

Touched

Just watched it tonight...

Excellent. Oustanding. I can relate to this film. Great film!!!

by TH Chanthavong
July 22, 2009, 12:07 AM

Betrayed on so many levels

Thank you for this excellent and heart wrenching story. So important that we as Americans share in this saga. I am so saddened with the way that
families were "resettled". Shame on us for not handling this better. They supported us in the trenches we should have done the same for them.
I pray that our government has learned a better way to settle foreigners
in our country. Thank you. Saw it tonight 7.21.09 on PBS/NY

by Hilary Heijmen
July 22, 2009, 12:07 AM

Amazing

I was surprised by my reaction about halfway through this beautiful documentary. I was so touched by Thavi's mother and I actually sobbed at her heartbreak. My family came to America from Germany in 1727 due to religious persecution and being austracized, and when I saw the struggles and hardships this family endured, I can relate.
Outstanding film. Best of luck to filmmakers and Thavi's family in Laos and the U.S.

by Barbara Eberly
July 22, 2009, 12:15 AM

The Betrayals

This is the second best film about the South East Asian War (VN War) that I watched. The first is the Oscar Award movie of "The Killing Fields". The poor peaceful nation of Cambodia and Laos was dragged into a War that they don't want any part of but have to be involved because of they have NO CHOICE. The end result is the Cambodian Prince is exiled and the Laos King Killed. With so much influence of the Jewish people in the US, the American government decide to trade Vietnam to the Russian for the peace of Israel and Egypt. One Nation gain is another Nation Lost and the Tragedies of the War loser is to pay a Very Heavy Price for its own LIFE: 2 millions executed in Cambodia by Polpot, hundred thousands of SVN soldiers and Hmong Soldiers executed or died in Vietnamese Russian Gulags or at Seas! The same betrayal story continue with the Shah of Iran, the Kurks in Iraq and the Mujahadins in Afghanistan. When the Next War Come, who will TRUST the Americans?

by Travis
July 22, 2009, 12:21 AM

The Betrayal

Amazing, revealing and very heart-wrenching movie. To take on the role of Fatherhood at the young age, to do the right thing to support his mom,his brothers sisters and hold the family together and not breakdown when his father deserted his family, THAVISOUK PHRASAVATH is not Only an Honorable Man but a Man with Patience, Perseverance and with Great Compassion. Thanks Thavis and Ellen Kuras for a well documented movie. I definitely want to buy this DVD when it is available. It is a keeper!

by Travis
July 22, 2009, 12:38 AM

So moving

This film was gut-wrenching to watch and everyone should watch it. Bravo to Ellen Kuras, Thavisouk Phrasavath and PBS for airing this film. I wish only good things for Thavis and all his family.

by Marilyn B
July 22, 2009, 12:43 AM

Nerakhoon The Betrayal

Captivating ! This film is only a touch of what happened during and after the Viet-Nam war to so many people. I hope more films and stories of this nature will be presented to the world and hope we can learn from their stories of how to be and how not to be to our fellow humans. Thank you for this small piece of history that so many people have never been aware of. I spent 3 years in Southeast Asia with some of the most kind and amazing people I've ever met. Wow Lao Di Nitnoy. Kop Koon Krap.

by Mark Moore
July 22, 2009, 12:46 AM

Wow.

I just saw this on late night PBS, and I it affected me deeply. Really amazing stuff. I am glad to know this story because I feel like all Americans should know about all of these types of stories which have happened in history and continue today.

On an unrelated note, the two random spam blocker words I have to type to post this are "wage lawn," which would be a ridiculous alternative to waging war.

by Wesley Wilson
July 22, 2009, 12:48 AM

Betrayal (Nerakhoon)

What an amazing journey! I just happened to catch this film tonight and was captivated by its simplicity, truth and poignancy. As an African American, I believe that ALL of our stories need to be told and celebrated. I identified most with Thavi's mother, and wonder how she persevered through those painful experiences that might have been devastating for others. I think Thavi & Ellen have richly chronicled the Laotian-American experience, and filled in several "gaps" from the Vietnam era. I highly recommend this film.

by Pat Rodgers
July 22, 2009, 1:20 AM

The Betrayal

This is a very beautiful documentary that transcends the boundaries of nationality. It presented the struggles and hardships that many people can empathize with. The film stimulates self-evaluation, self-motivation, and the recognition for improvements on foreign policies. So much gratitude to the filmmakers.

by T.N.N
July 22, 2009, 1:21 AM

Well Put Together

This is one of the best films I have ever watched about my Laotion people. I would like to see it again. I will definitely tell my mother, relatives and friends about the documentary. I want to thank Ellen Kuras and the co-producer, Thavisouk, for collaborating a very compassionate film that reminds us of our past. Where we came from and who we are today?

by TK
July 22, 2009, 1:33 AM

great film

wow! very powerful. I am glad that PBS is airing this. It's about time that others know about the Lao story.

by Vinya Sysamouth
July 22, 2009, 2:26 AM

A moving film

I've just watched this very moving film.So touching,not just another tragic family sage.A must see film.My heart goes out to this family,yours will too.

by Ronn Perna
July 22, 2009, 2:29 AM

What a great film!!! I just finished watching it and definitely hit home. I'm around the same age is Thavi and this is a great film to show my children so they can understand what their grandparents went through and to remember that no matter what we are still Lao.

by Khampheng
July 22, 2009, 2:31 AM

Captivating

I couldn't stop watching.

by Vincent Tran
July 22, 2009, 2:47 AM

The Betrayal

I've always been interested in the Vietnam War being that I'm Vietnamese. I very much appreciate your effort in making this and help usher in a new understanding of the war along with its consequences through this intimate documentary. Thank you for sharing this documentary with us.

by tam phung
July 22, 2009, 2:51 AM

Great Documentary!

Nerakhoun is, indeed, a great film, certainly worthy of being nominated for an academy award this year. However, those of you who had a chance to view the early version of the documentary at the Lao Studies conference at Arizona State University in 2007 will recognize that the final version is quite different. Which version is better? I was moved by the early version, and I was moved by the final version. They were both great for different reasons. Anyway, this is a documentary that every Lao person, and every person with an interest in Laos, should definitely see. Even if you don't know anything about Laos, this is a story that speaks to the experiences of many political refugees.

Ian Baird, PhD

by Ian Baird
July 22, 2009, 3:01 AM

Te Betrayal

I thought on this film was very heartfelt ,the journey this family went though was touch my life and made me think about how devastating war has on many families.It was interesting to find out that we share the same tradition burying the umbilical cord my grandmother did that in our family,my heritage is native american.

by jackie
July 22, 2009, 3:03 AM

2 thumbs up

What a powerful film indeed and yet stunning. It truly touch my heart and refresh many my memories when I was in Laos, refugee in Thailand and immigrant in America.

This is one of well-documentary film that I've ever watch mainly from Laos. I would recommend this film to anyone who live in America, Laos and our young generations to watch this film. I'm pre-ordering this vdo to show my children, educate them and teach them about our deep roots.

Thank you PBS.

by Anna Muongchanh
July 22, 2009, 3:43 AM

So moving and haunting

Great documentary long in waiting. I'm so glad that someone actually put it in to a documentary film for other to have a opportunities to see and learn from it. So many generations of us laotion had been lost and devasting in this misunderstanding war. And sure most of us still trying to cope with it and seek understanding of who we are and where we come from. To me it's not just a shadow or ghost of the past it's in present and our future. It's part of who we are. Each time myself by going back to laos I learn more about myself of who I really are and want to become. After seeing the film I had greater appreciation of my homeland and my heritage.

by Yai.63
July 22, 2009, 4:37 AM

They were not unique

I don't have much sympathy for this Laotian family... Their experiences as refugees in America were hardly unique. I became annoyed when the mother complained about her delinquent kids and how they didn't respect her because she was uneducated and couldn't speak English. Wasn't that her fault? Why didn't she at least learn some English after living here for 15 years? There were also talks of not getting the respect from the younger sibblings and if they'd known about this before, they wouldn't have come to the US. Once again, respect is earned and not given if all you do all day is sit around, smoke, grow your hair long, and get body piercings & tattoos. And what's stopping them from returning to Laos if they weren't happy here? It seemed to me they just sat back on their haunches and complained rather than working/studying hard and recognizing that America is a place of opportunity and freedom.

by anjie
July 22, 2009, 6:35 AM

Betrayal

I fought with myself to turn it off over and over again while watching. Left it on and learned a lot about us, them and myself. Brave work.

by Mike Smith
July 22, 2009, 10:11 AM

Captivating

Stayed up late to watch this last night. I am a first generation Chinese American and am always so amazed at the sacrifices people go through to come to America.

by Ellen
July 22, 2009, 10:30 AM

Not Unique but Truth

Writing in response to comment by Anjie

I don’t think any of the family is asking for sympathy from you. The story just has to be told. Tell me when did you think she has the time to learn English with 8 small children to feed? The main thing in her mind is how to survive from day to day. True respect is earned and trust me they know that. A Laotians culture is different from the western culture.
If you don’t know Laos is still a communist country and they escaped to the US as refugees. They basically gave up their citizenships. Trust me many Laotians want to back to Laos if those options are available to them.
You only saw, what 11/2 of their lives. How do you know they don’t work? For your information, some of them graduated from college and hold respectable jobs. They don’t look anything like what you saw on the film back in the 80s.

--------

I don't have much sympathy for this Laotian family... Their experiences as refugees in America were hardly unique. I became annoyed when the mother complained about her delinquent kids and how they didn't respect her because she was uneducated and couldn't speak English. Wasn't that her fault? Why didn't she at least learn some English after living here for 15 years? There were also talks of not getting the respect from the younger siblings and if they'd known about this before, they wouldn't have come to the US. Once again, respect is earned and not given if all you do all day is sit around, smoke, grow your hair long, and get body piercings & tattoos. And what's stopping them from returning to Laos if they weren't happy here?

by Meggie
July 22, 2009, 10:32 AM

The betrayal

A wonderful movie that touched me deeply. Thank you to all of those who made it possible for us to share this incredible life experience.

by Wahiba Sebbane
July 22, 2009, 10:35 AM

Interesting, but slanted

I watched The Betrayal last night. While it was extremely interesting, and a worthy project, I think it over simplified the story in order to portray the Laotians as victims and America as evil.
I am not a conservative, but after watching this I can understand why conservatives rant against "victim mentality". The family portrayed suffered from deep seated issues that were exacerbated by their immigrant status. But did America itself create these personal issues? The film makers would have you believe so.
It would have been nice to have heard more from the two sisters who were left behind, especially the older one, who could have have supplied a different perspective on the situation. I wanted to know if they had fared better or worse than the rest of the family.
I have a friend who escaped Laos in the 1970s under circumstances similar to those illustrated in the documentary. We live in Appalachia, a place notorious for narrow minded rejection of "outsiders". In spite of this, she has worked hard to make a new life for herself and has succeeded. The Betrayal seemed to imply that the only options for immigrants were abject poverty and gang violence.
On the positive side, the film makers have done a great service by bringing to light covert American actions that should be discussed and analyzed. I hope the film helps to prevent these sorts of injustices from happening in the future.

by Linda Harbison
July 22, 2009, 11:12 AM

A must-see

This very moving and beautifully rendered documentary brought me to tears. It deserves to be widely seen. My heart goes out to Thavi's family for all the suffering they have endured. This film personalizes what we know to be true the world over: that war devastates families. But it's also a thought-provoking comment on U.S. foreign policy of the 1970s, and on the persevering spirit of survivors of war. The filmmakers should be praised for their dedication to this project, and I thank them for this film. I was particularly struck by what a good man Thavi is. I wish you much happiness in the future.

by Arlene in Ottawa
July 22, 2009, 11:49 AM

Exceptional

I just finished watching this film and by the end, I was a puddle of tears and heaving sobs. This film is much deeper than policy and culture. It's a "human experience" documented over a course of years and truthfully expressed.

Thavi, I applaud your candor and your transparency. Few are so willing to share their life experience with others out of pride or shame, and miss that deep bond of connection with the whole human race. I embrace your sorrows as my own and carry the losses as my own. I bear your burden with you as a fellow sojourner on this 'home' we call earth. My deepest prayers go with you and all of your family.

My husband was German born but raised in America from the time he was 8. His parents came to America after WWll after the fall of Germany. Seeing the sorrow expressed by Thavi's mom, reminded me of my own mother-in-law's sorrow that she carried her entire life here in America for the loss of her brothers, sisters and parents who were still in Germany.
My husband and I were married in Germany during the 70s while he was stationed there during his Army tour. I learned deep compassion for my mother-in-law by experiencing what she had lived as an adult here in America. Even though the Germans were of the same race, same look and dress as my own culture, having that language barrier while living there,created within me such a loneliness and loss of my family, all I could think about was going back home to my family and a culture that I could relate to. I was only there for 18 months, but those 18 months gave me a taste of what my husband's parents had endured for all of their adult life, and that was with both parents staying together. I cannot imagine the depth of pain the Phrasavath family has experienced with their father marrying another woman and having two more children. Even a documented film cannot express the depth of that kind of pain that can only be understood by the bearer of the heart.

If my opinion counts for anything, this film would be shown in every high school, and repeated several times on PBS. To Ellen Kuras and Thavi, as film makers, you have done an exceptional job with your dedication of years and your faithfulness to accuracy in documentation. Your film has created a bridge of understanding for those who have hearts, ears, and eyes longing for that kind of understanding of the whole human race and the whole human experience. Thank you.

by Linda Wolff
July 22, 2009, 11:57 AM

Betrayal

I can't remember when I have seen something like Betrayal and was moved to tears. I can't describe whether I was angry at the US or just the fact that as an American I could realize the full impact of our putting troops in Laos. The Vietnam war, Cambodia and Laos seem much more comprehensive to me than when I was a child watching the war play out in our living room.
The fact that the main character has lived in both cultures helped me a lot. For me he became a symbol of an "everyman" and his family "every family" faced with such decisions. I wasn't looking at someone who was different but just the contrary someone whom I could relate to.
Each person's feeling of betrayal on many levels I could identify with. Also now older I realize that life comes with its good and bad. In this case it felt tragic until the end. I was left with a sense of hope that these were survivors who had managed to not lose their dignity or faith in sustaining themselves.
It is these images which sprung for in me gratitude. Gratitude that this family had not lost its inner compass and retaliated. Grateful to witness the human spirit and realizing it can be resilient in the face of insurmountable odds.
What really struck me was how forgiving, compassionate and loving these family members are. I saw their flaws but also understood that in these circumstances I probably would have made the same decisions.
What amazed me was how all the footage had been assembled over the years to present the narrative.
It is a film I would recommend because I think it has so many qualities that are universal.
I'm ashamed by my countries' past behavior and afraid that this tragic tale is probably still being enacted today in Iraq and Afganistan. I can only imagine the suffering of those families and children of Gitmo detainees.
Thank you for showing this documentary. I feel it taught me a lot and I have nothing but admiration for the fami;y and the film maker.
Best Regards
Gene Matarese

by Eugene Matarese
July 22, 2009, 12:50 PM

A window into the experience

As a Lao American watching this documentary I was very proud. Proud of a more honest portrayal of the Lao experience in America and how it differs from the stereotypical "model minority" image many have of a common Asian experience. Overall it was touching but was the experience of one family. Although my own family went through a very similar experience, it doesn't characterized the whole experience. Only each family can speak to individual experiences. The movie does somewhat portray the secret war in Laos as being an American backed conflict. This is not entirely accurate. The war can be most truthfully described as a civil war. As it's neighbors sank into conflict, elements in Laos developed that wanted to create a communists nation in Laos. The Democrats and Royals fought back to retain freedom and independence. It's the true they were trained and backed by the U.S. but the reality is they would have fought regardless of any foreign intervention. Many Lao, including the Royal Lao Soldiers, of which my Grandfather was an officer, did not believe the war to be the "American" war, but "our" war, the war for Lao freedom. They considered themselves the main resistance with Americans just as support. My point is they were fighting for their own freedom, their own interest, not necessarily US interest. These were very proud Lao men and women who wanted to preserve their country and their lifestyle. If you ask my grandfather about the war, he speaks of his Lao spirit that obligated him to fight, not is American allegiance. With that said, he was grateful for the US support and is a proud US veteran now. The betrayal is as much an American experience as it is a Lao story. Many who came before, and many who will follow will go through this experience. It is an experience of triumph over adversity.

by Panya
July 22, 2009, 12:55 PM

Window into the pass

Man.. those refugee photo and war plane trailer video reminded me of when I was just a little boy growing up in Laos. I remember always having to run to the bomb shelter. I never really knew what happen back home. I look forwar to waching this movie.

by Tony Khemmanivanh
July 22, 2009, 2:02 PM

Betrayal (Nerakhoon)

This documentary was absolutely wonderful. It really captured the refugee experience and of what happened to so many families during and post Vietnam (VN) War. People seem to forget that the war affected so many countries surrounding VN. Their displacement was heartbreaking and reminded me of my own family's similar experiences.

In a response to a few of the negative statements above, I do not believe that those people really understand the meaning of refugee as well as not understanding what it means to have survived a war environment. I wonder if those sentiments would've been the same if they were watching a similar story about what had happened to many during WWII. Thavi's family had to escape their country for fear of death. The film mentions the father's imprisonment. Many people died or were killed in these prisons. Those statements were obviously made by someone with a lack of cultural understanding and human compassion. As a refugee myself and as someone who later worked in a refugee camp, I would definitely say that their experience is unique. The family endured many unfortunate events and more than many other families who were in similar circumstances. It's a documentary and one of many experiences, no one is asking for sympathy. If the events in this family's life had unfolded differently, I am sure that the documentary would still have been as powerful. I applaud Thavi and the film makers for their efforts. War and cultural differences aside, as a mother, seeing young children in these events- it was absolutely disturbing.

I was glad at the end of this documentary to see all the families settled and Thavi with a beautiful baby and wife. Best wishes to this wonderful family. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

by Thuy Pham
July 22, 2009, 2:03 PM

Betrayal

This is one of most moving documentaries I have ever seen. The incredible strength and compassion of this family, the dignity and beauty of Laotian people, learning how devastating our secret bombing campaign really was.
It is very difficult to not be moved to tears by this unbelievable story told with an amazing pov. (the lead eldest son, and I believe co-director)
I would definitely rate this as 6-stars.

by john harper
July 22, 2009, 3:45 PM

Informative and moving!

I never did well when it came to my History classes in school back in the 70s. But then, the manner in which it was taught (pure memorization of dates, names and places) wasn't particularly compelling. But when I see shows like this, it's a whole 'nother story.

This story was so beautifully told, and I loved the fact that the camera captured the subjects' facial expressions so closely, while at the same time there was absolutely no sense of anyone being overly-dramatic or posturing for the camera. In fact the opposite was true.

I had to chuckle when it showed their arrival into Flatbush, NY from the perspective of Thavi, and how he thought that perhaps they had gotten on the wrong plane and landed in Africa! :-)

I missed some of the last few minutes of the show, but it appeared that it was showing Thavi returning back to his hometown in Laos? Towards the very end, when the camera simply panned over what was presumably the faces of all his extended family...it just brought me to tears...seeing the older faces, and knowing what they must have gone through, and here they were staring into the camera dead-on with nary a tear...just a dignified and strong people. And then seeing the smiling, giggling faces of the young children. It was really a BEAUTIFUL film!!

Thank you for bringing it to us!

by Lynn Nevins
July 22, 2009, 4:34 PM

A Powerful and Haunting Documentary

Watching this documentary brought tears to my eyes. It hit home on so many levels being an immigrant of Laos myself. I immigrated to the US with my parents at a very young age and have very little memory of my birth country. It has made me appreciate and want to learn more about my country. But more importantly, it has made me appreciate my parents so much more for all that they have sacrificed so that we can have a better life. It was very hard in the beginning for them and I know sometimes it's still a struggle. I hope one day they can return home and visit.

by Santi
July 22, 2009, 4:45 PM

I wonder why the father Betray not looking to reunite with family after he came back from samana and live in Thailand for 13 yearsD I want to know his name if any body know.

by Specom
July 22, 2009, 6:52 PM

Amazing

Great. This is why I love PBS.

by Michael
July 22, 2009, 7:50 PM

Best Documentary Ever

I saw this on PBS last night and was blown away (a good thing) ... This film and the stories told will stay with me for the rest of my life ... Besides being brilliantly produced, the candid intimacy with these families was beyond description ...

Suffice it to say that I could not turn the channel, got out of bed while my wife and dog slightly snored, and stood face to face with the TV so I didn't miss any of the subtitles ...

In the end, I resonated with deep heartfelt appreciation for the blessings in my live, deeper respect for the triumph of love and truth on our planet, and a calling to the Heavens do please release all those who suffer globally and inspire the hearts of leaders to forever pursue the right things that are in our collective highest goods.

Bravo Thavi and Ellen for Sharing!

Double Bravo PBS for your POV sensibilities!

by chuck scott
July 22, 2009, 8:08 PM

Cinematographer/Writer

Absolutely stunning! It flows with spiritual images that speak from the essence of the heart a true language that inevitably reawakens your soul with a gentle reminder of ones indigenous roots and continual necessary re-connection to home land, despite traumatic displacements and uprooting. Thank you Ellen and thank you Thauvi!

by Maritza
July 22, 2009, 10:45 PM

it took me 40 years to understand...

I'm a 40 year old man, and after watching this 1 hr movie, it has revealed huge insight to me about my parents and myself that I was oblivious to while growing up. My own family arrived from China in the 60's, I was born here so I have always been totally absorbed in the American culture while my mother especially always seemed to hang onto her homeland. I could never really understand the pain and suffering she described, almost like it trapped her and prevented her from moving forward. My heart is softened and I think I understand her better, but I guess I should ask her :-). Thanks Thavi so much for creating this painfully honest movie.

by HW
July 23, 2009, 2:29 AM

American Citizen

I watched this in horror. It's terrible to contemplate things like this happening in my country. What finally became of this family?

by Frank
July 23, 2009, 4:00 AM

Betrayal

I really REALLY enjoy Thavi's family's ordeal. We have a connection. His mom resembles my mom and the fact that we have the same last name. TY Ai Thavi.

by D.D. Phasavath
July 23, 2009, 6:26 AM

AMAZING!!!!!!

I just saw this documentary two days ago and I'm still thinking about, it was just amazing how well it was made and how incredible their story is. EVERYBODY should see it.
And thank you so much for sharing it with us.

by Sarah
July 23, 2009, 11:14 AM

Very Powerful!

I saw Betrayal recently on my local PBS channel and wow! Very powerful and moving in so many aspects. I would like to congratulate and thank all that contributed to the making of this great movie and the PBS team for the broadcast.

by saigo
July 23, 2009, 3:16 PM

amazing, haunting and devastating

I couldn't sleep and started watching this film on the local PBS channel and couldn't stop watching. It is an amazing cinematic work of art, truly moving. It hard to even wrap my mind around the idea that it was created over the course of more than two decades. Amazing that it is both the story of immigrants yet quintessentially american as well. The best film I've seen this year. Thank you to the filmmakers and my heart goes out to Thavisouk and his family...

by markie
July 23, 2009, 3:41 PM

"touching" i feels u on dis 1!

i came across this channel and saw "the betrayal" and i am so touched by this film i had to give my mom a huge hugs and kisses because of all the trouble they go through comming here.... thank you thavisouk for opening every young laotian kids eyes with this film...

by vinya xayaphonesongkham
July 23, 2009, 5:18 PM

betrayal

I just spoke to my mom and come to find out Thavi's mom used to visit me when I was a baby. I was born in Laos in 1974 but we came to America in 1981, also without our father who deceased. 1 mom and 3 sons. I grew up in Loiusiana and never knew of Thavisouk's family ordeal until I saw it when it was aired on PBS. With the phone call to mom, I found out more. My mom and Thavi's mom had some contact over the recent years. His father in Florida invited our family to visit him and his new family there. Wow, what a small world after all. All in all I'm very proud of all the Laotions and other ethnicities that comes to America to make a better life for ourselves. I'm talking about those that's making America more positive and not the gang violence and other wrong doings. Also for Anjie's comment, I assure you that all of Orady's children are doing positive things with their lives. Please read the the credits of Mr. Thavisouk Phrasavath's. Especially his involvement with the communities in New York. My mom told me most of them have finished schools and have degrees. Don't judge things from it's beginning Anjie. And TY PBS for shedding light on the trials and tribulations of adjusting to a new environment.

by it's D.D. Phasavath again
July 23, 2009, 11:19 PM

I am touched

I saw The Betrayal tonight7/23/09 and I was moved by it.
It made me sad to see what this family went through from leaving Laos to escape one war and coming to the U.S.A. and come into another. I am of Spanish and German decent but born here in the U.S. And i cant believe people do this to people we all need to change for a better world for all of us, No more war, no more hurt. But to live as one. Thank you Thavisouk Phrasavath and Ellen Kuras for this wonderful movie.

by christy
July 24, 2009, 12:31 AM

Not quite Laotian or American

Lack of insight on the concept of identity struggle in immigrants by anjie at 6:35 AM on July 22, 2009

"I don't have much sympathy for this Laotian family... Their experiences as refugees in America were hardly unique. I became annoyed when the mother complained about her delinquent kids and how they didn't respect her because she was uneducated and couldn't speak English. Wasn't that her fault? Why didn't she at least learn some English after living here for 15 years? There were also talks of not getting the respect from the younger siblings and if they'd known about this before, they wouldn't have come to the US. Once again, respect is earned and not given if all you do all day is sit around, smoke, grow your hair long, and get body piercings & tattoos. And what's stopping them from returning to Laos if they weren't happy here?"

This film was amazing and I saw my own mother speaking through Thavi's mother. First, the experiences are NOT unique and that is what makes this film GREAT-because it is a SHARED experience among Laotian-Americans who escaped war-torn Laos. Once in America, parents knew no English and their children (being able to pick the language because they are younger) are torn between American and Lao culture. My parents forced me to read and write in Lao and what did I do-get mad because in school other kids (even other refugees) made fun of you for speaking with an accent or looking like you were fresh off the boat (FOB). In America children have extracurricular activities after school in Laos children came home and took care of the house and watched the younger siblings. Growing up my older sisters had to come home right after school and babysit me while my parents worked second shift factory jobs.--no sports, bands, or clubs like all the other kids. Second, of course our parents learn english-and I would believe after 23 years Thavi's mother picked up english, but at the time of her comment in the film she was young and her comment was in the early 80s, not too long after being in America. She just couldn't argue back in english. The bitterness in the children is not only because they are adolescents (which are tough as it is) but also because there is a disconnect between the mother's struggles for her children to understand what she went through and the children's struggles for their mother to understand what they are going through. They are living in 2 VERY different cultures-Mother born and raised in Lao in ~1950s and children raised in America in the 1980s-not only time/generation but country differences. For example, children in America can divorce parents---unheard of in Lao. In regards to "And what's stopping them from returning to Laos if they weren't happy here?," this comment is absolutely absurd. The country was still at war and the government had strict control over the people (remember, their letters were being confiscated and not delivered). Because they escaped to America they were seen as betrayers of Lao; they feared they would be killed if they went back. Things have changed back home but now, 23 yrs later, in America after having grandchildren you can't up and leave only to get torn from the family again. I'm sure Thavi's mother will want to go back to Lao. Many Lao parents I know want to return to retire in Lao and die in their homeland. Of course, they can't go until their children are grown. Lastly, the documentary does reflect what happens to many Lao-American teens, e.g. the gangsters (Lowell, MASS is notorious for this-I grew up in the 90s there). Yet, despite all that in the 90s there were many of us who went on to college and even graduate school. I remember the raiders jackets, the spikey hair, the cross-colored jeans, the nike sneakers--wore them all! haha...but many of us got through it. Perhaps, I guess as a follow-up (or as an extra bonus on the dvd) they can shed light into how the family overcame the struggles. They live in New Jersey now--I drastic change from the projects. How did they overcome their obstacles? I guess that would be another documentary.

by K.S. Rasakham
July 24, 2009, 12:49 AM

I was most moved by the hardship the Phasavath family went through and the betrayal they endured. I bet only a very small number of Americans knew about how we used and than abandoned the Laotians, the Hmongs, and other local groups of people while they trusted us wholeheartedly and put their lives on the line for us. It's a shame on our policy. It seemed to me that this is a reflection of our double standard of values of life, the lives of these asians, perhaps in a lot of people's mind, they are deemed inferior, so their lives simply are not as valuble as our own. Should the French, the British, or the Hungarians been the allies in that war, would we have betrayed them the same?

by Laura Chung
July 24, 2009, 1:02 AM

KungLao

This was so heartdropping to see how this relates to my life. I am Laotian and to see the struggles of coming to America hit so close to home. This family is not alone and I want them to know that. My experience was as similiar to the story. I had my ups and I had my downs but through all of it, came out better. I am the first generation Laos person in America and now I get to pass this all to my son only as stories. I would never want anyone to experience that feeling but I will never forget.

by Air Mounelasy
July 24, 2009, 8:35 AM

Mr.

Man whassup with this i dont even know when it is showing in Charlotte,NC...

by NCfinest
July 24, 2009, 11:25 AM

Bravo

After more than twenty years, it's lovely to see Thavi again. He was a student at Pratt Institute and worked in the Office of the International Advisor. I was the Asst. International Student Advisor. He may remember how we collected the word for "hope" in all the languages of the world and made a card.

At the time, though Thavi never complained, I could feel his burden.

We just viewed "Betrayal" on Mountain Lake Public TV out of Plattsburgh, New York. I now live in Burlington, Vermont.

Needless to say, we are deeply affected. Thank you for your truth telling.

Martha A. Penzer

by Martha A. Penzer
July 24, 2009, 11:44 PM

Thank You

Watching this help me understand what my parent and brother and sister went though. I'm the 3rd youngest born in a refugee camp and move here out of there when i was 6 month i don't know much. Watching this with my parent and seeing them in tear over it made me apperticion everything that they have done for me. It really open my eye to how it is being a lao person. I just thankful that there is a documentary out there for me to watch. Watching this made my help myself with the constant self hatred of being lao. I'm proud and i don't want to lose face as they say in lao. So thanking for making this documentary.

by Panya Ramasa
July 25, 2009, 12:10 AM

Owner

For me, the single greatest film I've ever seen.
I have no words to describe what this film has
done or means to me. I wouldn't dare diminish
its greatness by groping for even a single
comment to express its magnificence.

To Ellen Kuras, thank God you cared so much.
You must've left your whole heart in this film.
I don't know how you managed for 23 years
to share the grief and injustice. I'm just totally
blown away. I want to own the film, and yet
I don't think my heart could withstand watching
even a snippet from it. What can I say?

by Jim Lacey
July 25, 2009, 9:06 AM

thanks for shareing this movie

its was very sad, but was real, great info for me to know, i really want to help people that are in any bad situation that just cant get out of with out help. i live in usa so i've known about gangs and stuff here. im planning on going to college. when the mom said her daughters ran away to be with the boy friends i thought maybe the boyfriends threatened her. the gangsters basically do what they do so they can have what they need, but some become greedy. like yal didnt have much money for food. theyre prolly wasnt enough jobs. why wasnt mom able to learn english? there wasnt anyone to help her? at least when the children learned then she could. family. it was hard when yal split up, but yal accepted that yal dont need to be together? smokeing is bad for you. did yal get some more money? did you adopt your child? i wish all that bad stuff didnt happen to you so a big part of my life will be to do what i can to help people in bad situations. im geussing yal are doing the same? thanks for makeing this movie. :)

by yase
July 25, 2009, 8:20 PM

i also hadd some tears during the movie, i would watch more info on this family or other stories that explain things that i dont know of. i never knew about what happened in this movie so im happy to learn. i have alot of learning to do. im 18. i hope to learn alot when i go to college.

by yase
July 25, 2009, 8:24 PM

.I was very intrigued by this film. I am a Bolivian imigrant but I have South Asian friends. My best friend is from Vietnam and we have good friends from a variety of Asian /countrys as well as Latin America and others as well. I am fascinated how culture and upbringing affect a persons outlook and their family relationships as well as that of their communities and all of the dynamics and complexities of human relationships in general. I was very pleased to learn even after all of the strife and hardships of coming from Laos the Mother still did not teach her children to hate thier father. Always a sense of having to honor you family relationships something that a lot of traditional Americans seem to feel we are losing because of various factors. I also find it ironic these traditional values seem to exist in these communities in some of the worst gang territories all across this country. As imigrants my friends and I talk about the pro's and con's of American big city/or suburban culture on our values and traditions. my best friend was a "blood" and was told to get out or get carried out by a social svc worker.His Mother listened and brought him to MD. I also was impressed by the young man's honor and courage to fullfil his duty as the "man" of the house not in the macho sense of the word but, in filling in the vacancy of the male head of the household. I believe all American's born/naturalized/resident and imigrant have a lot to gain from the courage of this young man. The humility and sense of duty is something any person man or woman should aspire too but especialy to the countless youn men like myself and my best friend that have grown up w/out our fathers can see what even a little exposure to a father figure can inspire a young man to take the reigns of his family's leadership and try to be the best man he can be. This film to me was not about just responsiblity for our political decisions and paternal duty's but the choices we make; to pick the road of hate and bitterness which only destroy's. Or the choice of Love and perserverence that alows for hope and prosperity. Even after all that time and impossible situations upon re-uniting w/ her long lost grand son the grandmother looked like she was hugging a long lost dream. What a beautiful moment and a testement to Love and triumph. Although it is important to be conscience of the effects of our forein policy on other it may be a blessing in disguise if Americans can remember all of our own humble beginings and go back to a time where we worried so much about what the gov is doing and more on what we as human beings are doing for eachother. We are forgeting duty and sharing and are embracing a culture of selfishness and blame. What ever happend to duty and honor for the goodness of it and not for the reward of "What's in it for me".

by gonzalo ramirez
July 26, 2009, 3:28 AM

Thanks for this eye opening film

I watched Betrayal last evening on PBS and it touched me deeply. Most Americans don't seem to know or even care what our foreign policies are or how they affect real people around the world. They will certainly not hear this type of story in the main stream news or from their history books. Thanks to everyone associated with this wonderful film.

by John Ressler
July 26, 2009, 2:28 PM

inspiring

Hello

Thank you for making the moving, I am a laotian that came to Mesa AZ in 1980, I was born in a refugee camp in Thailand escaping communist and was a baby when I came and heard all the stories about my family traveling to the US. It was inspiring to the next generation not to forget where we cam from.

blessing

Edwin Lo

by Edwin Lo
July 26, 2009, 7:25 PM

The Betrayal

A poetic and beautifully filmed movie.

by Linda C
July 27, 2009, 12:31 AM

Counting my Blessings

Thanks PBS for airing this film and a big thanks to Thavisouk for sharing your personal lives with all of us. I was 10 years old when my family arrieved to this great country back in 1980. Fortunately my family was sponsored by a church and we were very well cared for. The feelings of shock you and your family felt when you arrieved to NY could only be understood if one experienced it. Your film reminded me to count my blessings and to be thankful. Also, to extend out a helping hand to others(not just Loatian)because we All have struggles. However, I do have to admit that the Asia community's are at a disadvantage when it comes to having an Advocate(s) who speaks for them. But I hope this film will at least help people to understand the Asia culture a little better. Under the skin, we are all desiring to be love, respected and to be needed. The film certainly gave me that Perspective. Way to go!!!

by Soubanh Soukhome
July 27, 2009, 1:57 AM

Thank You PBS

Thank you for this film. I feel as if my parents finally spoke to me about their own haunting refugee experience through this movie. The movie is easily relateable in so many different aspects and is completely honest.

by Alyssa
July 27, 2009, 4:02 AM

powerful

This documentary captures the downfalls and complexities of cross-culturalism in America, paired with the devastation of war on multiple levels. My heart went out to the mother who only wanted the best for her children, but who couldn't shield them from the harsh realities of the urban wilderness. Thank goodness for Thavi's strength and courage to act as the rock in the family, even though he was hurting as much as they were. Films such as these teach so much more than any history book could.

by Patra
July 27, 2009, 11:52 AM

'The Betrayal' of Nations to Decent People

Thank you to all you made these events available to others so that it could be shared and hopefully learned from and never to repeat. I always hear that history repeats itself if the light is not shined upon it ....or yhat we are too ignorant if we don't learn from the past mistakes. The father of the Phrasavath's family was a pawn during the Vietnam War but he probably had no choice since he was probably coerced just like his numerous fellow country men. In the end, they were just a 'means to an end' and at the end, he and countless others were thrown away and left in a foreign land and no means to contact his family. I can't imigine what after shocks he went through and the same with his family. I believe counseling is needed for him and his family members to be paid for by Uncle Sam... since he risked everything for a war should have never been fought in the first place. None of these people should be blaming each other since they should be blaming the war. I pray that get the help they receive especially the father whom went through so much. He did what he did because he was ordered and for the sake of saving his family during that point and time.

Yes, it is true kids that came over to the US from foreign countries such as Laos in this case take for granted from where they came from or what their parents had to endure to keep them alive. The mother mentioned the refugee camp which brought back memories because my family and I were in that camp where the desparate hung themselves b/c of hopelessness. I feel for the parents, they did what they to keep everyone alive and for the kids to revolt and act up and show no respect, no wonder the mother is heart broken. They should know that your parents will be there through thick and thin but friends come and go. Parents' love is unconditional.

Can someone give me an update on the sisters back in Laos and the people that got blackmailed/threatened by the Asian gangs?

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Sympathic

P.S.
I know what your family went through since my family went through the same ordeal. Please know that there are good people in the world beside the ones that use you for their own gain and toss you away.

by DesMoines
July 27, 2009, 3:40 PM

'The Betrayal' - humbling but needed to be told

I watched the documentary at least 5 times and every time, I learned something new. The biggest lesson that I learned was that forgiveness is needed from the Phrasavath's family towards the father in order for all parties to move on and start living again. The father had to leave the family during the war that should have never been fought b/c there were no winners in the end especailly countless lives destroyed for nothing. He probably was ordered not to have any contact with them to keep them alive.

Are the two daughters being sponsored to the US by the family? If not, is there a trust set up for the two sisters left behind in Laos? I really hope so. Very hard to live/survive back there.

Thank you.

by kong
July 27, 2009, 3:53 PM

THE BETRAYAL

I ALWAYS HEARD STORIES OF WHAT MY FAMILY WENT THROUGH AND THE SIMILARITIES OF OUR JOURNEY TO THIS FILM IS AMAZING. I WAS TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER IT BUT I WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE STORIES IN MY HEART. THIS FILM IS A MUST SEE FOR ALL LAOTIANS. WE MUST NEVER FORGET THE STRUGGLES OUR FAMILY WENT THROUGH AND I WOULD LOVE TO SEE MORE AND HEAR MORE STORIES FROM OTHER PEOPLE. MAYBE TOGETHER WE CAN SHARE OUR STRUGGLES. THE US ABANDONED US, BUT THEY GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME HERE, AND FOR THAT, I AM FOREVER THANKFUL. ONE DAY, I WILL GO BACK TO VISIT MY HOMELAND, UNTIL THEN, THIS IS ALL I HAVE.

by SAM KEOPHAKDY GONZALES
July 27, 2009, 4:36 PM

The Betrayal

Wow, I'm Lao/American and went through all that at the age of 8 years old. We were fortunate enough to be sponsored by my uncle who lived in Honolulu, Hawaii then. So our life was good comparing to Thavisouk and his families.
Put tears in my eyes that's for sure.
Great documentary. I didn't realize how many bombs was dropped into Laos by the Americans. SAD!!

by Mekhaly
July 27, 2009, 8:55 PM

life isn't fair

unable to sleep last night, i tuned into public tv and "the betrayal".....alarming....sad....do we really want to go to war...did the father....coming to america, so many think that is the answer to happiness....too bad it isn't....not for everyone...i was very impressed with thavi....he sounds intelligent, troubled, articulate, and so sad...this shouldn't happen to good people...and his whole family....i hope life is better for them all now...how insightful to have documented this over 23 years....could we have an update on the family....has the mother learned english??????

by audrey
July 27, 2009, 9:38 PM

The Betrayal

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie; the complexities of the relationships between all members of the family. These relationships were deftly portrayed mainly through the eyes of Thavi and his mother; however I was disappointed that you film did not include any interviews with Thavi's sisters that were left behind in Laos. I would have liked to hear their stories: how they felt being left behind, not only by their mother but by their father. The story of how their lives unfolded in Laos and what their feeling were toward both their parents.

by Karen Ilcisakova
July 27, 2009, 10:34 PM

Emotional and Touching Story

It's been several days and I am still haunted by this film. Although some Lao family were more fortunate finding their way to America, there are also stories of the less fortunate. I was only a year old when our family escaped Laos. And my family was among the luckier ones that had honest and kind sponsors in the U.S.

It was good that we get to see this side of the story too. Rarely in our history book or in the media do we heard about Laos. I am also happy that the younger Lao generation were able to take away so much from this story.

Thavi's mother remind me very much of my own mother and aunts as well. In Laos the people are very forgiving, generous, and honesty folks. They never imagined they would have to endure so much.

It's really a lesson for us all, war breaks down families and the everyday people mostly. I can see the same thing is happening to the Iraqi and Afghan refugees too. It is a very sad thing.

I wish for more peace and understanding between all the nations.

Thank you Ellen and Thavi for bringing this film into the world. It is much needed reminder.

by Jamie Sengaroun
July 28, 2009, 7:43 AM

I am a Vietnamese American. After seeing this TV show, I must admit that it was very touching and real. I heard of similar stories from some Vietnamese families living in the US.

My grandfather served the South Vietnamese army and died during the war. I often wonder if my grandfather was still alive, how everything would change.

As much as I don't like nor support the war, I don't think we may criticize the US government for not doing their part. It was good enough that the US took everyone they could out of Lao/Vietnam. Everyone has to try to make their own life once they are in the USA. They have to move on and cannot rely on the government to do a lot more for them. The past is the past and the future is more important, I think.

by D. Nguyen
July 28, 2009, 4:30 PM

Resp. to D Nguyen

I am a refugee from Lao. I was a teenager when I came to the US. D Nguyen, your comment in regards to us depending on the government for help is very insensitive. We didn’t depend on the government to feed us. We received food stamps for a few months when we came to the US. We were also sponsored by a Christian family but had never seen their faces. We were lucky that my aunt and uncle where there to support us. They let us shared their one bedroom apparent until we could afford a place of our own. There were four adults and seven children living in a one bedroom apartment. We slept where there was a space.

We hated being on welfare. We would always get that wired look when we pay for the grocery with the food stamps. People would make comments but since we didn’t speak a word of English we could only translate the facial expression on people faces. My parents took whatever jobs they could find. They went to YWCA to learn English but their main obligations are to feed the children. As soon as both my parents have a full time job we went off food stamps. The older children have to help out around the house but that’s normal. Forget about after school activities or going to a theater to see movies. We were lucky to have enough food to eat.

It’s sad in my heart to see so many young people especially Laotian ending up in gangs but I they are not totally to blame. It’s the environment and also the struggle to survive. The towns that most of the refugees were sent to are the labor work force towns with many low income families. The parents have to make a choice between working odds hours or depend mainly on the government. They choose to work. They don’t have the time to spend with their children; most of them don’t understand English or the western culture at all. Just remember the gangs in a sense protect or give them the family life they long for. I recalled Thavi sisters telling me that they didn’t eat lunch in school since they were made fun off or someone would spits on their food or try to start a fight in the lunch room. They waited until they get home to eat. I’m not sure if you have ever seen the housing project in NYC.

Many young people in my neighbor join the gang since the gang would help them stand up for themselves. The gangs existed before the refugees; young people are being recruited by the gangs. Gang members would look for the most venerable and underage to do their dirty jobs.

We are thankful to be here and for the help that we received along the way. Many refugee own small businesses or graduate from college. Given the opportunity and the chance people that experienced the hardship in their lives will most likely become good citizens to our society. My experience of the escape from Laos, the camp in Thailand and the resettle in the US will always be part of me. I am proud and happy to see many of us still value our heritage. Some of us are living the dreams that our parents dreamt for us. Through history we learn to improve ourselves. If the Phrasavath didn’t think of tomorrow they will never survived Brooklyn, NY. There is a saying that we stand by, “One day will be OUR day”. This country is still the greatest country to live-we have the freedom to speak and express ourselves. Racist and war still exist but as long as people are compassionate and nonjudgmental, I do believe that all of us will find ways to live along side each others. Thanks to government for the student loans and scholarships that help us pay our ways to colleges.

by Meggie
July 29, 2009, 10:17 AM

Extremely Moving

This comment has been edited for personal attacks.

Like everyone else, I was shattered by the film. It was powerful and luminous (lingering in my mind after viewing); I could not get the documentary off my mind for weeks. Having said that, a lot of misinterpretations of this film on this comment board. Most importantly, it is a personal story of BETRAYAL: the betrayal by the American government and the betrayal by the father (from the family's perspective); however, I feel that the father had no choice but to start a new family. Secondly, this is a story about moving on, and dialoguing is an excellent way to exorcise (but not forgetting) the past. This is definitely one of the best documentaries on Asian-American (Southeast Asians) histories and lives.

I found some of these comments are rather ignorant and racist. Whether these comments meant to be shocked or probed for responses, I don't care. They need to be rebutted. Here are a few examples:

1. "I taught school in Laos during the Indo-China War. This is not the story of all the Lao people from that period, but it is the story of far too many. As much as I loved my experience of Laos and my Lao friends now, I would give it up to erase what happened there." You CANNOT erase horror like this.

2. "I don't have much sympathy for this Laotian family... Their experiences as refugees in America were hardly unique. I became annoyed when the mother complained about her delinquent kids and how they didn't respect her because she was uneducated and couldn't speak English. Wasn't that her fault? Why didn't she at least learn some English after living here for 15 years? There were also talks of not getting the respect from the younger sibblings and if they'd known about this before, they wouldn't have come to the US. Once again, respect is earned and not given if all you do all day is sit around, smoke, grow your hair long, and get body piercings & tattoos. And what's stopping them from returning to Laos if they weren't happy here? It seemed to me they just sat back on their haunches and complained rather than working/studying hard and recognizing that America is a place of opportunity and freedom!" -- I am simply sick and tired of fake patriotism.

Great film. I'll purchase it!

by Tony L.
July 30, 2009, 4:25 AM

History you WILL NEVER learn in America's classrooms

This film demonstrates that ordinary families can survive the chaos and destruction inflicted upon them by corrupt and evil governments (LBJ's and Nixon's, the puppet regimes backed by the USA, and those spawned by Ho Chi Minh), and that they can go on to lead fairly normal lives after the millions of tons of bombs have fallen and the millions of bodies have been buried.
SHAME ON AMERICA!
(It remains to be seen what the Bush Legacy will be with regards to the bloodbath in Middle East. I'm afraid we are doomed to repeat the history we have obviously been ignoring for quite some time.)
Thank you, POV, for your outstanding film-making. You are a solitary, yet brightly-shining, light in a very dark place.

by William Martin
July 30, 2009, 4:35 AM

the betrayal

omg. this is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. This doc brought about all the emotions I had to the surface I was sad and happy and brought to tears throughtout the whole film. It also changed my perspective on the reasons why people migrate and relocate. Also it also made me appreciate my parents and my life even more knowing that I did not have to go through what they went through. Plus I will never look at America the same, this is a side of American history that is not being discussed, but it should.

by Lozette
July 30, 2009, 8:03 AM

Wow. This was a great documentary about how Lao people struggle through many obstacles coming over to America. It also showed and explained Lao culture and morals and values amazingly. I would really recommend this to everyone to learn about Lao culture and our people. It makes me proud to be Lao. =]

by Marlena
August 2, 2009, 12:28 AM

Professor

I have know Thavisouk and his family for 20 years during their Amrican sojourn. Being a Nam vet, Their story is both truthful and graphic as to how the U.S.A. treated their so-called allies both their by physical desertion and here by societal and politcal desertion. NERAKHOON is a movie to both break your heart and heal it. Good job, Thavi. Say hi to Ti an My for me.

by Raymond Saint-Pierre
August 5, 2009, 12:55 AM

Review: "The Betrayal"

I thought this movie, about Laotians caught in the middle of war during Viet Nam and a Laotian family that subsequently moved to the U.S., was outstanding and probably the best film I've seen on POV. It brought up many questions for me, not the least of which is why did we go into Laos in the first place during the Viet Nam war, and why were so many people indiscriminately killed. As a result, I've pulled "Fire in the Lake" by Frances Fitzgerald from my bookcase to finally read it. This book is supposed to be the most comprehensive treatment of the Viet Nam war. I would like to buy this film, I liked it so much.

by Drusha M
August 6, 2009, 7:18 AM

Response to "anjie" on July 22, 2009

Just wanted to offer this perspective as to why the mother didn't learn english or seem to work or go back to Laos.

Why would any sane mother want to go out on the street to attend language classes when she could have been so easily shot, leaving all her children motherless? Clearly the Laotian family had different views on the role and place that a mother has in the family. The man who became the cinematographer clearly had a lot of respect for his mother and felt responsible for her. That is a cultural value. And perhaps it contributed to the Mother's views as well. Also, it was pretty horrendous what happened to them in Laos. She lost her home, her husband, two of her children...she was shell-shocked. Then she was thrown into a dangerous environment like NYCity slums. Do you think she possibly could have been rendered dumbfounded?

One question I did have during the film...was it an American service bureau, or other entity, that was responsible for settling the family in dangerous housing unit in which they lived in NY? I kept wondering why would anyone settle a newly arrived foreign family in these conditions? I don't think this family would have picked the location if they had had any say in it.

by Drusha
August 6, 2009, 7:39 AM

Question:

This was such a powerful film. I really loved the poem the mother was reciting when in her house in New York. "We have eyes to see good things, we have feet to walk the right path...etc." Does anyone know if this is something I can find somewhere? THank you.

by Sara
August 7, 2009, 9:45 AM

Sorry about your brother Sinxay i never really hated him just that we were young and stupid and it lead to shooting and murdering one another. theres nothing that we can do but learn from our mistakes.im looking forward to watching your film.

by noy
August 10, 2009, 1:01 AM

laos

i watched your film, it was moving and sad i felt bad for the family who had to deal with drugs and gangs....... only thing that bothered me was that some of your subtitles were off from what the people actually said.......

by boone
August 14, 2009, 1:01 AM

This was very moving. Many of my students struggle with some of these issues. They would understand what this family has experienced. It was generous of the family open their hearts.

by Lillian
August 17, 2009, 6:23 PM

This made me close up shop on my pity party...

I'm so moved as to the turmoil that besieged this family for a lifetime... I too have family turmoil - nothing that could ever compare to this family's story.
There is a balance of trying to be there for your family and living your life... I pray Thavisouk and his mother have peace in knowing there are others out here that have heard their story - and are better people for having watched this documentary.

by Christine
August 30, 2009, 6:49 PM

WOW

Just finish wiping off my tears while watching The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)...Oh my goodness, for those of you who haven't seen the documentary, must see it. My heart is sad, hurt, etc for what had happen. Now, where do i can a copy of this film. I watched it from youtube.

by Stacee Carlton
September 2, 2009, 3:53 AM

Appreciative

Saw the movie last night with my husband and kids, my husband smile as I wipe my tears and asked me why i cried... my response was short and clear.. I said to him, " now i know what my parents went through for us, what they went through to bring us here", and it just open my eyes and made me so appreciative. My mom will go on and on, telling us what she gone through in Laos and I would just brush it off like it was just another fairly tale, but after seeing The Betrayal, I understand and I can't help but feel pain and sorrow inside. Everything in this documentary was so close to heart and home and I understood everything Thavi was going through. This movie is a MUST see!!! It will open your hearts and for some, heal it!

by Mai Sengthong from san diego, ca
September 6, 2009, 1:26 PM

The Betrayal

This was beautifully shot and told. One of the best films I have ever seen. I was born and raised in this country and I believe this should be required viewing for everyone. People in this country (and others) have such a hard time putting themselves in other people's shoes. Maybe people would be a little more empathetic if they understood a day in the life of someone else. What a brave family. These people are heroes. We are all humans before we are anything else.

by Peter V from Savannah, GA
September 14, 2009, 10:30 PM

i get educated

accidentally and lucky stayed on the KCET Channel to see and get educated from this movie, stronly recommend!!!!!!!!!!

by Nana Liang from El Monte, CA
September 29, 2009, 3:30 AM

I cried throughout most of the film like a little girl. I saw this film last year at the IFC center in NYC, and for those who are familiar with this place, it is quite small. I'm sure I have annoyed the other patrons, but hey it hit close to home. I highly recommend it, especially to our younger generations, who have no idea what real struggle is. Powerful, captivating, & heartbreaking.

by Mina from New York City, NY
November 5, 2009, 11:13 PM