Lost Boys of Sudan (NR, 2003)

common sense media says

Enlightening documentary for adults and teens.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this documentary follows the true stories of two young men whose families were murdered or dispersed in Sudan's civil war. Issues such as racial prejudice and class privilege come up as the two try to adjust to new lives in the United States.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Sudan's civil war and attacks on civilians (including the boys' families) are described, not depicted; still, it's tragic and painful to hear about.
Sex: Innocent flirting.
Language: Very brief profanity.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Lost Boys of Sudan

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about immigration. Did members of your own family come here from other countries, either recently or long ago? What was it like for them? Should immigrants try to assimilate into their new surroundings, or should they retain their own cultures? Are there downsides to the material wealth and comfort people come to the United States to find? The complicated nature of prejudice is also open for discussion. Some of the Sudanese immigrants in the film express scorn and distrust toward native-born African-Americans. Why do they have these attitudes? Where did they learn them?

What's the story?

What's the story?

THE LOST BOYS OF SUDAN starts with wrenching narration about Sudan's civil war. So many boys have been orphaned by the violence that the group has acquired a name -- the Lost Boys. Two Lost Boys, Santino and Peter, travel to Texas as part of a resettlement program. Young men who have never seen an electric stove before must now struggle with the labyrinthine details of American life -- taking a driver's test, getting a receipt for the rent, asking a girl for her phone number. Santino gets a factory job. Peter moves to Kansas and attends high school. But even as they settle in, their sense of isolation is palpable. "This place there is no friend here," Santino says. Although most people are well-meaning, real connection is rare. The boys find themselves estranged from their own culture as well. The lure of comparative wealth is powerful, and they debate whether they should stay or return home to help their people.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The immigrant experience is quintessentially American, and this sensitive, powerful documentary shows it in rare detail and with rare honesty. The directors' skill makes it feel as if the camera isn't there; we simply live Peter and Santino's lives with them. When a classmate interviews Peter for the school paper, the rift between her naive questions and the tragedy of his life is staggering. Finally he puts her off with a gentle comment that "explanation is difficult." By the end, many things about the boys' lives are still unsettled. But the film has done what the interview could not -- made explanation, and even understanding, possible. This remarkable movie should be on your must-see list.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Actual Pictures
Director: Megan Mylan
Cast: Peter Kon Dut, Santino Majok Chuor
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 84 minutes
Theatrical release: April 24, 2003
DVD release: November 2, 2004
MPAA Rating: NR

This review was written by Sarah L. Thomson
 
 

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