See this movie.
Owl and the Sparrow, set in the new Vietnam, is about Thuy, a 10-year old girl. Her parents have died, so she is being raised by her harsh uncle and working in his factory. One day, after she makes a minor mistake, her uncle unloads on her, telling her she is deficient, that he is the only thing she has to look after her, and that she would never make it on her own out there in the big bad world.
So at her next opportunity, Thuy packs her child’s backpack, heads off to the big city, and the adventure begins.
Thuy is plucky, imaginative, resourceful — and lucky. I enjoyed very much the movie’s understated benevolence. For anyone who has a family or family aspirations, Owl and the Sparrow will strike a very deep chord.
Here is the movie’s trailer.
Reminds me of the Horatio Alger books I have been reading!!!
One of the stories was of a boy who was wronged by his father and so took off for NYCity – this is in the 1860s when wealth in the US was vastly less.
I loved this and all the other 9 stories I read of Alger – mostly writing about orphan boys making it via hard work, intelligence, good intentions and attitudes toward customers, when selling their shoe shines, newspapers, luggage carrying services, etc. Avoidance of cussing, gambling, drinking, smoking, and other “extras” that are not necessities.
Nice connection, Patrick.