Watch Alamo Bay

Alamo Bay is a drama film from 1985 directed by Louis Malle and starring Amy Madigan, Ed Harris, and Ho Nguyen. The story takes place in a small fishing town in Texas where a group of Vietnamese refugees have settled down, much to the displeasure of the town's residents. The film begins by showing the daily life of people in the town, where we see Sheryl (Amy Madigan) working as a waitress in a local diner, and her boyfriend, Wally (Ed Harris), who is a fisherman. The town's industry heavily relies on fishing, and Wally's boat is one of the few remaining in the area.

The narrative then shifts to the arrival of a Vietnamese refugee named Dinh (Ho Nguyen), who has been sponsored by a local fisherman named K.C. (Donald Moffat). Dinh is trying to rebuild his life with his family and has no intention of causing any trouble. However, his arrival creates a sense of unease and skepticism among the townspeople who consider the Vietnamese as a threat to their livelihood.

The situation worsens when more Vietnamese refugees arrive in the town and also seek employment in the fishing industry. The tension escalates, and soon, the town is divided into two factions, one supporting the refugees and the other opposing them. The opposing group led by Sheryl's ex-boyfriend, Cletus (Alan Vint), become hostile and resentful towards the refugees, displaying grotesque acts of racism.

Wally is caught in the middle of this situation, being a fisherman who needs to do business with the Vietnamese in order to keep his boat running. However, his loyalty to his friends and neighbors is tested when he witnesses the increasing hardship and brutality faced by the refugees.

As the conflict continues to fester, Dinh and his family become the target of brutal attacks and harassment, culminating in a violent confrontation between the opposing factions. Wally's conscience is awakened, and he is forced to choose between doing what is right and sticking to his old ways.

The film is a compelling commentary on race relations and the plight of refugees seeking asylum. It explores the theme of how economic despair and social inequality can lead to prejudice and xenophobia. The movie also examines the dynamics of power between individuals and society, and how one's personal beliefs can be challenged in the face of social injustice.

The performances by the cast are outstanding, particularly the powerful portrayals by Amy Madigan and Ed Harris, who bring depth and nuance to their characters. Ho Nguyen's performance as Dinh is also remarkable, depicting the struggles of a refugee who is trying to live a normal life amidst hostility and hatred.

In conclusion, Alamo Bay is an eye-opening film that offers a poignant commentary on the nuances of race and class in American society. It tells a remarkable story of hope, resilience, and the human spirit's strength in the face of adversity. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in socially conscious cinema.

Alamo Bay is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.