An emotionally-charged, unflinching look at the vast cultural gap between suburban America and war-ravaged central Africa. When a select few members of an impoverished clan of Sudanese expats are voluntarily selected for transplant to the United States, it seems like an act of charity. But after three months, these tall, eager, warm-hearted refugees - many of whom were fascinated by the electric lights above their seats on the flight over - are expected to come to terms with this brave new world, acclimate to the new social and temperate climates, find work and begin paying down the air fare Uncle Sam extended to them. Their passion to do so, and the extent of their successes over the ensuing years, is a source of deep inspiration. It's not without a political agenda, as is the case with most documentaries in this vein, but even after casting that aside there's a rich, poignant message waiting here.

Watched this once and was touched then watched it with my 10 year old daughter,heavy maybe but that is why I wanted to watch it with her. Having a dialogue with her I learned so much more than when I watched by myself. Having to answer questions like "why would this happen" and "why can't it be fixed" made this a richer experience, though I struggled for answers. I saw how unaware I am and wanted to change that. Children can sure put a mirror on you. As she watched the struggles 'The Lost Boys' I saw her tear up, laugh and my favorite- understand. One event where the Ritz crackers and milk go in the blender, I thought was strange and then realized why it would happen,but it took me aback for a moment. Child-matter of fact- "they must be doing that so it is more like things they have eaten before" She loved when they had the celebration outside of the apartment and course when John was reunited with his mother. She hated the way that much of the community treated the newcomers(scared when in a group for example,though wouldn't you want to be around those you know) and felt uncomfortable with the first scenes in the grocery store.I wish we could all take a lesson from children and those featured in the film and be curious,empathetic, and appreciative , because I think we forget sometimes.

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.

Recently saw a screening of the film. Afterward had the pleasure of meeting and listening to John Dau speak. This film should be shown on TV as well, to enlighten, educate the UNITED STATES, because we can be very ignorant about our knowledge of the outside world.These young boys and men, proved to be so endearing, very bright, hard working people. When one of them commented about someone asking about them living in the forest...he was lovely with his response. For him it was just common sense "No you can not live in the forest, it's impossible" It made me think of what Oprah is currently doing with her school for girls. These young people want the education for the em-betterment of their families and countries. These Lost Boys came here and even though they're putting Ritz Crackers in a coffeemaker w/milk, somehow managed to receive their education (Masters, B.A.).We as a nation, need to really take a serious look at ourselves...and perhaps this film.BRAVO!