Vietnam, Texas (1990) - full transcript
A priest learns that he fathered a child during his tour of duty in Vietnam and that the mother and child has relocated to Houston, Texas in the Little Saigon quarters. Searching for them, he also finds massive prejudice against the Vietnamese people, particularly among the fishing community in which they are trying to work. Setting out to right the wrongs, the priest tends to use more fisticuffs than friendly, priestly persuasion.
[HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING]
-[INDISTINCT RADIO TALK]
-[GUNSHOTS]
[MISSILE APPROACHING]
[POLICE SIREN WAILING]
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
-You're pretty tough.
-[PANTING]
Son of a bitch!
I still don't know what you do
for a living, man. [CHUCKLES]
Yeah, well, it comes
with the territory.
I bet you can't get used to
them ass-whoopin's, huh?
Never.
Look, I gotta get
back to work.
-Same time next week?
-Yeah.
This is the Lamb of God
who takes away
the sins of the world.
Happy are those
who are called to His supper.
ALL: Lord, I'm not worthy
to receive you,
but only say the word
and I shall be healed.
[CHURCH ORGAN PLAYING]
CHOIR: ♪ Silent night.
♪ Holy night.
The body of Christ.
♪ All is calm.
The body of Christ.
♪ All is bright.
The body of Christ.
♪ Round...
The body of Christ.
♪ Young virgin mother
and child.
The body of Christ.
♪ Holy Infant
so tender and mild.
KID: [WHISPERS] Father.
Are you okay?
CHOIR:
♪ Sleep in heavenly peace
The body of Christ.
♪ Sleep in heavenly peace
-MAN: Here's to
the memories, gentlemen.
-[ALL LAUGHING]
-[GLASS TINKLING]
-So, finally I said,
"I will forgive you any sin,
"if only you will shower
-"before you come
to the church."
-[PEOPLE LAUGHING]
We're in Atlantic City,
right on the boardwalk,
and this big blonde
in a bikini cruises by.
And Monsignor's head
about twists off
when he sees me watching him,
and he turns to me
and he says,
"Even a man on a diet
has got a right to look
at the menu."
[PEOPLE LAUGHING]
Notre-Dame will take 'em
by 10...
But I always think
of Bing Crosby singing...
-No. Please, Father,
no singing, no singing.
-No? No.
Have you ever heard
Bing Crosby singing?
Oh, singing
in one of his sermons.
-Gentlemen, gentlemen.
-[ALL CHEERING]
You all have done
a great job this year.
Your individual work
in the parishes have honored
the Catholic Church
and served God well.
-Ah!
-[ALL CHEERING]
God bless you all.
Now there's a priest here
who is a special honor
for all of us.
Especially in his work
with children.
He's faced the worst kind
of intercity strife
and beaten it back.
-Sometimes in the boxing ring,
I might add.
-Yeah.
That he's been named
our new monsignor,
comes as a surprise to no one.
Gentlemen, I give you
Monsignor Thomas
Michael McCain.
[ALL CHEERING]
ALL:
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ For he's
a jolly good fellow ♪
[WHISTLES]
[ALL SHOUTING]
We've got to break there.
We've got to break there.
We had so much...
You're a father?
-Are you?
-Okay, let's go back
to playing.
[ALL SCREAMING]
THOMAS: I'm going
to make a confession.
Before I was a priest,
I was a soldier in Vietnam.
While I was there,
I fell in love with a girl
I left behind.
I mean, I believe
she was carrying my child
when I left her.
We've all lived a life
before we were priests,
if you had indeed
fathered a child
I'm... I'm sure the Church
will help you financially
and otherwise.
I... I don't think that
the Church should help me, um,
because I'm not so sure
I'm going to continue
as a priest.
Oh, God! [SOBS]
-[CLEARS THROAT]
-You know where the child,
if indeed there's a child,
might be?
Yeah. I, um...
I think I know
where I can find her out,
you know. [SNIFFLES]
Do you want to see her?
I have got to see her and...
[SIGHS]
Amen.
Thanks, Father.
DRIVER: You're going to start
a church here, Father?
No, not exactly.
Sorry, this is as far
as I go.
You know, if it's the tip,
I, uh...
Oh, no, just... Just give me
the seven bucks on the meter.
I don't go in there.
Here you go.
[SIGHS]
Ever been to
the real Saigon, Father?
Yes, as a matter of fact,
I have.
This place's gonna bring back
a lot of memories for you.
WOMAN: Oh, yes. [MOANING]
[SLAMS DOOR]
Son of a bitch.
Hey, girl, I'll be back later.
[GLASS SHATTERING]
[WHISPERS] Come on! Come on!
Take it from the back.
Oh, shit!
[CUTLERY CLANKING]
Jesus Christ!
What did you come here to do?
What am I doing?
What are you doing?
I can't even get laid
around here
without you repo assholes
ripping off my shit!
-Huh?
-Max!
-Put the bat down, Max!
-Put the bat...
You tell him to drop
the motherfucker!
I'm gonna fucking line drive
this being
to Cleveland,
you understand that?
-Max, just drop it!
-Huh?
-Stay away from him,
he's drunk!
-Drunk!
Max, so you...
Will you do this the easy way
-I'm gonna be trying
the hard way...
-Or try the hard way?
With you two fuckers!
Now, move it!
-Max! Because you wanted
the hard way, dude!
-Huh?
-Beat me with the bat, huh?
-Hey, hey!
You're five payments behind!
Five payments!
Easy way!
-We're taking it with us, Max!
-Easy way.
-Put the bat down!
-Bat's going down.
Into the GI can.
No problems.
Here, you take this.
You take this.
Hairy mother fucker!
Stupid ass!
-You're a sick man, Max!
-Sick?
-You're a sick man. Yes.
-Sick?
-Come on, son! Come on.
-Do you think I'm sick?
[GRUMBLING]
Yeah, I really, really liked
that beer cooler.
[DOOR SLAMS]
Well, you son
of a bitch, I'll...
Priest?
I see not much has changed.
How are you hitting them?
[SIGHS] This... This is
a hell of a shock.
Don't you think I'm the type?
[SIGHS] I heard about this,
but knowing you,
I didn't believe it.
[METAL CLANKING]
What's all the noise about?
Oh, your brothers were here.
They came for
their beer cooler.
Oh, yeah? You didn't tell them
I was here, did you?
No, you'll always be
my little secret. Uh...
This is a friend of mine,
Tom McCain.
[CHUCKLES] You're a priest.
[CHUCKLES]
You guessed right off, huh?
Come here to save Max's soul?
Oh, you know, the Lord
works in strange ways.
I'm Catholic.
-Really?
-Mmm.
Bless me, Father,
for I have sinned.
Yeah. You bet your ass
you have, you little...
Nice little girl
you have there, Max.
Yeah.
So...
So...
I... I don't know what to say.
So I guess
this is for real, huh?
Well, it ain't Halloween, pal.
Makes you a little nervous,
doesn't it?
Nervous? Nah!
A little fucking
uncomfortable.
Excuse the language.
You're excused.
Bless you, my son.
"My son?"
Yeah, you son of a bitch,
you look great!
You look like shit.
I had early stages
of sclerosis, uh...
Bar's been a bust
ever since my old man died
and I shut it down every day
at happy hour
in his memory.
So, you know what, McCain,
it's been
a lot of years
and nobody knows
you're alive or dead,
and, uh, suddenly you show.
What's the deal,
you still pissed off?
No, no. I, uh...
I don't think much
about the past.
Ah. Yeah, right.
Me neither.
I don't give a shit either.
Hmm. Hey, listen.
I'd like to know
where is Mailan is.
-Not here, pal.
-[MUSIC PLAYING]
What? Hey!
What are you doin'?
Where you've been?
Hey, dude! I'm here now.
Do want to hear
my new opening?
The shit you got to put up
with when you run
your own business.
Hey! Hey!
There's something
I've been wanting to tell you.
You laugh too much.
[MIMICS SANTA CLAUS LAUGHING]
What the hell is that,
Santa Claus?
Hey, Johnny, you haven't aged.
You must be Oriental.
-Hey, shut up!
-[LAUGHING]
Clean the place up,
you fish-head.
You Americans,
you can never say
what you mean.
Like, this thing,
"I'm taking my dog
for a walk."
Come on! You're not taking
your dog for a walk.
You're taking your dog
for a shit!
-Jesus.
-What's this guy all about?
He's trying to get
an audition for the
Johnny-fucking-Carson Show.
Breakfast, Father?
No, thanks, uh...
Look, can we just
cut all this bullshit
and get to it?
Cut the what?
-Where is she?
-Who?
Want me to take the collar off
and just beat the shit out
of you right here and now?
-Just like old times, huh?
-Just like old times.
So...
-Yeah. She wasn't here
that long ago.
-How long?
Six months, maybe.
That's after four years
she spent in a Thai
refugee camp.
-What?
-Yeah. Her too.
She got a letter to me
through the VA.
I sent her some money
and got them over.
-Them?
-For her and the kid.
Come on, you knew
about the kid.
No.
No. I didn't.
So, um,
what's the child's name?
Lan.
It was really sad.
That little rug rat,
she used to ask about you
all the time.
But her mom and I,
we figured it was best
to keep her in the dark.
-You know.
-Her mom and you?
You married her?
Wasn't exactly
till death do us part,
if you know what I mean.
Yeah.
Why did she leave you?
I'm a shitty housekeeper.
She's a Viet, man.
Viet all the way.
What's that supposed to mean?
That is supposed to mean
that she wanted to be
with her own people.
She married a guy named Wong.
He can provide for her.
He runs a place called
the House of Flowers.
You know this guy?
Well enough to stay
away from him.
New mafia.
You got an address
or something?
Forget it. Just forget it.
I'm not going to forget it.
Don't you tell me
to forget it!
If I've got a kid, I got
the right to know who it is.
Look.
I don't know what the hell
you think you're doing here.
Priest or no priest,
you blew the chick off, okay?
You ain't welcome here.
Me? I'm just
running this place
for the shit-faced jarheads
who can't forget
the glory days.
So stay drunk for a week
on the house, all right?
But don't get involved
with these people.
Especially the women.
[JOVIAL MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: Boom!
Hey!
Boom!
Hey!
Hey, look at it this way.
This is your
American foreign policy,
you fuck 'em then
you leave 'em.
You got a real good
outlook on life, Max,
a real good outlook.
I want you to take
me to see her.
Big-time Texas lawyer.
Late as usual.
[ANNOUNCING IN VIETNAMESE]
I'll be at breakfast.
I love the suit.
[ALL SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
Good morning, Father.
I hope you slept well
last night.
[ALL SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
[ALL GREETING IN VIETNAMESE]
-You're late.
-Good morning
to you, too.
You know,
we have a little problem
with our new
business operation.
It can wait till office.
-Hi!
-Morning.
You look so pretty today.
You ought to
put her in commercials.
Have something to eat.
Well, I ate downtown,
but I'll have a cup of coffee.
You, uh, you know of course
that your fishermen friends
are not cooperating.
Uncle Wong!
-Hi.
-Hi.
Hi.
I love you Uncle Wong.
Do you like children?
Not to eat.
You know, Mr. Wong,
a lot of work went
into this deal.
Our problem
with the community
is being handled.
Oh.
Special for you.
Koi, my favorite.
-From the pond?
-Correct.
[SIGHS]
MAN: Yellowjacket.
[SIGHS]
Please, Minh, we won't
do this anymore.
You're well paid
for your cooperation.
We don't want your money.
We're honest businessmen.
Don't argue with them.
Please. We're fishermen,
not criminals.
Please leave us alone.
You'll do
whatever we tell you.
Just be glad you're not
one of his fish.
No more. We shut down market.
We would rather
starve than do
this business of yours.
Fine. Have it your way.
May I have a word with you?
[SOBBING]
Away!
Put it in the trunk.
Seems we are not
welcome here anymore.
Joey. [WHISTLES]
[PEOPLE SCREAMING]
This is a new business
for us, too, Papa -san.
But teach your friends
the value of cooperation
or you'll wish you never
came to Little Saigon.
I do business
with these people!
Do you have any idea what this
is gonna cost me? Jeez!
[HONKING]
I see your driving habits
haven't changed much.
Yeah, I'm telling you,
you don't know
what you're getting into
down here, okay?
Priest or no priest,
damn it, man!
You don't understand
about these people.
So what do you suggest I do?
Just walk away
and forget about her?
Yeah!
Yeah, you should,
because they're prejudiced,
you know.
They don't like
this half-breed shit.
It's a cultural thing!
Jesus!
[POLICE SIREN WAILING]
Hey, what's happening here?
Pull over.
-What?
-I said, pull the car over.
What the hell?
Do what I tell ya!
Jesus! What the hell
is this all about?
THOMAS: Stop the car.
Hey, get that car out of here!
MAX: See, this is
what I'm talking about!
Whoa. What you doing,
making house calls?
What's the deal?
[WOMAN SPEAKING OVER
POLICE RADIO]
Excuse me. Can I be
of some help here?
Jeez, come on, guys,
for Christ's sake!
What are you doing?
Would you watch it?
Come on, move it on in there,
take care.
Hell of a mess,
ain't it, Paul?
Mind if I have a chew?
-What happened here?
-OFFICER: What happened?
How the hell do we know
what happened?
These people don't talk
to police down here.
Eight years in this district
and they're still not
talking to us.
It's all the same.
Let me tell you
a little secret.
Nothing goes on
in this neighborhood
without old Papa -san
over there knowing about it.
You ain't seeing shit,
are you, Papa -san?
Why don't you just
help this lady here?
You're gonna be all right.
Excuse me.
Is there anything I can do?
No. We do things our way.
Hey, Father,
you about finished here?
Yeah. He's finished.
Why don't you people
all finish and just
leave us alone?
Don't let him get
to you, Father.
It's just the way of life
down here in Little Saigon.
MAX: So, what made you
wanna see her now
after all these years?
THOMAS: Gave up
denying the past.
SAMMY: You know,
you can do something for me,
get me out
of this neighborhood.
Hey! Shut up.
MAX: This is a bad idea,
I'm telling you guys.
-[SIGHS]
-What about the agents?
Do you know any good agents,
like, who handles Woody Allen?
Shut up! Just shut up!
Listen, I don't think,
like I was saying,
I don't think
this is a good idea.
Maybe she's here,
maybe she's not.
-But I don't think...
-Who is asking you
to do anything?
I'm out.
Just do what
you gotta do, pal.
What are you looking at?
You know something, Sammy?
I'm gonna tell you something.
You're not gonna make it
in show biz.
-You wanna know why?
You ain't funny!
-I'll make it!
-I'll make it, all right!
You just watch me, all right?
-Yeah.
-I'll be on the Johnny Carson
Shownext year!
-Oh!
-SAMMY: You think I'm funny,
don't you, Father?
-[MUSIC PLAYING]
-No.
-[WOMAN CHUCKLES]
Excuse me.
May I have a word
with the manager, please?
[SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
I... I don't think
he speaks English.
Well, why don't you
talk to him for me?
You... You want me to tell
this guy why you're here?
Yes, please. Go ahead.
[BOTH SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
Do you want to tell me
what this is all about?
Oh, well, he says
it's been a long time since
he's been to church.
And he remembers
how much fun he had
when he was there.
[WOMAN CHUCKLES]
You know I'm gonna be great
in this place.
Women love me.
A sense of humor
is the most important element
in a sexual relationship.
Why don't you just
wait outside, huh?
-But...
-Just do what I say.
Thanks. Thanks for your help.
Thank you.
Hey, you wanna
do something after work?
No, thanks.
Excuse me, Mrs. Wong,
there's a priest here
collecting money
for the church.
Very well.
Merry Christmas, Mailan.
Thomas?
How did you find me here?
Max told me how I could
locate you.
Is he still a friend of yours?
No, no, no.
Not exactly.
I just didn't know
any other way to find you.
Now that I have, I'm...
I'm not sure exactly
what to say.
Maybe it's better
to say nothing.
Mailan.
I... I've come
a long way to find out
about my child.
I see.
So Max told you everything.
I know Max for who he is.
So do I.
MAN: [OVER PHONE]
Wong's residence?
May I speak to Mr. Wong?
Phone call, sir.
Thank you.
-Yes?
-Sorry to disturb you,
Mr. Wong.
But something's happened here
I think you should know about.
There's a priest here
talking to Mrs. Wong.
And it seems that
he's upset her.
I see.
Find out who he is.
Yes, sir.
And what he wants.
We'll take care of him,
Mr. Wong.
-We need to talk.
-No. We don't.
What happened between us
is in the past.
Please believe me
when I tell you,
I never knew for sure.
Oh, really?
And after all this time,
now you choose to find out?
[COUPLE SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
You have no right to be here.
We have our own life now.
Well, I have the right
to know my own daughter.
[SIGHS]
You have no right.
You gave this up
a long time ago.
[WHISPERS] She's still
my child.
It doesn't matter now.
She thinks
you are dead. [WHISPERS]
That's what you told her?
Thomas, I have no choice.
Is there a problem here?
No. No problem.
This is Father McCain.
He was just leaving.
Anything we can do
for you, Father?
No. I was just visiting.
As a customer?
Father and I,
we knew each other
a long time ago.
-And where was that?
-Saigon.
Ah, as a priest?
I was a soldier.
It's all old story now.
I see. Looking forward
to seeing you again, Father.
Let's go.
Believe me,
it's best you go back
where you come from.
Let us go now.
Show the Father to the door.
Hello, Father.
-Something that
I can do for you?
-Move it.
-Max.
-Uh, what?
They're taking him somewhere.
-What?
-The Hojo.
The who?
[SCOFFS] Wong's men!
Oh, goddamn,
the stupid son of a bitch!
-[SWEARING]
-Are we gonna do
something or what?
What am I, I look
like a Good Samaritan to you?
I gotta... Damn! Damn it!
[ENGINE SPUTTERS]
I... I got it. I got it.
Come on, you skid mark, do it!
[ENGINE REVS]
[GROANS]
So if you really are a priest,
what is it that you want
with the boss's woman?
You used to know her
before, is that it?
Come on, you can tell us.
[SHOUTING IN VIETNAMESE]
[GROANS]
So, Father,
anything to confess?
[BOTH GRUNTING]
-Fuck you...
-[GRUNTS]
Come on!
Back off! Back off or this
will get as ugly as you!
You're making a big mistake.
Big mistake? You wanna discuss
mistakes, Andy, huh?
Boy! You're in the wrong part
of town, Father.
So far, I'm real impressed.
What's it going to be,
Father McCain's voice, huh?
You're gonna open up
a daycare center?
What the hell
is going on, huh?
[GROANS]
I leave you alone
for 20 minutes,
you piss Wong off,
get the shit kicked out of you
by his goop squad!
What are you doing?
What the hell do
you think you're doing?
I'm not really sure
what I'm doing.
I'm just doing the best
I can, all right?
Yeah. I thought
you priests had it all wired.
If this guy, Wong, finds out
you're Lan's father,
-you're a dead man.
-Shut up.
Give me something
to wrap this arm with.
I ought to wrap that collar
around your head!
You know the problems
that you are causing
in this town, huh?
So who's this priest
you were talking to today?
What priest?
The priest
everyone but you seems
to be talking about.
This... This is not important.
[STAMMERING] Just someone I
knew a long time ago.
How long ago?
What difference does it make?
Seemed to make a lot
of difference to Mr. Wong.
He seemed pretty upset.
Upset? Why?
What did he say?
Well, if you're not going
to tell me about the priest,
I'm not going to tell you
about Mr. Wong.
Listen. I'm not in the mood
to play games.
I'm not in the mood
to play any games either!
I just wanted to find out
about the priest, okay?
Did you know him in Saigon?
It's none of your business.
Why isn't it
any of my business?
You always say the same thing!
It's like we never existed
before we came
to the United States.
Well, I did!
He didn't know my father,
did he?
Stop it. That's enough!
I tell you
what I want you to know.
And not any more!
I have the right to find out
who my real father is!
If you don't want to tell me
about him, then fine!
I'll just go find out
for myself, all right?
Lan, all you know
your real father died
even before you was born.
Now you must stop this now!
You don't understand
the problem
you will bring to us!
I'm sorry.
Lan...
You know I love you
more than anything?
Yes.
We have survived
so much together.
-Yes.
-You must trust me!
You must leave the past alone.
My baby.
-[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
-Nice crowd you got here.
Yeah. Just like Saigon, huh?
[CHUCKLES]
Yeah. Well, you know,
you just walk away.
Yeah, your old solution for
everything - turn your back
and run.
Okay. So, that's the real
reason why you're here, huh?
Believe me, pal,
you're not the reason
why I'm here.
Bullshit!
Okay, okay. So I ran,
so I was scared.
I thought you were dead.
What the hell
was I supposed to do?
I... I didn't know you...
You were in a prison camp
until I got back stateside.
What the fuck
was I supposed to do, huh?
So while
your best friend's rotting
in a POW camp for three years
you run off with his girl.
What a guy!
Hey, don't run off.
Goddammit that ain't how
it came down.
She begged me.
I was just trying to be
a good guy, you know.
But Saigon followed me home
like it did for a lot of us.
Look, it must make you
feel real good about it,
not dealing with
the real world,
when you bury yourself
in the mother Church, huh?
After where I've been, pal,
the Church is the real world.
Yeah. Well, if the church
is so goddamn good to you,
why are you trying to get
Mailan back in your life, huh?
She has nothing
to do with this!
It has to do with my daughter!
But a guy
like you can't figure
that out, can you?
That's a nice thought.
Having a Father for a father.
Listen, Mailan belongs
to Wong. Okay?
And that means the kid, too.
That's the way
Mama -sanwants it, man.
Well, it ain't the way
I want it.
Fine! Forget it!
But I'm telling you,
Wong ain't gonna let you get
near that kid,
you understand me?
This is Sammy Chen for
Eyewitness News.
I'm here with two sleazy
honkies arguing about one
Asian chick.
Shut the fuck up.
Their problem seems to be one
Mr. Wong, who runs girls,
guns, and ganja
out of Little Saigon.
Word has it, he's moving
into Disneyland.
Film at 11:00.
What about the police?
The cops say they don't get
involved down here, you see?
What about the locals?
You should check out my
Uncle Minh.
But he wouldn't talk to
any white cops.
Think he'd talk to a priest?
He'd play poker with a rabbi!
-Don't you have
something to do?
-Leave him alone.
Look,
do you think you could set up
a meeting between this
uncle of yours and me?
I'll see what I can do.
But it's going to cost you.
A ticket to see
Robin Williams.
[LAUGHING] He's big in
this community, ever since...
[YELLING]
Good Morning Vietnam!
[HECKLING FROM CROWD]
You frightened me.
I'm so sorry.
I have some gold
to send to Saigon.
Soon it'll be enough to buy
your family's release.
I owe you a great deal.
That's not what
I want you to feel.
I'm here with you.
Yes, I know.
But I feel something
has changed.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
THOMAS: So, I really
appreciate you taking
this time to see me.
[SIGHS] The old customs
die hard.
Change. Too much change.
Things are going
very fast here in America.
So, my nephew says you
could be trusted.
Well, I just...
Think, maybe I can be
of some help to you.
Oh. Really?
You're here to help me?
That's not what I heard.
Actually it has something
to do with this Mr. Wong.
Wong?
He's not your concern.
Well, you know what he's doing
to his community,
don't you?
Maybe.
He's just trying to be another
American success story.
The man's a criminal.
That's our problem.
We'll fix it our way.
So, you're just going to let
this guy run your life?
[SIGHS]
He does not run my life.
Besides, why are you
so interested in
the Vietnamese people?
Well, let's just say,
it's a debt I owe
from the war.
Ah!
So, you're here to
save us again?
Well, listen, I'm sorry
I bothered you.
Thanks.
MINH: Hey, Father.
Wait a minute.
I think I may know
where you can find
what you're looking for.
But, if I take you there,
you must do something for us.
Yeah, sure. If I can.
The locals around here
won't let us bring our fish
to market.
Now, you stand up for us
and they won't try anything
with a priest there.
Yeah. Sure.
You got a deal.
MAN: Pass me new one.
Shit smells as bad
as your sister, man.
[ALL LAUGHING]
[INAUDIBLE]
[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]
Hey. You ain't got
no business here, boy.
MAN: That's right.
It's a free country,
we have a right to bring
our fish to market.
See, you ain't got no rights
round here, zipper head.
This is America, kid.
[ALL AGREEING]
We have as much right to fish
as you do.
The market's
open for everyone.
Get your ass back to Saigon
where you zipperheads belong.
The market is closed
for you, boy.
Boys, good morning.
Well, maybe I could be
of some help here.
Wait a second, Padre.
These gooks here are stealing
all our fish.
[CLAMORING]
Collar or no collar.
You best stay
out of it, Father.
These people have every bit as
much of a right to be here
as we did.
I don't give a shit!
Well, considering that
I'm a priest, I wonder
if I might have a
private moment with you.
You know, being that I am
a religious kind of guy
if I were you, believe me
when I tell you, if you don't
get out of my way,
I'll kick the living shit
out of you.
MAN: Hey, what kind of priest
are you?
Bless you.
Hey! Weigh the man's fish.
Make sure you pay him
the same as you pay
the other people.
You heard me.
Pay the man.
Anybody else here
need any help?
-I don't give a shit
who he is.
-Get out of my way.
-[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]
-Where were you
during the war, Padre?
You need some help?
Don't worry,
it'll be all right.
[GRUNTING]
[ALL LAUGHING]
MAN: All right.
Okay, come on.
Is that your
girlfriend, Padre?
Come on, it's all right.
Okay, take it off, go ahead.
Okay.
So, what do you say,
we just take the collar off
we just do this all
one on one.
Just do this
man to man, all right?
Come on, let's do it,
you're tough guys.
Let's go.
See you all at mass.
It'll be okay.
Good.
HAROLD: Wong, my buddy,
it's time to move,
we've clients waiting.
I don't like this business.
What's not to like?
This is the American way.
All the other immigrants,
the Italians, the Irish,
the Jews,
they were smart enough to take
advantage of prohibition back
in the '30s.
You can do
the same thing right now.
But it's all a matter
of timing,
you wait too long,
you lose everything.
Don't touch.
Look Mr. Wong, if you
want me to run this side
of your business...
You're my attorney.
And you are very,
very well paid.
But...
All the decisions will be
made by me.
Then make a decision.
What's the problem?
It's that priest, isn't it?
Look, if he has you messed up,
let me handle it,
so we can get back
to business.
I know women.
Yes, well, I see your point
uh, Mainland is none of
my concern.
You handle your domestic
situation any way you please.
Just know that I'm here
if you need me.
If you really need me,
I'll be there. That has a
familiar ring to it.
God damn it.
Why don't you just
give it up, uh?
What is it? Is it the kid,
or does it have something to
do with Mailan? Come on.
It has something to
do with me, pal.
Minh is waiting in the car.
-We doing this or what?
-[SIGHS]
You should never have
come back here.
When do we make our move?
We're going now,
but remember,
once you go against Wong
there is no turning back.
You become the enemy.
First you wanna play
Father knows best,
now you wanna go on a
drug crusade.
I just want to get my kid
away from him.
This is one way to do it.
Let's go.
[ENGINE STARTS]
MAX: Last chance to bail out,
Padre.
THOMAS: Just drive.
Now, we do it my way
or nothing at all. All right?
Are we playing Charlie Chan
here, huh?
[DOG BARKING]
What do you want?
I'm looking for a job.
At this time of night?
Aren't you a little old to be
looking for a job here?
[GRUNTING]
Get him in.
-What the hell are you doing?
-[GUN CLICKS]
I didn't come here
to kill anybody.
That's great. That's great.
Come on, this way.
Jeeze. I'm freezing my balls.
There's the crate.
Come on.
Shit. Check this out.
Wait a minute,
I know this man,
he was a fisherman
who went up against Wong.
MAX: I don't care who he is,
I'm out of here.
MINH: I care.
These are my people.
This is the reason
I promised to help you.
Right.
-I'm getting
the hell out of here.
-No, wait here.
Do it, come on. Let's go.
[GUN SHOTS]
Move, move.
Let's go, keep moving.
Do I have your permission to
fire, Father?
Or do you want to give them a
sermon on gun control?
Get back.
Godammit, I'm not standing
around here like peking duck.
I'm hauling my old ass
out of here.
You're crazy, man, I could
have stayed in the service
and done 20...
Damn it, I don't need this.
I am not...
[SCREAMING]
Damn it.
I can't take this anymore.
I can't take this.
Damn it.
Damn it.
Dropping out of a tree,
these people, God...
Max, come here...
So what are you on?
First name basis
with these people?
Yeah, everybody knows me,
it's Max's Bar.
Yeah, you're a real big man
around here, aren't you?
Come on, give me
a hand with the crate.
You want a hand with
the crate, huh?
You want a hand
with your fucking crate?
And you? You bring me down
here for a box of
fucking fish?
Fuck.
Oh! The old man was right.
Holy shit!
I'm in smack heaven.
I don't believe this.
Would you look at this?
This is nirvana.
Do it.
God damn, Wong is gone
big time.
What are you gonna do with it?
Don't you lay a hand
on that, Papa -san.
What's mine is mine.
What are you talking about?
What am I talking about?
This is my big score.
THOMAS: You're way out
of line here, Max.
Don't worry
about a thing, Padre.
I'll cut you in,
you can build yourself
a new church.
I didn't come here
to do business with him.
Hey, you can nail Wong with
those frozen popsicles in
there if you want,
-but, this is...
-So what's the story,
you're gonna be a
dope dealer now?
-Hey, do you think
I'm fucking stupid?
-Yes, I do.
You don't get the big picture,
do you?
I rip this stuff off,
sell it back to Wong.
-Then what?
-Then I'm in business.
Hey, we never paid any
attention to the chaps,
now they own our asses.
It's the same thing
with the Vietnamese.
These people are smart,
they're taking over the 7/11s.
The fucking laundromats.
When is the last time
you saw a white guy
running a 7/11, huh?
Hey, what the fuck
are you doing?
You old crazy, I'll kill you.
You son of a bitch.
God damn it.
McCain, how come I can't get
something out of this fucking
shit world, huh?
-Max, listen...
-Now, fuck both of you
mother fuckers.
God damn it.
I'm out of here.
[TIRES SCREECHING]
I thought we were going
to the police
with the evidence,
why did you burn it?
Don't worry.
Be careful with that guy.
Yeah.
[SIGHS]
According to this
police report
your men didn't actually find
anything on my
client's premises.
Well, counselor,
someone found this.
Hmm.
[SNIFFLING] Cocaine?
Pure heroin.
Oh! Very impressive.
Yes it is.
But, it doesn't really
establish a chain of evidence
does it? I mean,
it's not enough
for a warrant, is it?
-I'm afraid you're right.
-Hmm.
How exactly can we
help you, gentlemen?
If Mr. Wong would cooperate
it would certainly assist us
in our investigation.
Well, Mr. Wong can't possibly
keep tabs on the activities
of all his employees.
But, naturally,
if there's someone
in his employ
who's doing some wrong
we'd like to know about it.
You have my cooperation
as always.
Well, we certainly
appreciate that.
Thank you.
And good afternoon, gentlemen.
We're out of here.
What are you, a
freaking Foster Grant
commercial?
This priest is a problem.
[DOOR CLOSING]
MINH: Good afternoon, Father.
The fishermen really
appreciate what you did
for them.
You're a man of your word.
I hope so.
For my own sake.
-Hi!
-Hi!
I'm Lan, Mailan's daughter.
I hope you don't mind me
wanting to see you.
I know you're an old friend
of my mom's.
I heard there was a big
argument or something,
because you knew her
back in Saigon.
Yeah. Yes, I did.
You didn't happen to know
my father by any chance,
did you?
-Yes.
-You did? Really?
Could you tell me about him?
I mean,
was he like handsome or tall?
[LAUGHING]
[LAUGHING]
I guess, I mean I don't know.
I'm sure your mother
thought so.
[LAUGHING] Well...
Well, what was he like?
Did he really love
my mom or...
Was he like some of those
other American soldiers?
No. He loved her very much.
Nice to hear.
He made mistakes.
And he wasn't perfect.
Mom was always saying that.
He was really brave and then
saved a lot of people's lives
before he was killed.
Lan, I need to talk to you.
Please, sit down.
More than anything,
your father would want
what's best for you.
I know,
that if he could
be here now...
[SIGHS]
He'd want you to know
how proud he is to be
your father.
[CHUCKLES]
And that, he loves you very,
very much.
I guess the war messed up a
lot of people's lives, huh.
Yeah, it sure did.
Well, I got to go.
But, thanks for
talking with me.
Oh...
Anytime.
Um...
Do you think we could see
each other again sometime?
I'd really like that.
[CHUCKLES] Great.
All right.
Well, then see you later.
Yeah.
Bye.
I really need to
talk to her mother.
Can you help me with that?
It's been arranged.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MINH: This is one of the clubs
not owned by Wong.
But, it's still not safe.
She's in the back,
but don't take too long.
She is risking much
by being here.
I'll wait for you at the bar.
[SIGHS] Thank you for agreeing
to see me.
[SIGHS]
You haven't changed much.
Except from a soldier
to a priest.
15 years.
Yeah. It's a long time.
You're still very beautiful.
Did you ever think of me?
Yes.
God, I can't tell you...
How I wish I could make up for
things that happened
in the past.
You can't.
Hey, hey, I was just
dialing your number.
I was just trying to
get ahold of you guys.
MAN: Where's the priest?
Hey, listen, I had no idea
he'd get involved with
all these people, okay?
Uh, hey, hey,
he went to see Mailan.
You'll find him
at the Saigon cabaret.
Minh set it up.
You tell Mr. Wong
that I ain't involved,
I had nothing to do with it.
You guys know me.
Hey, wait a minute.
Hey, come on, you guys.
We ain't done yet.
I saw Lan today.
Did you tell her?
No. No.
I believe that's something
that we should do together.
Now that you've seen her
it's best you leave.
No.
I won't do that.
I can't know that
I have a daughter here
and just walk away from her.
Why not?
You did it to me.
And I've had to live with that
for these past 15 years.
I'm so sorry.
I know all about
what you went through.
But after that
you could go home.
How about me?
A Vietnamese woman with an
American soldier's child
has no home.
My family turned
their back from me.
No other Vietnamese
would marry me.
I was a disgrace to
my own people.
There is no way for my child
and me to survive in Vietnam.
Believe me, if I had known
I would have been
there for you.
No you won't. You ran.
You wanted to forget
everything about Vietnam.
I did not have to
keep our baby.
Many other women have buried
their mixed children.
But, I got her out.
And I'm not going to let you
or anyone take her away
from me.
I'm not trying to take her
away from you,
I just want to be
a part of her life.
It is impossible.
Why? Because of this,
guy, this Mr. Wong here?
[SIGHS] Yes.
He loves me.
And he has the money
to give my daughter
a good life.
What about you?
How do you feel about it?
You don't understand
my situation.
Thomas...
[WEEPING]
Do you think I like
this kind of life?
[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]
I have always had to fight
for my daughter.
That would never change.
Nothing will change.
Not you.
Not anyone else.
Get out.
Where's Mailan?
I said, get out!
[GRUNTING]
Where is Mailan?
Where are they?
[CROWD SCREAMING]
Minh. [CRYING]
Mailan...
[CRYING]
Thomas, you see,
this is not your world.
Please go back to
where you belong.
Please.
Live your life as the priest.
Please. [WEEPING]
Here's to you, Thomas.
To all the shit and beauty
in the world.
All the spineless
weasels like me.
[SIGHS] And forgiving bastards
like you, Father.
Life's a bitch
and then you die.
You did the right thing, Max.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
WOMAN: I don't know
if you can do
anything for me, Father.
It's been two years
since my last confession.
I've been living with my
boyfriend now for
over a year.
He come and go.
We have kind of an
understanding, you know
what I mean?
Well...
Couple of months ago
I got pregnant,
he got scared, he thought that
I was gonna force him into
marrying me or something.
Anyway,
he left me.
I couldn't handle the baby
all by myself.
I just couldn't.
So, I had an abortion.
Now I'm all alone.
And I can't find my boyfriend.
THOMAS: You're not alone.
I'm with you.
But isn't what I did
a mortal sin?
Will you please forgive me
for that?
There's nothing you can do
that can't be forgiven.
But, you are the one
who has to do it.
No, I need you to forgive me,
I need you to tell me that
everything's going
to be all right.
You must believe that
God is all forgiving.
You must try
to reach Him,
to find the strength to deal
with the pain you're feeling.
If I had the strength
I wouldn't need to be here,
Father.
You don't understand, do you?
What do you know about
real people's problems?
[BELL DINGS]
[SINGING IN VIETNAMESE]
[SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
THOMAS: Mailan.
Believe me when I tell you
how sorry I am about this.
Thomas, please go away
and leave us alone.
Wong would rather see her dead
than with you.
So, it's because of him that
she doesn't get to know
her real father?
It's too late.
No, it's not too late.
We can get some help,
Max would get us out of here.
Max won't do anything for you.
What are you talking about?
I used him to get Lan
to America.
He got angry because
I wouldn't stay with him.
Believe me,
it was Max who told them
we were in the nightclub.
He's responsible for
all of these.
He hated me
because I loved you.
Can't you see?
He drove us to Wong.
There's nothing you can do.
If you truly feel anything
about our daughter,
give us up.
Accept things
the way they are.
[BELL DINGING]
Mr. Wong wants to
speak to you.
Just come along
quietly, huh, Father.
I've had just about
enough of you.
Hey don't cause a scene,
Father.
It could be bad
for your health.
We don't wanna see
anybody get hurt, huh?
You don't belong here.
Hey, you stay out
of this, man.
Let's go, Father.
Leave him alone.
It is none of your
business, man.
We make it our business.
Maybe some other time, huh,
Father.
Well, if it ain't
the messiah of Little Saigon.
Don't get in my way.
Why the hell did you
come back, McCain.
Why can't you forget the past?
I'm gonna go get my kid
out of here.
And I need more than
a rosary to do it.
It ain't worth it.
She don't even know
who you are.
I know who she is.
And I know who you are, pal.
What's that supposed to mean,
Father?
And don't give me your
holier than thou bullshit.
No more bullshit.
No more absolution.
Come on, let's go then.
Let's do it. Come on.
[GRUNTING]
Come on, Father.
Make me pay for my sins.
[GRUNTING] Uh, come on.
Come on. Why'd you have
to hurt her?
Why don't you ask yourself
the same question.
Come on!
[MAX GRUNTING]
[GASPING]
Jesus! You are one hell of a
tough guy for a priest.
I'm awful sorry about this,
Father.
See the thing is,
we're having some
business problems
and you are a big part
of that problem.
Why did you have to go
and destroy that shipment?
You now owe us a great deal
of money, and frankly
I don't know how
you're going to repay it,
not on your salary.
Well, I guess I do know.
Why am I telling you this?
You know, I think it's because
you're a priest
and I don't get to see
a priest very often
I feel compelled
to be honest with you.
You're the most
self-destructive
son of a bitch I've ever met.
I've never seen anybody go to
such trouble to get
themselves killed.
Ah... Max,
I just love what you've done
to this place.
Let him go.
Don't point that gun at me.
[SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
You're a dead man, Sammy.
He always was...
You just went too far.
[GUNSHOT]
[GRUNTING]
Keep up the good work, Max.
And the ammo.
Come on.
[MAX WEEPING]
Oh, Jesus.
Christ, always the kids. Why?
You were funny.
You little shit!
Priest or no priest...
You don't take what is mine.
You know
what I'm gonna do?
I'm going to find something
really nice tonight.
Hey, Jo. How are you doing?
How about this right here?
It's nice.
It's not a good color, right?
It's not your size.
Yeah, it's a pretty
nice color. [GRUNTING]
Tell me where they took him.
Don't be stupid, Max.
You'll get yourself killed
for this.
Listen, I am tired of you
and all your bullshit,
got that?
Where'd they take him?
Hey, I don't know man,
they gave the job to Harold.
Harold?
You tell Harold
I'm looking for him.
You got that?
-You're a dead man, Max.
-A dead man, huh?
Huh? [GRUNTING]
How's that for your
fucking martial arts, huh?
[GRUNTING]
Because of you,
she suffered so much.
And now you must pay.
[GRUNTING]
[HAROLD SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
[HAROLD LAUGHING]
Where's he?
Who? What? Where?
What are you doing? You crazy?
Crazy? Yeah!
Yeah. I'm real crazy.
I'm going to turn you
into dog food,
if you don't tell me
where he is.
Oh, yeah? Oh, yeah, asshole?
So do it. Do it.
[GASPING]
He's at Wong's!
Get the hell out of here.
-Have another blast.
-Ow!
Oh! Get out! Get out! Get out!
[GRUNTING]
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
[SIGHS]
Let me talk to the boss.
Mr. Wong.
Mr. Wong.
Max knows you have the priest.
MAX: Christ, Tom. Jesus, man.
[DOOR OPENS]
What's going on around here?
[SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
Take her up to her mother.
Wong? What's going on?
It's for your own good.
Oh, come on.
[GRUNTING]
Oh, man.
Skin's all ripped up.
Get me my gun.
You're okay, come on.
Tom, I'm sorry, man.
Let's go.
Get my kid.
Get my kid.
My kid.
You are not taking
what's mine.
It's all coming back down on
us, ain't it?
It's your call.
LAN: Mom? Why are you packing?
What's going on here?
MAX: Wait a minute, wait a
minute, let's even this out.
[THUD]
Come on.
-You all right?
-Yeah.
Let's go.
Get back.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah.
Cross, cross.
Move!
[WHIMPERING]
Let's go.
Do it.
Go!
[GRUNTING]
You're on your own, Tom.
Get him.
Tom, look out!
[GASPING]
[GASPING]
-[GUN CLICKS]
-Come along with me.
Now.
-Thomas, please go away.
-Mailan, come with me.
-No, please leave us alone.
-You've to leave here,
right now.
What's going on here?
MAILAN: No. Go away.
Please, I won't leave here
without you.
Come with me now,
and all this will end.
Drop the gun.
Drop it.
Please, drop the gun.
-Mama. What is going on?
-Lan.
This man is your real father.
-What?
-Listen to me.
Wait, what are you doing?
So, you've been lying
to me my whole life?
And you...
-Priest, you lied to me?
-Stop it!
You belong to me.
I gave you everything
and no one can take her away
from me.
MAILAN: No! No!
No!
Fire!
[SCREAMING]
[CRYING]
[LAN CRYING]
God forgive me.
[LAN CRYING]
-LAN: Ma!
-[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE]
Lose the gun.
[TIRES SCREECHING]
Freeze, don't move.
Stay still.
LAN: It's been said that
everything in our lives
serves a purpose.
That at each moment
we're where we need to be.
And that the path before
us is clear.
And if we don't see it,
it's because
we've chosen not to.
My mother suffered
and sacrificed all her life.
My step father was the tragic
victim of his own rage.
And now I face the future
with the knowledge of my
true past.
In one terrifying instance,
I lost my mother
and found my real father.
Life is never
what you think it would be.
Every day is a new beginning.
And now that we're together
I know for the first time,
who I really am.
-[INDISTINCT RADIO TALK]
-[GUNSHOTS]
[MISSILE APPROACHING]
[POLICE SIREN WAILING]
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
[BOTH GRUNTING]
-You're pretty tough.
-[PANTING]
Son of a bitch!
I still don't know what you do
for a living, man. [CHUCKLES]
Yeah, well, it comes
with the territory.
I bet you can't get used to
them ass-whoopin's, huh?
Never.
Look, I gotta get
back to work.
-Same time next week?
-Yeah.
This is the Lamb of God
who takes away
the sins of the world.
Happy are those
who are called to His supper.
ALL: Lord, I'm not worthy
to receive you,
but only say the word
and I shall be healed.
[CHURCH ORGAN PLAYING]
CHOIR: ♪ Silent night.
♪ Holy night.
The body of Christ.
♪ All is calm.
The body of Christ.
♪ All is bright.
The body of Christ.
♪ Round...
The body of Christ.
♪ Young virgin mother
and child.
The body of Christ.
♪ Holy Infant
so tender and mild.
KID: [WHISPERS] Father.
Are you okay?
CHOIR:
♪ Sleep in heavenly peace
The body of Christ.
♪ Sleep in heavenly peace
-MAN: Here's to
the memories, gentlemen.
-[ALL LAUGHING]
-[GLASS TINKLING]
-So, finally I said,
"I will forgive you any sin,
"if only you will shower
-"before you come
to the church."
-[PEOPLE LAUGHING]
We're in Atlantic City,
right on the boardwalk,
and this big blonde
in a bikini cruises by.
And Monsignor's head
about twists off
when he sees me watching him,
and he turns to me
and he says,
"Even a man on a diet
has got a right to look
at the menu."
[PEOPLE LAUGHING]
Notre-Dame will take 'em
by 10...
But I always think
of Bing Crosby singing...
-No. Please, Father,
no singing, no singing.
-No? No.
Have you ever heard
Bing Crosby singing?
Oh, singing
in one of his sermons.
-Gentlemen, gentlemen.
-[ALL CHEERING]
You all have done
a great job this year.
Your individual work
in the parishes have honored
the Catholic Church
and served God well.
-Ah!
-[ALL CHEERING]
God bless you all.
Now there's a priest here
who is a special honor
for all of us.
Especially in his work
with children.
He's faced the worst kind
of intercity strife
and beaten it back.
-Sometimes in the boxing ring,
I might add.
-Yeah.
That he's been named
our new monsignor,
comes as a surprise to no one.
Gentlemen, I give you
Monsignor Thomas
Michael McCain.
[ALL CHEERING]
ALL:
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ For he's a jolly good fellow
♪ For he's
a jolly good fellow ♪
[WHISTLES]
[ALL SHOUTING]
We've got to break there.
We've got to break there.
We had so much...
You're a father?
-Are you?
-Okay, let's go back
to playing.
[ALL SCREAMING]
THOMAS: I'm going
to make a confession.
Before I was a priest,
I was a soldier in Vietnam.
While I was there,
I fell in love with a girl
I left behind.
I mean, I believe
she was carrying my child
when I left her.
We've all lived a life
before we were priests,
if you had indeed
fathered a child
I'm... I'm sure the Church
will help you financially
and otherwise.
I... I don't think that
the Church should help me, um,
because I'm not so sure
I'm going to continue
as a priest.
Oh, God! [SOBS]
-[CLEARS THROAT]
-You know where the child,
if indeed there's a child,
might be?
Yeah. I, um...
I think I know
where I can find her out,
you know. [SNIFFLES]
Do you want to see her?
I have got to see her and...
[SIGHS]
Amen.
Thanks, Father.
DRIVER: You're going to start
a church here, Father?
No, not exactly.
Sorry, this is as far
as I go.
You know, if it's the tip,
I, uh...
Oh, no, just... Just give me
the seven bucks on the meter.
I don't go in there.
Here you go.
[SIGHS]
Ever been to
the real Saigon, Father?
Yes, as a matter of fact,
I have.
This place's gonna bring back
a lot of memories for you.
WOMAN: Oh, yes. [MOANING]
[SLAMS DOOR]
Son of a bitch.
Hey, girl, I'll be back later.
[GLASS SHATTERING]
[WHISPERS] Come on! Come on!
Take it from the back.
Oh, shit!
[CUTLERY CLANKING]
Jesus Christ!
What did you come here to do?
What am I doing?
What are you doing?
I can't even get laid
around here
without you repo assholes
ripping off my shit!
-Huh?
-Max!
-Put the bat down, Max!
-Put the bat...
You tell him to drop
the motherfucker!
I'm gonna fucking line drive
this being
to Cleveland,
you understand that?
-Max, just drop it!
-Huh?
-Stay away from him,
he's drunk!
-Drunk!
Max, so you...
Will you do this the easy way
-I'm gonna be trying
the hard way...
-Or try the hard way?
With you two fuckers!
Now, move it!
-Max! Because you wanted
the hard way, dude!
-Huh?
-Beat me with the bat, huh?
-Hey, hey!
You're five payments behind!
Five payments!
Easy way!
-We're taking it with us, Max!
-Easy way.
-Put the bat down!
-Bat's going down.
Into the GI can.
No problems.
Here, you take this.
You take this.
Hairy mother fucker!
Stupid ass!
-You're a sick man, Max!
-Sick?
-You're a sick man. Yes.
-Sick?
-Come on, son! Come on.
-Do you think I'm sick?
[GRUMBLING]
Yeah, I really, really liked
that beer cooler.
[DOOR SLAMS]
Well, you son
of a bitch, I'll...
Priest?
I see not much has changed.
How are you hitting them?
[SIGHS] This... This is
a hell of a shock.
Don't you think I'm the type?
[SIGHS] I heard about this,
but knowing you,
I didn't believe it.
[METAL CLANKING]
What's all the noise about?
Oh, your brothers were here.
They came for
their beer cooler.
Oh, yeah? You didn't tell them
I was here, did you?
No, you'll always be
my little secret. Uh...
This is a friend of mine,
Tom McCain.
[CHUCKLES] You're a priest.
[CHUCKLES]
You guessed right off, huh?
Come here to save Max's soul?
Oh, you know, the Lord
works in strange ways.
I'm Catholic.
-Really?
-Mmm.
Bless me, Father,
for I have sinned.
Yeah. You bet your ass
you have, you little...
Nice little girl
you have there, Max.
Yeah.
So...
So...
I... I don't know what to say.
So I guess
this is for real, huh?
Well, it ain't Halloween, pal.
Makes you a little nervous,
doesn't it?
Nervous? Nah!
A little fucking
uncomfortable.
Excuse the language.
You're excused.
Bless you, my son.
"My son?"
Yeah, you son of a bitch,
you look great!
You look like shit.
I had early stages
of sclerosis, uh...
Bar's been a bust
ever since my old man died
and I shut it down every day
at happy hour
in his memory.
So, you know what, McCain,
it's been
a lot of years
and nobody knows
you're alive or dead,
and, uh, suddenly you show.
What's the deal,
you still pissed off?
No, no. I, uh...
I don't think much
about the past.
Ah. Yeah, right.
Me neither.
I don't give a shit either.
Hmm. Hey, listen.
I'd like to know
where is Mailan is.
-Not here, pal.
-[MUSIC PLAYING]
What? Hey!
What are you doin'?
Where you've been?
Hey, dude! I'm here now.
Do want to hear
my new opening?
The shit you got to put up
with when you run
your own business.
Hey! Hey!
There's something
I've been wanting to tell you.
You laugh too much.
[MIMICS SANTA CLAUS LAUGHING]
What the hell is that,
Santa Claus?
Hey, Johnny, you haven't aged.
You must be Oriental.
-Hey, shut up!
-[LAUGHING]
Clean the place up,
you fish-head.
You Americans,
you can never say
what you mean.
Like, this thing,
"I'm taking my dog
for a walk."
Come on! You're not taking
your dog for a walk.
You're taking your dog
for a shit!
-Jesus.
-What's this guy all about?
He's trying to get
an audition for the
Johnny-fucking-Carson Show.
Breakfast, Father?
No, thanks, uh...
Look, can we just
cut all this bullshit
and get to it?
Cut the what?
-Where is she?
-Who?
Want me to take the collar off
and just beat the shit out
of you right here and now?
-Just like old times, huh?
-Just like old times.
So...
-Yeah. She wasn't here
that long ago.
-How long?
Six months, maybe.
That's after four years
she spent in a Thai
refugee camp.
-What?
-Yeah. Her too.
She got a letter to me
through the VA.
I sent her some money
and got them over.
-Them?
-For her and the kid.
Come on, you knew
about the kid.
No.
No. I didn't.
So, um,
what's the child's name?
Lan.
It was really sad.
That little rug rat,
she used to ask about you
all the time.
But her mom and I,
we figured it was best
to keep her in the dark.
-You know.
-Her mom and you?
You married her?
Wasn't exactly
till death do us part,
if you know what I mean.
Yeah.
Why did she leave you?
I'm a shitty housekeeper.
She's a Viet, man.
Viet all the way.
What's that supposed to mean?
That is supposed to mean
that she wanted to be
with her own people.
She married a guy named Wong.
He can provide for her.
He runs a place called
the House of Flowers.
You know this guy?
Well enough to stay
away from him.
New mafia.
You got an address
or something?
Forget it. Just forget it.
I'm not going to forget it.
Don't you tell me
to forget it!
If I've got a kid, I got
the right to know who it is.
Look.
I don't know what the hell
you think you're doing here.
Priest or no priest,
you blew the chick off, okay?
You ain't welcome here.
Me? I'm just
running this place
for the shit-faced jarheads
who can't forget
the glory days.
So stay drunk for a week
on the house, all right?
But don't get involved
with these people.
Especially the women.
[JOVIAL MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: Boom!
Hey!
Boom!
Hey!
Hey, look at it this way.
This is your
American foreign policy,
you fuck 'em then
you leave 'em.
You got a real good
outlook on life, Max,
a real good outlook.
I want you to take
me to see her.
Big-time Texas lawyer.
Late as usual.
[ANNOUNCING IN VIETNAMESE]
I'll be at breakfast.
I love the suit.
[ALL SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
Good morning, Father.
I hope you slept well
last night.
[ALL SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
[ALL GREETING IN VIETNAMESE]
-You're late.
-Good morning
to you, too.
You know,
we have a little problem
with our new
business operation.
It can wait till office.
-Hi!
-Morning.
You look so pretty today.
You ought to
put her in commercials.
Have something to eat.
Well, I ate downtown,
but I'll have a cup of coffee.
You, uh, you know of course
that your fishermen friends
are not cooperating.
Uncle Wong!
-Hi.
-Hi.
Hi.
I love you Uncle Wong.
Do you like children?
Not to eat.
You know, Mr. Wong,
a lot of work went
into this deal.
Our problem
with the community
is being handled.
Oh.
Special for you.
Koi, my favorite.
-From the pond?
-Correct.
[SIGHS]
MAN: Yellowjacket.
[SIGHS]
Please, Minh, we won't
do this anymore.
You're well paid
for your cooperation.
We don't want your money.
We're honest businessmen.
Don't argue with them.
Please. We're fishermen,
not criminals.
Please leave us alone.
You'll do
whatever we tell you.
Just be glad you're not
one of his fish.
No more. We shut down market.
We would rather
starve than do
this business of yours.
Fine. Have it your way.
May I have a word with you?
[SOBBING]
Away!
Put it in the trunk.
Seems we are not
welcome here anymore.
Joey. [WHISTLES]
[PEOPLE SCREAMING]
This is a new business
for us, too, Papa -san.
But teach your friends
the value of cooperation
or you'll wish you never
came to Little Saigon.
I do business
with these people!
Do you have any idea what this
is gonna cost me? Jeez!
[HONKING]
I see your driving habits
haven't changed much.
Yeah, I'm telling you,
you don't know
what you're getting into
down here, okay?
Priest or no priest,
damn it, man!
You don't understand
about these people.
So what do you suggest I do?
Just walk away
and forget about her?
Yeah!
Yeah, you should,
because they're prejudiced,
you know.
They don't like
this half-breed shit.
It's a cultural thing!
Jesus!
[POLICE SIREN WAILING]
Hey, what's happening here?
Pull over.
-What?
-I said, pull the car over.
What the hell?
Do what I tell ya!
Jesus! What the hell
is this all about?
THOMAS: Stop the car.
Hey, get that car out of here!
MAX: See, this is
what I'm talking about!
Whoa. What you doing,
making house calls?
What's the deal?
[WOMAN SPEAKING OVER
POLICE RADIO]
Excuse me. Can I be
of some help here?
Jeez, come on, guys,
for Christ's sake!
What are you doing?
Would you watch it?
Come on, move it on in there,
take care.
Hell of a mess,
ain't it, Paul?
Mind if I have a chew?
-What happened here?
-OFFICER: What happened?
How the hell do we know
what happened?
These people don't talk
to police down here.
Eight years in this district
and they're still not
talking to us.
It's all the same.
Let me tell you
a little secret.
Nothing goes on
in this neighborhood
without old Papa -san
over there knowing about it.
You ain't seeing shit,
are you, Papa -san?
Why don't you just
help this lady here?
You're gonna be all right.
Excuse me.
Is there anything I can do?
No. We do things our way.
Hey, Father,
you about finished here?
Yeah. He's finished.
Why don't you people
all finish and just
leave us alone?
Don't let him get
to you, Father.
It's just the way of life
down here in Little Saigon.
MAX: So, what made you
wanna see her now
after all these years?
THOMAS: Gave up
denying the past.
SAMMY: You know,
you can do something for me,
get me out
of this neighborhood.
Hey! Shut up.
MAX: This is a bad idea,
I'm telling you guys.
-[SIGHS]
-What about the agents?
Do you know any good agents,
like, who handles Woody Allen?
Shut up! Just shut up!
Listen, I don't think,
like I was saying,
I don't think
this is a good idea.
Maybe she's here,
maybe she's not.
-But I don't think...
-Who is asking you
to do anything?
I'm out.
Just do what
you gotta do, pal.
What are you looking at?
You know something, Sammy?
I'm gonna tell you something.
You're not gonna make it
in show biz.
-You wanna know why?
You ain't funny!
-I'll make it!
-I'll make it, all right!
You just watch me, all right?
-Yeah.
-I'll be on the Johnny Carson
Shownext year!
-Oh!
-SAMMY: You think I'm funny,
don't you, Father?
-[MUSIC PLAYING]
-No.
-[WOMAN CHUCKLES]
Excuse me.
May I have a word
with the manager, please?
[SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
I... I don't think
he speaks English.
Well, why don't you
talk to him for me?
You... You want me to tell
this guy why you're here?
Yes, please. Go ahead.
[BOTH SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
Do you want to tell me
what this is all about?
Oh, well, he says
it's been a long time since
he's been to church.
And he remembers
how much fun he had
when he was there.
[WOMAN CHUCKLES]
You know I'm gonna be great
in this place.
Women love me.
A sense of humor
is the most important element
in a sexual relationship.
Why don't you just
wait outside, huh?
-But...
-Just do what I say.
Thanks. Thanks for your help.
Thank you.
Hey, you wanna
do something after work?
No, thanks.
Excuse me, Mrs. Wong,
there's a priest here
collecting money
for the church.
Very well.
Merry Christmas, Mailan.
Thomas?
How did you find me here?
Max told me how I could
locate you.
Is he still a friend of yours?
No, no, no.
Not exactly.
I just didn't know
any other way to find you.
Now that I have, I'm...
I'm not sure exactly
what to say.
Maybe it's better
to say nothing.
Mailan.
I... I've come
a long way to find out
about my child.
I see.
So Max told you everything.
I know Max for who he is.
So do I.
MAN: [OVER PHONE]
Wong's residence?
May I speak to Mr. Wong?
Phone call, sir.
Thank you.
-Yes?
-Sorry to disturb you,
Mr. Wong.
But something's happened here
I think you should know about.
There's a priest here
talking to Mrs. Wong.
And it seems that
he's upset her.
I see.
Find out who he is.
Yes, sir.
And what he wants.
We'll take care of him,
Mr. Wong.
-We need to talk.
-No. We don't.
What happened between us
is in the past.
Please believe me
when I tell you,
I never knew for sure.
Oh, really?
And after all this time,
now you choose to find out?
[COUPLE SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
You have no right to be here.
We have our own life now.
Well, I have the right
to know my own daughter.
[SIGHS]
You have no right.
You gave this up
a long time ago.
[WHISPERS] She's still
my child.
It doesn't matter now.
She thinks
you are dead. [WHISPERS]
That's what you told her?
Thomas, I have no choice.
Is there a problem here?
No. No problem.
This is Father McCain.
He was just leaving.
Anything we can do
for you, Father?
No. I was just visiting.
As a customer?
Father and I,
we knew each other
a long time ago.
-And where was that?
-Saigon.
Ah, as a priest?
I was a soldier.
It's all old story now.
I see. Looking forward
to seeing you again, Father.
Let's go.
Believe me,
it's best you go back
where you come from.
Let us go now.
Show the Father to the door.
Hello, Father.
-Something that
I can do for you?
-Move it.
-Max.
-Uh, what?
They're taking him somewhere.
-What?
-The Hojo.
The who?
[SCOFFS] Wong's men!
Oh, goddamn,
the stupid son of a bitch!
-[SWEARING]
-Are we gonna do
something or what?
What am I, I look
like a Good Samaritan to you?
I gotta... Damn! Damn it!
[ENGINE SPUTTERS]
I... I got it. I got it.
Come on, you skid mark, do it!
[ENGINE REVS]
[GROANS]
So if you really are a priest,
what is it that you want
with the boss's woman?
You used to know her
before, is that it?
Come on, you can tell us.
[SHOUTING IN VIETNAMESE]
[GROANS]
So, Father,
anything to confess?
[BOTH GRUNTING]
-Fuck you...
-[GRUNTS]
Come on!
Back off! Back off or this
will get as ugly as you!
You're making a big mistake.
Big mistake? You wanna discuss
mistakes, Andy, huh?
Boy! You're in the wrong part
of town, Father.
So far, I'm real impressed.
What's it going to be,
Father McCain's voice, huh?
You're gonna open up
a daycare center?
What the hell
is going on, huh?
[GROANS]
I leave you alone
for 20 minutes,
you piss Wong off,
get the shit kicked out of you
by his goop squad!
What are you doing?
What the hell do
you think you're doing?
I'm not really sure
what I'm doing.
I'm just doing the best
I can, all right?
Yeah. I thought
you priests had it all wired.
If this guy, Wong, finds out
you're Lan's father,
-you're a dead man.
-Shut up.
Give me something
to wrap this arm with.
I ought to wrap that collar
around your head!
You know the problems
that you are causing
in this town, huh?
So who's this priest
you were talking to today?
What priest?
The priest
everyone but you seems
to be talking about.
This... This is not important.
[STAMMERING] Just someone I
knew a long time ago.
How long ago?
What difference does it make?
Seemed to make a lot
of difference to Mr. Wong.
He seemed pretty upset.
Upset? Why?
What did he say?
Well, if you're not going
to tell me about the priest,
I'm not going to tell you
about Mr. Wong.
Listen. I'm not in the mood
to play games.
I'm not in the mood
to play any games either!
I just wanted to find out
about the priest, okay?
Did you know him in Saigon?
It's none of your business.
Why isn't it
any of my business?
You always say the same thing!
It's like we never existed
before we came
to the United States.
Well, I did!
He didn't know my father,
did he?
Stop it. That's enough!
I tell you
what I want you to know.
And not any more!
I have the right to find out
who my real father is!
If you don't want to tell me
about him, then fine!
I'll just go find out
for myself, all right?
Lan, all you know
your real father died
even before you was born.
Now you must stop this now!
You don't understand
the problem
you will bring to us!
I'm sorry.
Lan...
You know I love you
more than anything?
Yes.
We have survived
so much together.
-Yes.
-You must trust me!
You must leave the past alone.
My baby.
-[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
-Nice crowd you got here.
Yeah. Just like Saigon, huh?
[CHUCKLES]
Yeah. Well, you know,
you just walk away.
Yeah, your old solution for
everything - turn your back
and run.
Okay. So, that's the real
reason why you're here, huh?
Believe me, pal,
you're not the reason
why I'm here.
Bullshit!
Okay, okay. So I ran,
so I was scared.
I thought you were dead.
What the hell
was I supposed to do?
I... I didn't know you...
You were in a prison camp
until I got back stateside.
What the fuck
was I supposed to do, huh?
So while
your best friend's rotting
in a POW camp for three years
you run off with his girl.
What a guy!
Hey, don't run off.
Goddammit that ain't how
it came down.
She begged me.
I was just trying to be
a good guy, you know.
But Saigon followed me home
like it did for a lot of us.
Look, it must make you
feel real good about it,
not dealing with
the real world,
when you bury yourself
in the mother Church, huh?
After where I've been, pal,
the Church is the real world.
Yeah. Well, if the church
is so goddamn good to you,
why are you trying to get
Mailan back in your life, huh?
She has nothing
to do with this!
It has to do with my daughter!
But a guy
like you can't figure
that out, can you?
That's a nice thought.
Having a Father for a father.
Listen, Mailan belongs
to Wong. Okay?
And that means the kid, too.
That's the way
Mama -sanwants it, man.
Well, it ain't the way
I want it.
Fine! Forget it!
But I'm telling you,
Wong ain't gonna let you get
near that kid,
you understand me?
This is Sammy Chen for
Eyewitness News.
I'm here with two sleazy
honkies arguing about one
Asian chick.
Shut the fuck up.
Their problem seems to be one
Mr. Wong, who runs girls,
guns, and ganja
out of Little Saigon.
Word has it, he's moving
into Disneyland.
Film at 11:00.
What about the police?
The cops say they don't get
involved down here, you see?
What about the locals?
You should check out my
Uncle Minh.
But he wouldn't talk to
any white cops.
Think he'd talk to a priest?
He'd play poker with a rabbi!
-Don't you have
something to do?
-Leave him alone.
Look,
do you think you could set up
a meeting between this
uncle of yours and me?
I'll see what I can do.
But it's going to cost you.
A ticket to see
Robin Williams.
[LAUGHING] He's big in
this community, ever since...
[YELLING]
Good Morning Vietnam!
[HECKLING FROM CROWD]
You frightened me.
I'm so sorry.
I have some gold
to send to Saigon.
Soon it'll be enough to buy
your family's release.
I owe you a great deal.
That's not what
I want you to feel.
I'm here with you.
Yes, I know.
But I feel something
has changed.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
THOMAS: So, I really
appreciate you taking
this time to see me.
[SIGHS] The old customs
die hard.
Change. Too much change.
Things are going
very fast here in America.
So, my nephew says you
could be trusted.
Well, I just...
Think, maybe I can be
of some help to you.
Oh. Really?
You're here to help me?
That's not what I heard.
Actually it has something
to do with this Mr. Wong.
Wong?
He's not your concern.
Well, you know what he's doing
to his community,
don't you?
Maybe.
He's just trying to be another
American success story.
The man's a criminal.
That's our problem.
We'll fix it our way.
So, you're just going to let
this guy run your life?
[SIGHS]
He does not run my life.
Besides, why are you
so interested in
the Vietnamese people?
Well, let's just say,
it's a debt I owe
from the war.
Ah!
So, you're here to
save us again?
Well, listen, I'm sorry
I bothered you.
Thanks.
MINH: Hey, Father.
Wait a minute.
I think I may know
where you can find
what you're looking for.
But, if I take you there,
you must do something for us.
Yeah, sure. If I can.
The locals around here
won't let us bring our fish
to market.
Now, you stand up for us
and they won't try anything
with a priest there.
Yeah. Sure.
You got a deal.
MAN: Pass me new one.
Shit smells as bad
as your sister, man.
[ALL LAUGHING]
[INAUDIBLE]
[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]
Hey. You ain't got
no business here, boy.
MAN: That's right.
It's a free country,
we have a right to bring
our fish to market.
See, you ain't got no rights
round here, zipper head.
This is America, kid.
[ALL AGREEING]
We have as much right to fish
as you do.
The market's
open for everyone.
Get your ass back to Saigon
where you zipperheads belong.
The market is closed
for you, boy.
Boys, good morning.
Well, maybe I could be
of some help here.
Wait a second, Padre.
These gooks here are stealing
all our fish.
[CLAMORING]
Collar or no collar.
You best stay
out of it, Father.
These people have every bit as
much of a right to be here
as we did.
I don't give a shit!
Well, considering that
I'm a priest, I wonder
if I might have a
private moment with you.
You know, being that I am
a religious kind of guy
if I were you, believe me
when I tell you, if you don't
get out of my way,
I'll kick the living shit
out of you.
MAN: Hey, what kind of priest
are you?
Bless you.
Hey! Weigh the man's fish.
Make sure you pay him
the same as you pay
the other people.
You heard me.
Pay the man.
Anybody else here
need any help?
-I don't give a shit
who he is.
-Get out of my way.
-[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]
-Where were you
during the war, Padre?
You need some help?
Don't worry,
it'll be all right.
[GRUNTING]
[ALL LAUGHING]
MAN: All right.
Okay, come on.
Is that your
girlfriend, Padre?
Come on, it's all right.
Okay, take it off, go ahead.
Okay.
So, what do you say,
we just take the collar off
we just do this all
one on one.
Just do this
man to man, all right?
Come on, let's do it,
you're tough guys.
Let's go.
See you all at mass.
It'll be okay.
Good.
HAROLD: Wong, my buddy,
it's time to move,
we've clients waiting.
I don't like this business.
What's not to like?
This is the American way.
All the other immigrants,
the Italians, the Irish,
the Jews,
they were smart enough to take
advantage of prohibition back
in the '30s.
You can do
the same thing right now.
But it's all a matter
of timing,
you wait too long,
you lose everything.
Don't touch.
Look Mr. Wong, if you
want me to run this side
of your business...
You're my attorney.
And you are very,
very well paid.
But...
All the decisions will be
made by me.
Then make a decision.
What's the problem?
It's that priest, isn't it?
Look, if he has you messed up,
let me handle it,
so we can get back
to business.
I know women.
Yes, well, I see your point
uh, Mainland is none of
my concern.
You handle your domestic
situation any way you please.
Just know that I'm here
if you need me.
If you really need me,
I'll be there. That has a
familiar ring to it.
God damn it.
Why don't you just
give it up, uh?
What is it? Is it the kid,
or does it have something to
do with Mailan? Come on.
It has something to
do with me, pal.
Minh is waiting in the car.
-We doing this or what?
-[SIGHS]
You should never have
come back here.
When do we make our move?
We're going now,
but remember,
once you go against Wong
there is no turning back.
You become the enemy.
First you wanna play
Father knows best,
now you wanna go on a
drug crusade.
I just want to get my kid
away from him.
This is one way to do it.
Let's go.
[ENGINE STARTS]
MAX: Last chance to bail out,
Padre.
THOMAS: Just drive.
Now, we do it my way
or nothing at all. All right?
Are we playing Charlie Chan
here, huh?
[DOG BARKING]
What do you want?
I'm looking for a job.
At this time of night?
Aren't you a little old to be
looking for a job here?
[GRUNTING]
Get him in.
-What the hell are you doing?
-[GUN CLICKS]
I didn't come here
to kill anybody.
That's great. That's great.
Come on, this way.
Jeeze. I'm freezing my balls.
There's the crate.
Come on.
Shit. Check this out.
Wait a minute,
I know this man,
he was a fisherman
who went up against Wong.
MAX: I don't care who he is,
I'm out of here.
MINH: I care.
These are my people.
This is the reason
I promised to help you.
Right.
-I'm getting
the hell out of here.
-No, wait here.
Do it, come on. Let's go.
[GUN SHOTS]
Move, move.
Let's go, keep moving.
Do I have your permission to
fire, Father?
Or do you want to give them a
sermon on gun control?
Get back.
Godammit, I'm not standing
around here like peking duck.
I'm hauling my old ass
out of here.
You're crazy, man, I could
have stayed in the service
and done 20...
Damn it, I don't need this.
I am not...
[SCREAMING]
Damn it.
I can't take this anymore.
I can't take this.
Damn it.
Damn it.
Dropping out of a tree,
these people, God...
Max, come here...
So what are you on?
First name basis
with these people?
Yeah, everybody knows me,
it's Max's Bar.
Yeah, you're a real big man
around here, aren't you?
Come on, give me
a hand with the crate.
You want a hand with
the crate, huh?
You want a hand
with your fucking crate?
And you? You bring me down
here for a box of
fucking fish?
Fuck.
Oh! The old man was right.
Holy shit!
I'm in smack heaven.
I don't believe this.
Would you look at this?
This is nirvana.
Do it.
God damn, Wong is gone
big time.
What are you gonna do with it?
Don't you lay a hand
on that, Papa -san.
What's mine is mine.
What are you talking about?
What am I talking about?
This is my big score.
THOMAS: You're way out
of line here, Max.
Don't worry
about a thing, Padre.
I'll cut you in,
you can build yourself
a new church.
I didn't come here
to do business with him.
Hey, you can nail Wong with
those frozen popsicles in
there if you want,
-but, this is...
-So what's the story,
you're gonna be a
dope dealer now?
-Hey, do you think
I'm fucking stupid?
-Yes, I do.
You don't get the big picture,
do you?
I rip this stuff off,
sell it back to Wong.
-Then what?
-Then I'm in business.
Hey, we never paid any
attention to the chaps,
now they own our asses.
It's the same thing
with the Vietnamese.
These people are smart,
they're taking over the 7/11s.
The fucking laundromats.
When is the last time
you saw a white guy
running a 7/11, huh?
Hey, what the fuck
are you doing?
You old crazy, I'll kill you.
You son of a bitch.
God damn it.
McCain, how come I can't get
something out of this fucking
shit world, huh?
-Max, listen...
-Now, fuck both of you
mother fuckers.
God damn it.
I'm out of here.
[TIRES SCREECHING]
I thought we were going
to the police
with the evidence,
why did you burn it?
Don't worry.
Be careful with that guy.
Yeah.
[SIGHS]
According to this
police report
your men didn't actually find
anything on my
client's premises.
Well, counselor,
someone found this.
Hmm.
[SNIFFLING] Cocaine?
Pure heroin.
Oh! Very impressive.
Yes it is.
But, it doesn't really
establish a chain of evidence
does it? I mean,
it's not enough
for a warrant, is it?
-I'm afraid you're right.
-Hmm.
How exactly can we
help you, gentlemen?
If Mr. Wong would cooperate
it would certainly assist us
in our investigation.
Well, Mr. Wong can't possibly
keep tabs on the activities
of all his employees.
But, naturally,
if there's someone
in his employ
who's doing some wrong
we'd like to know about it.
You have my cooperation
as always.
Well, we certainly
appreciate that.
Thank you.
And good afternoon, gentlemen.
We're out of here.
What are you, a
freaking Foster Grant
commercial?
This priest is a problem.
[DOOR CLOSING]
MINH: Good afternoon, Father.
The fishermen really
appreciate what you did
for them.
You're a man of your word.
I hope so.
For my own sake.
-Hi!
-Hi!
I'm Lan, Mailan's daughter.
I hope you don't mind me
wanting to see you.
I know you're an old friend
of my mom's.
I heard there was a big
argument or something,
because you knew her
back in Saigon.
Yeah. Yes, I did.
You didn't happen to know
my father by any chance,
did you?
-Yes.
-You did? Really?
Could you tell me about him?
I mean,
was he like handsome or tall?
[LAUGHING]
[LAUGHING]
I guess, I mean I don't know.
I'm sure your mother
thought so.
[LAUGHING] Well...
Well, what was he like?
Did he really love
my mom or...
Was he like some of those
other American soldiers?
No. He loved her very much.
Nice to hear.
He made mistakes.
And he wasn't perfect.
Mom was always saying that.
He was really brave and then
saved a lot of people's lives
before he was killed.
Lan, I need to talk to you.
Please, sit down.
More than anything,
your father would want
what's best for you.
I know,
that if he could
be here now...
[SIGHS]
He'd want you to know
how proud he is to be
your father.
[CHUCKLES]
And that, he loves you very,
very much.
I guess the war messed up a
lot of people's lives, huh.
Yeah, it sure did.
Well, I got to go.
But, thanks for
talking with me.
Oh...
Anytime.
Um...
Do you think we could see
each other again sometime?
I'd really like that.
[CHUCKLES] Great.
All right.
Well, then see you later.
Yeah.
Bye.
I really need to
talk to her mother.
Can you help me with that?
It's been arranged.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MINH: This is one of the clubs
not owned by Wong.
But, it's still not safe.
She's in the back,
but don't take too long.
She is risking much
by being here.
I'll wait for you at the bar.
[SIGHS] Thank you for agreeing
to see me.
[SIGHS]
You haven't changed much.
Except from a soldier
to a priest.
15 years.
Yeah. It's a long time.
You're still very beautiful.
Did you ever think of me?
Yes.
God, I can't tell you...
How I wish I could make up for
things that happened
in the past.
You can't.
Hey, hey, I was just
dialing your number.
I was just trying to
get ahold of you guys.
MAN: Where's the priest?
Hey, listen, I had no idea
he'd get involved with
all these people, okay?
Uh, hey, hey,
he went to see Mailan.
You'll find him
at the Saigon cabaret.
Minh set it up.
You tell Mr. Wong
that I ain't involved,
I had nothing to do with it.
You guys know me.
Hey, wait a minute.
Hey, come on, you guys.
We ain't done yet.
I saw Lan today.
Did you tell her?
No. No.
I believe that's something
that we should do together.
Now that you've seen her
it's best you leave.
No.
I won't do that.
I can't know that
I have a daughter here
and just walk away from her.
Why not?
You did it to me.
And I've had to live with that
for these past 15 years.
I'm so sorry.
I know all about
what you went through.
But after that
you could go home.
How about me?
A Vietnamese woman with an
American soldier's child
has no home.
My family turned
their back from me.
No other Vietnamese
would marry me.
I was a disgrace to
my own people.
There is no way for my child
and me to survive in Vietnam.
Believe me, if I had known
I would have been
there for you.
No you won't. You ran.
You wanted to forget
everything about Vietnam.
I did not have to
keep our baby.
Many other women have buried
their mixed children.
But, I got her out.
And I'm not going to let you
or anyone take her away
from me.
I'm not trying to take her
away from you,
I just want to be
a part of her life.
It is impossible.
Why? Because of this,
guy, this Mr. Wong here?
[SIGHS] Yes.
He loves me.
And he has the money
to give my daughter
a good life.
What about you?
How do you feel about it?
You don't understand
my situation.
Thomas...
[WEEPING]
Do you think I like
this kind of life?
[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]
I have always had to fight
for my daughter.
That would never change.
Nothing will change.
Not you.
Not anyone else.
Get out.
Where's Mailan?
I said, get out!
[GRUNTING]
Where is Mailan?
Where are they?
[CROWD SCREAMING]
Minh. [CRYING]
Mailan...
[CRYING]
Thomas, you see,
this is not your world.
Please go back to
where you belong.
Please.
Live your life as the priest.
Please. [WEEPING]
Here's to you, Thomas.
To all the shit and beauty
in the world.
All the spineless
weasels like me.
[SIGHS] And forgiving bastards
like you, Father.
Life's a bitch
and then you die.
You did the right thing, Max.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
WOMAN: I don't know
if you can do
anything for me, Father.
It's been two years
since my last confession.
I've been living with my
boyfriend now for
over a year.
He come and go.
We have kind of an
understanding, you know
what I mean?
Well...
Couple of months ago
I got pregnant,
he got scared, he thought that
I was gonna force him into
marrying me or something.
Anyway,
he left me.
I couldn't handle the baby
all by myself.
I just couldn't.
So, I had an abortion.
Now I'm all alone.
And I can't find my boyfriend.
THOMAS: You're not alone.
I'm with you.
But isn't what I did
a mortal sin?
Will you please forgive me
for that?
There's nothing you can do
that can't be forgiven.
But, you are the one
who has to do it.
No, I need you to forgive me,
I need you to tell me that
everything's going
to be all right.
You must believe that
God is all forgiving.
You must try
to reach Him,
to find the strength to deal
with the pain you're feeling.
If I had the strength
I wouldn't need to be here,
Father.
You don't understand, do you?
What do you know about
real people's problems?
[BELL DINGS]
[SINGING IN VIETNAMESE]
[SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
THOMAS: Mailan.
Believe me when I tell you
how sorry I am about this.
Thomas, please go away
and leave us alone.
Wong would rather see her dead
than with you.
So, it's because of him that
she doesn't get to know
her real father?
It's too late.
No, it's not too late.
We can get some help,
Max would get us out of here.
Max won't do anything for you.
What are you talking about?
I used him to get Lan
to America.
He got angry because
I wouldn't stay with him.
Believe me,
it was Max who told them
we were in the nightclub.
He's responsible for
all of these.
He hated me
because I loved you.
Can't you see?
He drove us to Wong.
There's nothing you can do.
If you truly feel anything
about our daughter,
give us up.
Accept things
the way they are.
[BELL DINGING]
Mr. Wong wants to
speak to you.
Just come along
quietly, huh, Father.
I've had just about
enough of you.
Hey don't cause a scene,
Father.
It could be bad
for your health.
We don't wanna see
anybody get hurt, huh?
You don't belong here.
Hey, you stay out
of this, man.
Let's go, Father.
Leave him alone.
It is none of your
business, man.
We make it our business.
Maybe some other time, huh,
Father.
Well, if it ain't
the messiah of Little Saigon.
Don't get in my way.
Why the hell did you
come back, McCain.
Why can't you forget the past?
I'm gonna go get my kid
out of here.
And I need more than
a rosary to do it.
It ain't worth it.
She don't even know
who you are.
I know who she is.
And I know who you are, pal.
What's that supposed to mean,
Father?
And don't give me your
holier than thou bullshit.
No more bullshit.
No more absolution.
Come on, let's go then.
Let's do it. Come on.
[GRUNTING]
Come on, Father.
Make me pay for my sins.
[GRUNTING] Uh, come on.
Come on. Why'd you have
to hurt her?
Why don't you ask yourself
the same question.
Come on!
[MAX GRUNTING]
[GASPING]
Jesus! You are one hell of a
tough guy for a priest.
I'm awful sorry about this,
Father.
See the thing is,
we're having some
business problems
and you are a big part
of that problem.
Why did you have to go
and destroy that shipment?
You now owe us a great deal
of money, and frankly
I don't know how
you're going to repay it,
not on your salary.
Well, I guess I do know.
Why am I telling you this?
You know, I think it's because
you're a priest
and I don't get to see
a priest very often
I feel compelled
to be honest with you.
You're the most
self-destructive
son of a bitch I've ever met.
I've never seen anybody go to
such trouble to get
themselves killed.
Ah... Max,
I just love what you've done
to this place.
Let him go.
Don't point that gun at me.
[SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
You're a dead man, Sammy.
He always was...
You just went too far.
[GUNSHOT]
[GRUNTING]
Keep up the good work, Max.
And the ammo.
Come on.
[MAX WEEPING]
Oh, Jesus.
Christ, always the kids. Why?
You were funny.
You little shit!
Priest or no priest...
You don't take what is mine.
You know
what I'm gonna do?
I'm going to find something
really nice tonight.
Hey, Jo. How are you doing?
How about this right here?
It's nice.
It's not a good color, right?
It's not your size.
Yeah, it's a pretty
nice color. [GRUNTING]
Tell me where they took him.
Don't be stupid, Max.
You'll get yourself killed
for this.
Listen, I am tired of you
and all your bullshit,
got that?
Where'd they take him?
Hey, I don't know man,
they gave the job to Harold.
Harold?
You tell Harold
I'm looking for him.
You got that?
-You're a dead man, Max.
-A dead man, huh?
Huh? [GRUNTING]
How's that for your
fucking martial arts, huh?
[GRUNTING]
Because of you,
she suffered so much.
And now you must pay.
[GRUNTING]
[HAROLD SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
[HAROLD LAUGHING]
Where's he?
Who? What? Where?
What are you doing? You crazy?
Crazy? Yeah!
Yeah. I'm real crazy.
I'm going to turn you
into dog food,
if you don't tell me
where he is.
Oh, yeah? Oh, yeah, asshole?
So do it. Do it.
[GASPING]
He's at Wong's!
Get the hell out of here.
-Have another blast.
-Ow!
Oh! Get out! Get out! Get out!
[GRUNTING]
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
[SIGHS]
Let me talk to the boss.
Mr. Wong.
Mr. Wong.
Max knows you have the priest.
MAX: Christ, Tom. Jesus, man.
[DOOR OPENS]
What's going on around here?
[SPEAKING VIETNAMESE]
Take her up to her mother.
Wong? What's going on?
It's for your own good.
Oh, come on.
[GRUNTING]
Oh, man.
Skin's all ripped up.
Get me my gun.
You're okay, come on.
Tom, I'm sorry, man.
Let's go.
Get my kid.
Get my kid.
My kid.
You are not taking
what's mine.
It's all coming back down on
us, ain't it?
It's your call.
LAN: Mom? Why are you packing?
What's going on here?
MAX: Wait a minute, wait a
minute, let's even this out.
[THUD]
Come on.
-You all right?
-Yeah.
Let's go.
Get back.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah.
Cross, cross.
Move!
[WHIMPERING]
Let's go.
Do it.
Go!
[GRUNTING]
You're on your own, Tom.
Get him.
Tom, look out!
[GASPING]
[GASPING]
-[GUN CLICKS]
-Come along with me.
Now.
-Thomas, please go away.
-Mailan, come with me.
-No, please leave us alone.
-You've to leave here,
right now.
What's going on here?
MAILAN: No. Go away.
Please, I won't leave here
without you.
Come with me now,
and all this will end.
Drop the gun.
Drop it.
Please, drop the gun.
-Mama. What is going on?
-Lan.
This man is your real father.
-What?
-Listen to me.
Wait, what are you doing?
So, you've been lying
to me my whole life?
And you...
-Priest, you lied to me?
-Stop it!
You belong to me.
I gave you everything
and no one can take her away
from me.
MAILAN: No! No!
No!
Fire!
[SCREAMING]
[CRYING]
[LAN CRYING]
God forgive me.
[LAN CRYING]
-LAN: Ma!
-[SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE]
Lose the gun.
[TIRES SCREECHING]
Freeze, don't move.
Stay still.
LAN: It's been said that
everything in our lives
serves a purpose.
That at each moment
we're where we need to be.
And that the path before
us is clear.
And if we don't see it,
it's because
we've chosen not to.
My mother suffered
and sacrificed all her life.
My step father was the tragic
victim of his own rage.
And now I face the future
with the knowledge of my
true past.
In one terrifying instance,
I lost my mother
and found my real father.
Life is never
what you think it would be.
Every day is a new beginning.
And now that we're together
I know for the first time,
who I really am.