For many Vietnam movies (and 'Apocalypse Now' not excepted) women are portrayed merely as opportunistic mates for American servicemen or crazed guerrilla fighters who blow up helicopters without apparent logic. Mel instead chooses to find and highlight the stories and real strength and conviction of the Vietnamese women of this highly unpopular war.

The Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival, Canada

In the film, the women revisit the "Papillon" like island prison which was their brutal home for many years and movingly extend their understanding toward American women who lost husbands, sons and brothers in the conflict. Halbach's work is an inspirational, touching and always powerful chronicle of love and sacrifice.

Revelation Traveling Independent Film Festival, Australia

This impressive film illuminates the role played by women who fought for the National Liberation Front during the American war in Vietnam. Its use of footage from the Vietnam Film Archives as well as its vivid oral histories brings the subject alive for today's students. In my classes the film has stimulated excellent discussions and motivated my students to do original research of their own.

Sandra C. Taylor, Professor of Asian Studies, Dept. of History, University of Utah