Original subtitles

NORTHERN VIETNAM 1967

I was born in a village by the river. Like all the boys of my generation,

we joined the army right after graduating from high school.

When I was still an inexperienced soldier,

I went straight into battle after training.

The village men have joined the army, leaving behind endless disquietude.

I had a cute girlfriend who I haven't seen in a long time.

War was everywhere and nowhere was safe.

The rear was annihilated by hostile bombs.

The letters connected us.

Thanks to them, we knew that the other was still alive.

Boatman!

Boatman!

Wait for me!

HOANG AN TO: DANG THI DIU

Add more logs.

Comrade Thanh, head to E6 storage for the ammo.

-Yes, sir. -Where's Comrade Dai?

I'm here.

TRUONG SON, DRY SEASON, 1967 MY DEAREST DIU!

Where's the A4 Commander?

-Comrade Thanh! -Here, sir.

-Prepare to switch guard. -Yes, sir.

Hey, get Comrade Phat here.

-Mr. Phat! -Yeah?

-Mr. Nam wants to see you. -Okay.

Hey, are you the new Commando?

Yes, sir.

Which town?

Sir, I'm in Que Vo.

-Que Vo? Rookie? -Yes, sir.

Been here for three months.

-Yeah? -Yeah.

Comrade, got any cigarettes?

Let me have a smoke, my countryman.

Where are you from?

Cigarette?

Go ahead.

So?

Hey!

Want to practice martial arts? Do you know how to fight?

Hold it right there! The rules forbid us from fighting.

-Hey! Come on. -You are enthusiastic, rookie!

Let me go, comrades!

Commander, I've just returned from Hill 861.

Where is Manh?

He's got a fever. He's in the field hospital.

Let me go!

-They're expecting you, return now. -Yes, sir.

Which unit?

Sir, I'm Private Hoang An

from Commando Unit A6, B2, C13.

You're a rookie?

Yes, sir.

-Let the Unit deal with him. -Yes, sir! Move.

Send someone to check the D3 line, copy.

Lo River to Hong Ha. Do you copy?

Lo River to Hong Ha. Do you copy?

Hong Ha speaking, over.

Move 12 lines to the field, over.

-Hello, sir. -Comrade.

-Did you have a look at these documents? -I did.

A message for Mr. Hieu. Go to the regiment's commission, over.

-How much longer can Hill 861 hold out? -Three or four days tops.

They've been fighting all week. How many companies over there?

Almost three companies.

That's very few.

Hello, 861, please respond. 861, do you copy?

Do you copy? 861?

-Last-minute order. -Defend at all cost, stand by for order.

For how long?

The line was cut off before they responded.

It doesn't work. The artilleries destroyed it.

Use line 2W to call 950, asking them to report back to the regiment.

Luc!

2W was wired.

It doesn't matter, the enemy already knows our status.

Only Control Committee is uninformed.

Let me try again. If it doesn't work, we'll try your way.

We don't need to move there yet.

B3, do you copy?

Artillery strike stopped. The enemy's coming. Backup, please.

The enemy's coming. Backup--

It's Luc, calling for immediate backup.

I repeat, tell the regiment to send assistance at all costs.

Hello, 861. Do you copy?

This is 861, copy.

I can hear you. The situation is very bad, we need help.

861, please respond.

Damn it!

Try again.

Sir…

We lost all contact with 861.

Most recent news?

They were surrounded,

only the western flank held out.

Tan!

It turns out that you need to return to 861.

Get the artillery ready!

Get the artillery ready!

Idiot! Spread out or you'll get caught in the crossfire.

Eagle to Falcon.

They got us pinned down… over.

They're too strong… over.

Say again, over.

We got a live one. What do we do, Sergeant?

Keep pushing forward!

Get down! Pull him down!

We cannot lose 861.

The Commando Battalion will go around,

silently approach 861 and stand by.

We need to cooperate, hit them from both sides to hope for a victory.

Prepare for the troops to head out, comrade.

Yes, sir.

Hey, wait.

Your unit has a rookie named Hoang An?

Yes, sir.

What's he like?

Standard background, clean records, excellent in training.

Your soldier got in a fight with a guard.

Let the superior soldiers discipline him.

How long until it's filled usually, comrade?

Two people working tirelessly should only take around three days.

-Hello, sir. -Hi.

-Private Hoang An. -Yes, sir?

Return to the regiment in 15 minutes for new tasks.

Yes, sir.

Sir…

Sir, have we been let off?

After the campaign, you'll continue your service.

The rescue unit will take the scenic route to be discreet.

You need to cut through the woods to reach 861 before them.

The minefield is marked. You only have two and a half days.

Read it carefully and learn it by heart. In case you're ambushed,

destroy the telegram. Don't let it fall to the enemy.

This is a very special trip.

Comrade An, you're tasked to escort Comrade Tan…

-to deliver the telegraph to 861. -Yes, sir.

Do you have any doubts?

Sir, I did not sign up to deliver telegraphs.

I admire your courage.

But here, there are only orders

and carrying out orders.

The wrath of war will test our courage, son.

-Hello, sir. -Hello, sir.

Hello, comrades. Safe travels.

Yes, sir.

-Hello, sir. -Yeah.

Follow my footsteps.

Okay.

Stay still, do not move.

What…?

Moving, standing, lying, sitting… always be careful.

Every square meter here is filled with deadly stuff.

Look.

Move.

Hold on, let me have a look.

Hey, let's move.

Man…

What is our destination?

Our brothers in the hill are being killed while we're here looking at chicks?

I'll go refill.

I just want to tease her. Don't make a big deal out of this.

Listen. Around here somewhere, there's a ranger who is also a womanizer.

He doesn't look at girls with his eyes,

but through the scope of an automatic rifle.

Go refill your bottle.

I'm not a womanizer.

It's not a bad thing.

All men like pretty women. Just don't jeopardize the mission.

Have you ever loved, Tan?

Is she pretty?

She is.

When will you guys get married?

She's already married.

After the war, what will you do, Tan?

I'll probably work in some factory.

Or continue being a telegram messenger.

And I'll be married to a big girl,

and she'll bear many children for me.

My darling Diu,

I joined the battle as a proud Liberate Soldier,

whose mind was in the right place.

I calmly face a life of fire and guns.

I was assigned a top secret task.

It is really important, darling.

I'm a commando, after all.

My heroic commando. Please stay safe in the line of fire.

No matter where you are, you are always on my mind.

I dream of you. I dream of Reunification.

I see the village's boatman writing to his son every day.

His son was enlisted in the same intake as you.

Father, why do you keep fighting?

Please, don't die. If you die, who will row the boat for our villagers?

The US bombed my school yesterday, Father. But we are not afraid.

Last week, a soldier called our boat, I really hoped that it was you.

Dear, the red silk-cotton flowers are blooming in our village

and they've turned the riverbank red.

Occasionally, US air craft drop bombs on the village.

I've gotten used to it, and the children have too.

Sometimes, I have a dream. I dream of Vietnam with red silk-cotton flowers.

The red cotton silk-flower with the color of blood.

How much blood have the Vietnamese shed in this war?

-Don't break it! -What…

-Let's take a break here. -Too dangerous.

Predators drink here, rangers are likely to pass by. Let's move!

Combat is exciting. I haven't seen any, though.

I'm exhausted.

I haven't had a break since this morning.

We need to rest, man. I'm out of breath.

-An, how long was your training? -Six months.

Six months in training should not result in your death.

You're a messenger, what do you know about combat?

Private Hoang An!

Here, I'm your commander.

I will tell you where to go, when to stop, to sleep and to rest. Are we clear?

Yes, sir.

Six years on the battlefield, I met so many people like you.

The ghosts in Truong Son are usually young.

Put the recently wounded in Bunker Two.

Bunker Two is this way, comrades.

-What day is today, comrade? -Twelve.

Hang in there, comrades.

-Is that the messenger? -Any antibiotics left?

They just came yesterday, there's a bundle.

There are many wounded coming.

Take them to Bunker Two. Over there, comrades.

-Clear. -Where's the D7 telegram, comrade?

Take it easy, man. You'll mix it all up.

Please search the D7 pile. My name is Tung, Le Van Tung.

There are so many, it will take forever.

There it is. Thanks!

-Hello, comrade. -Hi.

I was worried that something had happened to you.

An is a rookie. He's not used to the woods so we were delayed.

Are we about to strike big?

I have no idea. Combat is not my mission.

Being a soldier without shooting a gun is meaningless!

A messenger brings peace of mind to all soldiers.

A lot of you look strong but are weak-minded,

can't even carry a gun.

If you were lost, any unit would treat you like a big shot.

Messengers are everyone's favorite.

Newspapers only praise Scouts, Commandos.

Combat soldiers in general.

I have never seen an appraisal for a messenger.

Damn… This spoiled brat!

Quan and Hoang, head to D9. Thao to C6 and Minh to D7. Clear?

What about Hill 861?

An and I will head for 861.

Special assignment. We don't carry letters on this trip.

Just bring them to C6 Station. 861 is overloaded with mails anyway.

Give the wounded something to read.

Yeah… Your call.

A good soldier finishes his assignment,

doesn't multi-task.

-Go to sleep! We'll leave in an hour. -Yes, sir.

-Comrade, mail this to the North for me. -Yes, sir.

Darling, I'm approaching the battlefield.

Look at this leaf!

The information network of Truong Son is similar to the veins on this leaf.

I'm traveling on one of these veins,

veins that are under the attacking range of B52s.

Bombs and bullets are the plain truth of the war

hidden in the scenery of tropical forests.

Truong Son is the crystal clear stream, the high mountains, the deep chasm.

Truong Son is more beautiful than what we learned.

But the war in this place is ruthless.

Come on, we're almost there.

We're here.

In here.

Be gentle, comrade.

-Where is he from? -861.

-What's the status there? -Fighting. What do you think?

We keep pushing them back. When they retreat, their Infantry arrives.

Pre-diagnose before operating.

-We're here. -Okay.

-Here. -Any serious injuries?

Only a few, not many.

Here.

-Let me off. -Move him to the bunker.

-Tan, any letters for me? -None.

Here, put him here.

-Any letters from 861? -They are over there.

-Let me have a drink. -Here, sir.

-Nurse, come here. -Yes, sir.

-It was rough, huh? -Yes…

-Sit down. -He's in bad shape.

How are you feeling now?

Take it easy.

Flesh and mud. We've lost contact for two days now.

How are you holding up?

We keep fighting. Fight everything.

Damn them! Their assault seems endless.

They have 861 surrounded?

Who told you that? They only got us pinned down.

What's with all these questions?

I'm heading up there now.

It belongs to my friend.

He died last night.

A letter for Toan from A3.

Toan, a letter from your wife.

Is he going to make it?

Toan, don't give up.

Toan!

Listen to me. Is your wife Le Thi May?

"Darling,

our kid turns four today. You went to war right after we married,

and you didn't even visit him once.

I made new clothes for him. He told everyone that his father bought them.

I told him that his father had sent them. When will the war be over, dear?"

Toan! Wake up!

Listen to what I read. Please don't close your eyes!

Please listen to the letter, which you prayed for.

I will read it.

"Whilst I write this letter,

our kid is playing beside me.

He asked, 'Mom, are you writing a letter to Dad?'

I nodded. He gave me a marble.

He said, 'Send it to the battlefield for Dad to play with his friends.'

Hearing his words, I couldn't hold back my tears.

Death certificates are sent to our village every few days.

Every time I see a messenger passing by,

I feel my heart is tearing.

Darling, I hope you return home soon,

so your son can see you."

Toan!

"This war has been going since forever. When will it end?"

Toan!

Wait for them to finish their letters first, comrade.

How long ago was it?

The last letter I received was in… February.

My hometown is on the coast. They bomb it all the time. I don't know.

I need to send this to the North.

I think you should take these to 861.

I have a special assignment.

-What's hard about carrying a few letters? -No.

How about we deliver it to our brothers?

I hope we'll meet again. Let's move.

Commander!

I want to deliver these letters to the hill!

That's not our mission.

But we're messengers.

We are soldiers. We have orders to fulfil.

You only care about orders.

Don't you want to deliver these letters while they're still alive?

Listen, man. Do you remember that letter that I sent to the North yesterday?

That may be the last letter that my family will ever receive.

Hey, friend…

Don't get killed.

Take this.

If I don't return, make good use of it.

Dear Lord, please guide us to the right path.

On the right path, the strength to overcome troubles and complete missions

from start to finish is thanks to the Lord's work.

Amen.

Is your hometown beautiful, Tan?

I live in a suburb of Hanoi.

My people didn't evacuate in time. The airstrikes came… sparing no one.

Only my grandma made it.

How long has it been since you received a letter from her?

She's really old now. She's also illiterate.

Someone has to read it for her if she gets one.

I don't even know if she can make it until Reunification.

Damn, this freaking jungle! It's disgusting!

Hey, Tan!

Be still, do not shudder!

Damn it! You bloody bastards!

You all right?

You okay, Ba?

Tired, exhausted.

He needs a cardiotonic pill, do you have one?

I don't, Lieutenant.

I'm really cold.

Ba, can you see me? Ba?

Tell my mother… I'm sorry.

I lied to her about…

many bad things.

Dear Lord,

please forgive the sins that Peter Nguyen Van Ba has committed.

Too… bad…

Ba, don't you do that. Hey, Ba! Don't die!

Ba, wake up!

Eagle to Sky Thunder. Lightning to Central.

Sky Thunder copy. Over.

Lightning continues. Over.

Moray Eel to Sky Thunder. Over.

Moray Eel to Sky Thunder. Over.

Inform the squad to get ready to move out.

We'll attack right after the strike ends.

Charge!

Get down.

Take them alive.

Do not move.

Hands up! Put your hands up!

If you move, you die!

Relax.

Grenades?

God damn it. Are you deaf?

You! Put the gun down!

Drop your weapons.

I will put a hole in your faces if you try anything funny.

Drop your gun!

Go back.

Damn!

What's wrong?

Are you hit?

Just in the muscle. Let's move!

All right, Hoskins. You'll be fine.

I guarantee it, Hoskins.

Relax, Hoskins. You're the Commander here.

-You good? -Yeah. Keep moving.

An, you need to go to 861 on your own.

One of us has to deliver this to them.

Just follow the stream for another 20 kilometers.

Tan, let's just go for it. I cannot leave you here alone.

Our assignment is to reach 861 before zero hours tomorrow.

Our brothers on the hill really need this telegram.

Our lives are nothing compare to this.

Killing these rangers is pointless. Go!

What about you?

I can take care of myself. I won't die. Go!

Be careful. Try to stay alive.

Do not let the enemy take the telegrams. Go!

An.

Tan.

This hole is really deep.

-You all right? -Yeah. Did the rangers dig this?

No, it's a tiger trap and belongs to the villagers.

Snakes!

Oh, my God! There are snakes, Tan!

Quiet, do not move, do not shoot.

-I will shoot it. -Don't.

If you fire, the rangers will find us.

Stay put, I'll find a rope.

Tan?

VC, if you move, I'll blow your head off.

What's the point in struggling?

Talk, VC! Where are you going? What are you doing?

Don't waste your breath. Just put a bullet in him.

VC. Trying to be tough, huh?

Hey, let the Psychological Soldiers handle those mails.

Why are you reading it?

For fun, Lieutenant. Just want to know how life is in the Socialist North.

My hometown is there. If my family hadn't left in '54,

I would have become a traitor.

Anything there?

Airstrike bombings.

Many civilians have died.

Damn those airmen. They drop bombs and leave.

Don't even care about the target.

It's war, what are we going to do?

Hey, VC. Wait until morning,

the chopper will take you to Sai Gon.

Tomorrow, your parents will surely know you're alive on the radio.

Choose your words wisely.

You're a hero. Not some schmuck.

Cigarettes?

Scared?

Hey, give me a light.

Hey, your shift is done.

Do you want to cover my shift?

It's me. It's Tan.

Where were you when I was captured?

-Where's the order? -Why didn't you save me?

I ask again, where is the order?

If it's still there, go get it now. Don't let them take it.

You are a coward.

Here's your order!

Tan.

The documents are in the hole where I fell.

I always followed your tracks and tried to save you.

The war has been going on for more than a dozen years.

There were too many casualties in our regiment.

Don't just think about yourself.

Slow down, comrade.

-Nurse. -Yes?

I'm still hurt.

Hang in there.

Hey, you guys can't enter 861.

They closed all entrances yesterday.

There's still one left.

Through the minefield?

Yes. We'll go through that.

You'll have a narrow window after the strikes stop.

Head to the field hospital.

You'll need strong legs to cross that minefield.

Report in. Over.

Read it. It's from my girl.

Are you okay with it? I never read other's letters.

If something happens to me, take this back to Diu.

She is so kind.

Today, I watched a Soviet Union movie called Ballad of a Soldier.

I really missed you.

There are only women and children at the movies in our village.

Caught between arrows and bullets, please stay safe and return to me one day!

Whether you return wounded or in one piece, I only wish to see you live,

my heroic commando.

They've stopped shooting. I'll move now.

Cover me.

You have to live, so you can go back to her.

Tan!

A soldier crossed the front. Suppressive fire!

It's just the blast. I'm okay.

Our backup is coming.

Suppressive fire. All-out counter-attack.

The next morning, the enemy continued to attack.

We joined forces with a battalion of commandos

to earn an absolute victory.

This is my first ever battle as a soldier.

Diversion battles of the dry season in 1967.

I have understood the significance of a soldier's order.

I also understood the power of letters to soldiers in the battlefield.

I am no longer a commando.

While Tan was being treated in the field hospital,

I was sent to the North to a messenger training section.

-Hello, soldier! -Hi, Ma'am.

Hello, comrade.

Auntie!

An?

Oh, dear, how can you be so late?

She really expected your letter…

That day, while she was out harvesting…

a bomb dropped.

HOANG AN TO: DANG THI DIU

Millions of letters have accompanied me on the battlefield.

But the early letters of my soldier life,

couldn't reach their destination.

I have become a fearless messenger soldier.

In her memory, I'll always be a heroic commando.

THE END