American life is tough. There are bills to pay, jobs to uphold and mouths to feed. People always talk about ‘The American Dream’. An idea that once stood for opportunity, hope and freedom that has gradually transformed into as series of superficial amenities like McDonald’s, Wal Mart and cable television. And that’s only if you can afford to pay your cable bill. Still, with all of the troubles that life in North America creates, it could be alot worse. The ‘Lost Boys of Sudan’ have had the rare opportunity of experiencing war at the hands of Islamic fundementalists, and pushing grocery carts in a Houston, Texas Walmart parking lot. Of the two extremes, i’d definitely take the parking lot.

This amazing documentary film focuses on two boys; Peter and Santino, both members of the Sudan Dinka tribe. They’re a part of a group known as ‘The Lost Boys’, a name given to the thousands of orphans whose families were either lost or killed during a bloody civil war waged in the late 80′s by the aforementioned Islamic fundamentalists. Living out of a refugee camp, the boys are among the many candidates chosen to take part in a resettlement program in which they’re given the opportunity to move to the United States of America. Often thought of by the Sudanese as heaven on Earth, the boy’s ultimate goals include finding a job, leading a successful and safe life, and most importantly, supporting their brothers back home. The excitement of such a radical transition completely overshadows the challenges the boys soon face; integration into a new society, adapting to the American way of life, and simply making ends meat in the modern world.

Directors Megan Mylan and Jon Shenk have really put together a great film. The Lost Boys of Sudan ranks up there with any of Hollywood’s classic fish-out-of-water films. (Yes, even Coming to America!) Watching the boys nervously experiencing their first plane ride, learning how to use a gas stove and eating their first fast food meal is completely charming. Seeing the world through there eyes makes you realize how unusual our way of life may seem. They constantly draw attention to the fact that there’s simply no time for anything in America. At one point Peter’s sister berates him over the phone for the lack of money he’s sent to his brothers back home. He tries to explain his hectic schedule, but she simply doesn’t understand. Meanwhile, Santino has taken it upon himself to get his drivers license. He takes his road test, but fails after running over a curb. This doesn’t stop him from continuing to drive unlicensed and uninsured. Eventually trouble catches up to him; some traffic violations send him before a judge who must explaining to Santino what he did wrong and why he can’t legally drive without a license.

After a few months living in Houston, Texas, Peter decides to move to Kansas in an attempt to pursue an education. He, and some of the other boys, slowly grows cynical towards the program that promised them so many things when they were back home, but has seemed to have failed them now. A lack of support from the education system finds the boys struggling for work. Those who were lucky enough to find employment end up working mindless jobs for minimum wage. The naïve dream of sending thousands of dollars back home to friends and family slowly fades as the boys realize just how hard it is to make a living in Texas. Meanwhile, Peter seems to blend right into his new high school, having enrolled after managing to obtain a gift certificate that guesstimates his current age; a 17 year old. He makes friends with some fanatically religious rich kids and tries out for the basketball team. In a touching moment, we learn about the horrors of his youth when Peter hands his guidance councilor a self-written biography, meant to accompany his university application. The man gets a few sentences in and says that he’s not sure he wants to read any further, apologizing to Peter for having gone through such a horrible event.

Watching these boys wrap their heads around the American way of life is both humorous and uplifting. At times I was sort of put off, watching them indulge in American activities that could potentially threaten their culture and way of life. Throughout the film I waited for one of the boys to start exhibiting spoiled American behaviours. In the end, the idea of retaining their African lifestyle is almost impossible. They are Americans now, and must assimilate the American way of life if they wish to succeed. Cynics could say it’s a shame to see the boys slowly disassociating themselves with their African culture, but when the alternative is war, the choice is easy. Luckily, they remain true to themselves and to thsdeir friends back home. The Lost Boys of Sudan is optimistic and inspiring and undeniably watchable. The filmmakers had only the best of intentions for its subject matter and the audience.