With the narrative switching back and forth between Long’s imprisonment and his family’s dangerous escape, Journey From the Fall can feel a tad confusing. The structure also dilutes some of the terror of not knowing what happened to their loved ones. But what’s shown is already potent in and of itself, starting with the folktales of Kim Quy and Le Loi, and intercutting to faded, happier memories, to highlight the perseverance and faith the family held in order to survive and fight for a better life. While banned in Vietnam, Journey From the Fall nonetheless rings true for plenty of Vietnamese refugees that had to leave during this difficult time in history.