Whilst first of all making an attempt to in finding the lodge in Saigon, Chickie will get instructions from a visitors officer named Hieu, performed via Kevin Ok. Tran. The persona does no longer seem within the movie’s supply subject material (“The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty, and Warfare” via Donohue and J.T. Molloy), and was once created for the movie.
Hieu loves that Chickie is from The us, as a result of he is a large fan of the musical/movie “Oklahoma!”. They shape a snappy bond — and if you happen to watch carefully, chances are you’ll realize that as they section, Chickie thank you “Oklahoma” via giving him a snappy finger-gun salute. This might be noticed as foreshadowing that Hieu shall be shot and killed.
The subsequent time they meet, Oklahoma provides Chickie instructions to the American Embassy. He asks the place Chickie lives, so he can talk over with him in The us when he flies over to see the actual Oklahoma. Chickie is touched and excited, and gives to purchase him a drink when he arrives in New york.
Chickie meets a bit woman and her mom who’re frightened of him. So long as Hieu is alive, alternatively, he can proceed clinging to a trust that the mum and daughter are the exception and Hieu is the guideline — the Vietnamese do not hate American citizens, they are satisfied we are right here.
However as soon as Saigon will get attacked, he sees Hieu mendacity useless on the street. He tries to pull him to protection, however it is little need. The rest of Chickie’s optimism dies with Hieu.