i be afraid i will have to add my name to the long list of people who remain flabbergasted that this film have still not ( sept 2007 ) be issue on dvd . it one of those mystery that make the mind boggle and especially when you consider the amount of dvd available today contain material that should have be bin year ago . still i have an excellent digital vhs copy in english with subtitle and nicam stereo so my qualm be more one of principle than a frustration at not be able to view the film . a to the film itself and this be an excellent all rounder with good picture quality and more than satisfactory soundtrack and lively plot involve suspense and emotion and sadness and frustration and feeling good and exotic surroundings ( for a european ) . how true the film fit in with the reality in burma i have no idea and indeed and that be less important and the essential thing be that entertainment wise and it be a success . one soon become attach to each of the main character and i admit to have my heart in my mouth during the final cross the river scene . it a shame we hear so little about country such a burma and this film at least give some insight into the country . have the situation change since 1995 . the event which be to occur later this month seem to answer this question with a resounding no and the regime in place seem to be as brutal a ever and not even spar the life of monk and let alone woman or child .