A Home Too Far
In 1950s, Chinese Civil War ends with the defeat of Republic of China and the establishment of Communist China. The 93rd Division's soldiers take their families with them, exit southwestern China and enter northern Burma (Myanmar). The hike through forest is full of disasters and short of supplies, but the survivors reach and settle within border of Burma. They build a village, and ally with local armed gang to resist Burmese government's attacks. Later, the relocated government of Republic of China offers to take the soldiers and dependents to Taiwan, but some are disappointed with the government and decide to stay.
The film earned $22.2M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
A Home Too Far (1990) showcases carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Kevin Chu's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 5 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Opening images establish the protagonist's comfortable but unfulfilling life in their hometown, showing daily routines and familiar surroundings that feel safe but limiting.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when An unexpected opportunity or crisis forces the protagonist to consider leaving home—perhaps a job offer, family emergency, or revelation that disrupts the comfortable status quo.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 32 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to The protagonist makes the active choice to leave home and embark on their journey, crossing into unfamiliar territory despite fears and the pull of what they're leaving behind., moving from reaction to action.
At 63 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat A false victory where the protagonist appears to have successfully adapted to their new life, perhaps achieving a goal or forming meaningful connections, but underlying tensions and unresolved issues remain., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 95 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Everything falls apart—a critical failure or loss occurs that makes the protagonist question their entire journey. A relationship ends, an opportunity is lost, or they receive devastating news from home., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 100 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. A realization or new information allows the protagonist to synthesize their old identity with their new experiences, understanding that home is not just a place but a state of being they carry within., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
A Home Too Far's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping A Home Too Far against these established plot points, we can identify how Kevin Chu utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish A Home Too Far within the war genre.
Kevin Chu's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Kevin Chu films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.4, reflecting strong command of classical structure. A Home Too Far takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Kevin Chu filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional war films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Fury and Sarah's Key. For more Kevin Chu analyses, see Kung Fu Dunk, New Perfect Two.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Opening images establish the protagonist's comfortable but unfulfilling life in their hometown, showing daily routines and familiar surroundings that feel safe but limiting.
Theme
A supporting character remarks that "sometimes the place that feels farthest away is the one we need most," hinting at the film's central exploration of belonging, distance, and home.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of key relationships, family dynamics, and the protagonist's internal conflict between staying in familiar territory and pursuing something more. We see the routines, obligations, and connections that define their current world.
Disruption
An unexpected opportunity or crisis forces the protagonist to consider leaving home—perhaps a job offer, family emergency, or revelation that disrupts the comfortable status quo.
Resistance
The protagonist wrestles with the decision to leave, seeking advice from family and friends. Resistance and doubt emerge as they weigh the risks of departing versus the safety of staying.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The protagonist makes the active choice to leave home and embark on their journey, crossing into unfamiliar territory despite fears and the pull of what they're leaving behind.
Mirror World
Introduction of a new relationship or mentor figure in the unfamiliar setting who represents a different way of living and thinking, embodying the thematic alternative to the protagonist's old worldview.
Premise
The protagonist explores their new environment, experiencing both the excitement of discovery and the challenges of adaptation. This section delivers on the promise of what happens when someone leaves home.
Midpoint
A false victory where the protagonist appears to have successfully adapted to their new life, perhaps achieving a goal or forming meaningful connections, but underlying tensions and unresolved issues remain.
Opposition
The protagonist's past catches up with them, or the new situation reveals its true difficulties. Homesickness, cultural conflicts, or personal flaws create mounting pressure and complications.
Collapse
Everything falls apart—a critical failure or loss occurs that makes the protagonist question their entire journey. A relationship ends, an opportunity is lost, or they receive devastating news from home.
Crisis
In the emotional aftermath, the protagonist confronts their deepest fears about identity, belonging, and what "home" truly means. A period of reflection and darkness before clarity emerges.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
A realization or new information allows the protagonist to synthesize their old identity with their new experiences, understanding that home is not just a place but a state of being they carry within.
Synthesis
The protagonist takes decisive action based on their newfound understanding, confronting the central conflict and making peace with both where they came from and where they are now.
Transformation
Final image shows the protagonist in a state that mirrors the opening but demonstrates profound internal change—they have found home within themselves, whether physically returning or staying in the new place.