One thing that always bugs me about this movie is the ending. The movie claims that Gene (Mel Gibson) wins the Thailand State Lottery and then a year later Billy (Robert Downey, Jr.) is caught fixing the Thailand Lottery. I know this movie is somewhat based on truth, but I find this really hard to believe. Anybody know if there is any truth to lottery winning/fixing? Does the book mention anything about it?
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Oh, it was certainly true (in a way). In the year the film was made, several people in Thailand were caught rigging the lottery. I do not think any of them were Air America people, but several high-ups in Thailand were implicated.
shareNot that I don't believe you but do you have any references to back this up?
shareUnfortunately this movie bears virtually no resemblance to the book. There's a whole chapter in the revised edition of the book dedicated to the movie which debunks the themes of the movie, including the opium bit.
Personally I really found the movie and the ending entertaining, but it really was a bit of an insult to the folks who worked (and died) for AA in China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
What do you mean 'including the opium bit' ??? You're not seriously suggesting that people are DENYING that Air America was heavily involved in the Opium trade in the 'Golden Triangle' area of S/E Asia during 'The Secret War' in Laos ?
That which does not Kill me makes me Stranger . .