The boat that gets the Do family out of Vietnam represents freedom. In Vietnam, boats are carefully guarded by the government, and only sold on the black market at high cost by dangerous criminals. The boat that Anh’s father purchases is not a particularly good one, suffering mechanical failure along the way—although the failure of one engine is their saving grace as the pirates leave the broken engine behind. Anh’s father is able to repair the engine, making their way to safety.

Reebok basketball shoes represent Anh’s fascination with western culture. Although many of his friends have them, he is never able to get a pair of his own due to how little money his family has. However, this turns out to be a blessing, as the thugs who rob him don’t beat him for his shoes as they do to another boy. In this incident, Anh sees that all things have a purpose. 

This business venture of Anh’s father represents ambition and ingenuity. Anh’s father takes the modest business gains from their sewing business, and starts a new venture that could raise the family’s status to the next level. However, it ends in a spectacular failure.