The film takes place after the end of Vietnam War. It tells the story of a Vietnamese boy, Son, born to a Vietnamese mother, and an African-American father who was fighting in the war but has since returned home to the USA. (The title 'Dust of Life' refers to the Vietnamese word for children of such mixed Amerasian parentage.) Son is taken away from his mother and confined to a labour camp, where life is harsh and chances of release slim. Together with some other boys from the camp, Son attempts to escape.