Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder

Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder is a film made in 1982, taking place in The Vietnam War. It centers upon a young, and somewhat unscrupulous medic, named Brian Anderson, who makes extra money on the side dealing drugs. His life is forever changed when he meets an Army doctor who persuades him to help her save a group of war orphans. First, she appeals to his sense of guilt; then she blackmails him into assisting. The children are cared for by a few Vietnamese nuns. The doctor and the medic bring them badly needed food and supplies. To do this, they must face enemy bombs and the resistance of the US government. It is loosely Based on a True Story.

Tropes used in Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder include:

Bittersweet Ending: In the end, Anderson adopts the broken girl, but when finalizing her adoption, she's caught in a Viet Cong trap, her last words are to tell Anderson "I love you."
Broken Bird: One of the orphans is very broken.
Hey, It's That Guy!: Freddy Krueger was in the Vietnam War? And his best friend was Dr. Martin Ruber?
Keep Circulating the Tapes: This movie has long been out of print and the company that originally produced it, Sanrio Communications, has since been dissolved. It is unlikely that this film will ever see an official DVD release. Someone did, however, upload the entire film onto YouTube.
The Promise: Anderson's promise to his friend is the impetus for the story.
Rape as Backstory: The reason for the broken cutie.
Tear Jerker: Given the subject matter, it's hardly surprising. This was shown in a military barracks, and there wasn't a dry eye in the audience.
Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism: Anderson starts out very cynical, and self serving, but starts to care for the orphans.
The Vietnam War: The setting for the movie.