Last Days in Vietnam

The 2014 documentary film, "Last Days in Vietnam", explores the final weeks of the Vietnam War, as the North Vietnamese Army closed in on Saigon and the South Vietnamese resistance crumbled. This film is directed by Rory Kennedy, an American documentary filmmaker who is well-known for her in-depth and detailed chronicles of prominent social issues. The individuals who appeared in the documentary as narrators include Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States; Henry Kissinger, a former US National Security Advisor and Secretary of State; and Stuart Herrington, a retired US Army Colonel.

Though Nixon, Kissinger, and Herrington do not star in the film as characters, given it is a documentary, they provide first-hand accounts and commentary on the confusing, desperate and tragic moments these last days of the Vietnam War had. Their personal recollections and insights on the thought process behind the decisions taken, paint a vivid and a poignant picture of these tumultuous times.

The film is meticulously researched and it manages to shed some new light into the often-misunderstood conclusion of the Vietnam War. Rory Kennedy is successful in carefully collecting and communicating these series of alarming decisions that led to the devastating and chaotic finale.

"Last Days in Vietnam" features rarely seen, archival footage, secret audio recordings from the White House, as well as interviews with people who were on the ground as Saigon fell. It maintains the suspense and wrought tension of a thriller, as the viewers observe the disarray and desperation of the last few days. It exposes the chaos on the ground when the U.S. had to evacuate Vietnamese who had worked with American forces and were most likely to endure severe reprisals.

Tension escalates throughout the film as archival footage shows that evacuation plans were barred until the very end to avoid causing panic, while North Vietnamese forces advanced much faster than anticipated. The audience gets to witness how American officials and soldiers, both Vietnamese and American civilians scramble to evacuate under exceedingly tense conditions.

Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger's involvement explores historical context and political maneuvering. Nixon, who was serving his term as President during the withdrawal, and Kissinger, who was the Secretary of State, provide interesting narratives about their political strategies and fears. The film does an impressive job offering insights into Nixon's diplomacy during the war, and into Kissinger's sensitive negotiations with both the North and South Vietnamese.

Colonel Stuart Herrington shares his recollections and experiences as one of the American officials involved in the evacuation effort. He becomes the documentary’s main storyteller as he relates various incidents during those final hours when the North Vietnamese army was on the outskirts of Saigon. His story serves as a crucial eye-witness account.

Together, these narratives of the people who were actually there, combined with the highly dramatic archival and news footage, give viewers a hard-hitting look at the harrowing human costs of war, and the desperate efforts made to end it.

"Last Days in Vietnam" does not shy away from the hard questions about the morality of the war and its conclusion. It examines the consequential decisions made by U.S. policymakers, the unrealized opportunities for peace, and most importantly, the tremendous human costs. It provides a sobering reminder of the trauma generated by the war, the sacrifices made, and the lives forever impacted.

The film is a poignant and fascinating exploration of a critical moment in American history. It’s a riveting, thought-provoking, and impactful documentation of the impacts of war, the courage it engenders, and the human spirit it reveals. With a focus on storytelling that incorporates intrigue, tension, and remarkable human stories, "Last Days in Vietnam" is an unforgettable viewing experience. It is not merely a historical documentary, it's a testament to the human spirit – for better and for worse.