Which Way Is East

Which Way Is East is an intriguing, almost impressionistic documentary that explores the cultural, historical, and personal landscapes of Vietnam, excellently crafted by the sibling duo, Lynne Sachs and Dana Sachs.

Central to the film’s narrative is the merging of the personal with the political, a theme that elevates the charm and intrigue of the documentary. Lynne Sachs, known for her thought-provoking works, appears in this film along with her sister Dana Sachs, adding real life sisterhood connection to the movie. What began as Lynne's casual visit to her sister in Vietnam, gradually morphs into an inquisitive journey through the country’s rich history and culture.

The film takes place in 1994, a time when Vietnam was beginning to open up to the West, yet the residues of the intense political history were still prominent. In the travel-centric narrative, Dana, a journalist and translator, serves as Lynne's guide, exploring the nooks and crannies of the Vietnamese culture, history, and daily life. The sisters navigate the city streets of Ho Chi Minh City (a.k.a. Saigon), the quietude of rural areas, and several other parts of Vietnam with an ever-curious eye and a keen sense of observation.

A captivating element of 'Which Way Is East' is its storytelling approach. The story unfolds in a diary-like style, wherein Lynne’s personal narration chronicles her experiences during the trip. This format is incredibly effective in offering viewers an insight into Vietnam's complex realities through a foreign lens, without shying away from the raw truths and contradictions of the nation's past. As the sisters delve deeper into their journey, they interact with Vietnamese citizens in conversations, showcasing a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives from the land itself.

The interviews are insightful, ranging from casual chats with street fruit vendors to discussions with war veterans who share their experiences with the American ‘guests.’ These encounters serve to construct a collective narrative that resonates with the humanity of the people, their unyielding spirit, and the lasting impact of the country's turbulent history.

The visual narrative also exudes a distinctive aura, weaving together an assemblage of vivid images, like a colorful mosaic of Vietnam’s everyday life. From the hustle and bustle of city life to the serenity of the Mekong Delta's countryside, these images are paired exquisitely with Lynne’s reflective voice-over, breathing life into the documentary.

In the movie 'Which Way Is East,' the Sachs sisters manage to seamlessly integrate political analysis, cultural observation, and personal revelation, creating a multifaceted dialogue. It is not a film that seeks to answer all questions about a country that has seen so much over the past decades. Instead, it attempts to venture beyond the scope of broadcast journalism to offer a more nuanced, immersive, and empathetic exploration of Vietnam through its peaks and valleys.

The documentary evokes a sense of ‘journey,’ not just physical, but also metaphorical. It travels through vivid terrains and traverses history, culture, memory, experience, and personal connections. The movie investigates how these dimensions intersect and interact, defying preformed assumptions and promoting a discourse of understanding and empathy.

Lynne Sachs' celebrated poeticism shines throughout, opening up a cinematic space that invites viewers to meditate upon the cultural nuances of Vietnam while reflecting on broader themes of history, imperial residue, human connection, and the constant evolution of societies. This journey, alternately wondrous and unsettling, humorous and enlightening, makes 'Which Way Is East' an enriching spectacle of discovery.

'Which Way Is East' is as much about its creators' transformation as it is about the Vietnam they explore, making it a beautiful travelogue, a historical documentary, a sisterly bonding saga, and a profound study of ‘self.’

In conclusion, 'Which Way Is East,' though a short, low-budget film, boasts a depth and complexity that transcends its limitations. Its strength lies in its ability to evoke a plethora of emotions and thoughts about a Vietnam that is much more than a space inscribed in a geopoliticized world. Above all, it is a film that beautifully illustrates that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination, as the title cleverly suggests.