The Vietnam War (2017)

The Vietnam War is a ten-part, 18-hour documentary series from the renowned filmmaking team, Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Released in 2017 by PBS, this enlightening and often bone-chilling series delves into the complex and controversial era of the Vietnam War. This epic event is explored from multiple angles, including the personal stories and experiences of the ordinary people who lived through it.

The Vietnam War aims to present a meticulously researched, comprehensive exploration of the conflict, and it accomplishes precisely that. The filmmakers embarked on a ten-year journey to compile archival footage, photographs, television broadcasts, home movies, and secret audio recordings from the Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administrations. To further encourage a well-rounded perspective, the series integrates more than 100 personal testimonies from Americans who fought in the war, Americans who protested against it, and Vietnamese soldiers and civilians from both the winning and losing sides.

The Vietnam War opens with a premise that sets the tone of the entire series: there is no single truth in war. This multi-lensed perspective renders a complex, in-depth, and holistic narrative that surpasses the myopic ‘us versus them’ dichotomy. The series explores the intersections of the human experience in war, diving into the psychological, political, social, and cultural nuances of this tumultuous period.

Featuring evocative narration by Peter Coyote, the series is further shaped by an impressive soundscape. The Vietnam War draws upon more than 120 songs from the period, including tracks from legends like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. The atmospheric original music is composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and the haunting score recorded in Vietnam by Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble.

The Vietnam War also uncovers how the conflict was a byproduct of several decades of tensions. The series meticulously constructs the timeline of the war, tracing back to the end of World War II when a freed Europe upended the global balance of power. This comprehensive historical thread illustrates the build-up to the war and the series underscores the human cost, documenting how the war claimed the lives of over 58,000 Americans and up to 3 million Vietnamese.

Burns and Novick are known for painstakingly humanizing history, and The Vietnam War is no exception. The creators artfully bridge the gap between dry historical fact and human story, prizing individual experience and perspectives. Weaving in personal narratives with historical detail, the series highlights the voices of nurses, journalists, and protesters alongside soldiers, lending real-life complexity to the conventionally streamlined narrative of the war.

Promoting no political agenda, The Vietnam War aims to provide a platform for soldiers, civilians, and protesters to share their experiences, to archive their truths about the war that defined a generation. The series is simultaneously a deep-dive exploration of an essential piece of history and a gut-wrenching exploration of the human experience. It is a reverent remembrance and an invaluable educational tool, provoking meaningful conversation about the massive impact and legacy of the war.

The Vietnam War doesn't paint a simplistic picture of heroes and villains. Instead, it presents a gritty, visceral plunge into the heart of a horribly complex war, illuminating the intricate dynamics of power, propaganda, and human nature. The infamous war is seen in almost microscopic detail, its causes, consequences, and global impacts dissected and displayed for open contemplation.

Despite the immersion into chaos, pain, and despair, The Vietnam War does not wallow in grim narratives. The series also shines a light on redemption, reconciliation, and healing, capturing those individuals striving to mend broken relationships and piece together shattered national identities, offering a compelling tale of human resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

In conclusion, The Vietnam War is more than a historical account of one of the most contentious events of the 20th century. This elaborate compilation of personal narratives, archival materials, and diverse perspectives, makes it a landmark achievement in documentary filmmaking, a transcendent illustration of the human experience in the crucible of war. The series gifts its viewers an immersive journey through a defining period of history, provoking a nuanced understanding and fostering a conversation that extends far beyond the screen.