Vietnam's Unseen War: Pictures from the Other Side

Watch Vietnam's Unseen War: Pictures from the Other Side

  • 2002
  • 1 Season

Vietnam's Unseen War: Pictures from the Other Side is a documentary show produced by National Geographic that explores the Vietnam War through the lenses of Vietnamese photographers. Unlike most of the visual content that depicts this historic conflict, this show provides a unique perspective of the war from the other side of the battlefield, showing never-before-seen photographs taken by Vietnamese journalists who risked their lives to capture images of the war.

The series is narrated by actor and activist LeVar Burton, who guides viewers through the stories behind the photographs and the photographers who took them. The five-episode series takes a deep dive into the startling imagery captured by Vietnamese photographers during one of the most tumultuous times in human history.

Each episode of the series focuses on a different theme, such as the Vietnamese perspective on the conflict, the impact of Agent Orange, the Tet Offensive, women in wartime, and the legacy of the war. The episodes are constructed in a non-linear narrative, combining interviews with experts and archival footage of the war alongside the riveting photographic material.

The series provides an in-depth view of the Vietnam War through the eyes of the Vietnamese people, who were hugely impacted by the conflict. The Vietnamese photographers featured in the series offer an unprecedented view of the conflict, presenting their own struggles and their perspective on what was happening in their country during the war.

One of the main strengths of Vietnam's Unseen War is its ability to humanize the Vietnamese people, who too often are portrayed as faceless enemies in media. The images and stories presented in the show are meant to help viewers understand the plight of the average Vietnamese citizen, and how the war impacted their lives, their families, and their country.

The show also provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and the forces that shape it. The series is not afraid to question dominant narratives about the Vietnam War, and to challenge assumptions about the role of the United States and other foreign powers. By presenting a rarely-seen perspective of the war, Vietnam's Unseen War challenges viewers to consider the limits of their own understanding of history and to seek a more nuanced view of this complex conflict.

Overall, Vietnam's Unseen War: Pictures from the Other Side is an important and thought-provoking series that provides a new perspective on the Vietnam War. By exploring the conflict through the voices and lenses of Vietnamese photographers, this show offers a unique opportunity for viewers to learn about the human realities of the war and to re-examine their own assumptions about this historic event. For anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War or in photography as a medium for social commentary, Vietnam's Unseen War is a must-see.

Filter by Source
No sources available
Seasons
Vietnam's Unseen War: Pictures from the Other Side
1. Vietnam's Unseen War: Pictures from the Other Side
January 20, 2002
National Geographic filmmakers present this sobering view of the Vietnam War, as seen through the eyes and lenses of Vietnamese photographers.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    January 20, 2002