Watch Agent Orange: 30 Years Later

Agent Orange: 30 Years Later is a documentary film that covers the widespread use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and its after-effects. The film was produced in 2008, a full 30 years after the war had ended, to highlight the effects of this chemical defoliant on both the Vietnamese people and the American servicemen who were exposed to it.

The film starts by setting the historical context of the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. It then moves on to provide a detailed analysis of the chemical itself, explaining its composition and how it was used as a tactical weapon by the US military. The documentary gives an overview of the various names used for the defoliant which was also known as 'Operation Ranch Hand.'

As the film progresses, it begins to investigate the human impact of Agent Orange. It documents severe health problems that Americans who were exposed to the chemical suffered long after the war, including cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses. The film follows several veterans who have been unable to claim benefits because the government refused to acknowledge Agent Orange as the cause of their illnesses.

In parallel with the effects of Agent Orange on American servicemen, the documentary also examines its impact on the Vietnamese population, both during and after the Vietnam War. The film explores the use of Agent Orange and other herbicides by the US military to clear fields and forests that the Viet Cong were using as cover. The pesticide was spread in areas so that plants would die, which often led to the destruction of entire areas of forest. This had a severe impact on the Vietnamese population, many of whom were left without a source of income.

The film features interviews with Vietnamese people still dealing with the effects of Agent Orange. These interviews provide a heart-wrenching insight into the suffering of this group, who often have severely disabled children and grandchildren as a result of exposure to the chemical. These people recount how they were exposed to the defoliant, either when it was sprayed from planes or as a result of ingesting polluted food and water.

Agent Orange: 30 Years Later is an incredibly powerful documentary that is a reminder of the long-term damage that wars can cause. It exposes the inadequate treatment of American servicemen by the US government, as well as the profound impact the defoliant has had on the Vietnamese population. This film serves as a critical reminder of why wars need to be avoided and why it is so important to give due recognition to those who have sacrificed themselves for their countries.

The film also stresses that the effects of the use of this chemical are still present in Vietnam’s people and soil, and that it will take many years for the country to recover from the devastation. Despite efforts to clean up the contaminated areas in Vietnam, areas remain contaminated, leaving many Vietnamese people still living with the effects of Agent Orange.

In conclusion, Agent Orange: 30 Years Later is an emotional and eye-opening documentary that provides an excellent insight into the devastating impact of war on civilian populations. The film is a crucial reminder of the importance of learning from history and taking steps to control the use of harmful chemicals in conflicts, for the sake of both soldiers and civilians caught up in the battles. The film is an essential watch for anyone interested in the lasting impact of Agent Orange, as well as the ongoing battle for recognition and compensation for those affected by this brutal toxin.