Watch Be Good, Smile Pretty

Be Good, Smile Pretty is a moving, emotionally charged documentary that explores the aftermath of the Vietnam War from the perspective of the families left behind. Directed by Tracy Droz Tragos, the film follows Tragos' own journey as she tries to piece together the story of her father, a Navy pilot who died in the war when she was just six months old.

As Tragos sets out to uncover the truth about her father, she talks to other family members of soldiers who died in Vietnam. Through their stories, we learn about the impact that the war had on families across the country -- from the pride and patriotism that led so many young men to enlist, to the anguish and heartbreak of their loved ones when they didn't return home.

The film is both an intimate exploration of grief and loss, and a broader meditation on the meaning and legacy of the Vietnam War. Through interviews with family members, archival footage, and personal narration, Tragos brings the experience of the war and its aftermath vividly to life. We see the letters and photographs that soldiers sent home, the telegrams notifying families of their loved ones' deaths, and the anguished reactions of those left behind.

What emerges is a portrait of a country struggling to come to terms with a war that tore it apart. Veterans returning from Vietnam were often treated with suspicion and hostility, while their families were left to mourn in silence. The film suggests that this silence was a kind of collective denial -- a refusal to confront the horrors of the war and its lasting impact on those who fought in it and those who loved them.

Despite the weighty subject matter, Be Good, Smile Pretty is a surprisingly uplifting film. Tragos' journey is one of discovery and healing, as she comes to understand her father and his sacrifice in a powerful new way. And the strength and resilience of the families she talks to is inspiring -- despite the pain and grief they've experienced, they are determined to honor the memory of their loved ones and to make sure their stories are not forgotten.

The film also raises important questions about how we remember the Vietnam War, and how we can ensure that future generations understand its impact. Tragos suggests that the war remains a kind of open wound in American history -- one that we have yet to fully acknowledge or come to terms with. By giving voice to the families who suffered most deeply, she shows us what is at stake in the ongoing effort to reckon with the legacy of the war.

Overall, Be Good, Smile Pretty is a deeply affecting documentary that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or grappled with the meaning of war. Through Tragos' personal journey and the stories of other families, it reminds us of the human cost of conflict, and the importance of honoring those who gave their lives for our country. If you're looking for a thought-provoking, emotionally powerful film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, Be Good, Smile Pretty is a must-see.

Be Good, Smile Pretty is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes.