Watch FTA

In 1972, Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland starred in the movie FTA, a groundbreaking documentary film about the anti-Vietnam War movement. The film was directed by Francine Parker and featured a cast of protestors and activists including John Kerry, as well as performers like Ben Vereen and Holly Near. The title of the movie stands for "Free Theater Associates," a group that was formed to provide anti-war entertainment for soldiers stationed in the Pacific. The film follows Fonda and Sutherland as they tour military bases in Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, and Guam, performing skits, songs, and speeches that criticize the war and the military-industrial complex.

Throughout their tour, Fonda and Sutherland speak with soldiers and civilians alike, exploring themes of peace, justice, and resistance. The film captures the zeitgeist of the early 70s, capturing the fervor and intensity of the anti-war movement.

One of the most compelling aspects of FTA is its unflinching critique of the United States military and its role in the Vietnam War. Fonda and Sutherland are unapologetically critical of the military hierarchy, arguing that war is a tool of the capitalist class to maintain power and control. They speak out against the draft, the mistreatment of soldiers, and the brutality of the war itself.

At the same time, the film is deeply compassionate towards the soldiers who are caught up in the war. Fonda and Sutherland make a point of talking to soldiers and listening to their stories, recognizing the ways in which the war has damaged and traumatized them. They perform skits and songs that humanize soldiers and critique the military hierarchy without demonizing individual soldiers.

The performances in FTA are truly astounding, featuring a wide range of talented performers and artists. Ben Vereen, for example, gives a breathtaking performance of "Mr. Bojangles," which he dedicates to soldiers who have committed suicide. Holly Near sings searing critiques of American imperialism, while the FTA troupe performs hilarious skits that lampoon the absurdity of war.

Despite its powerful message and incredible performances, FTA remains a relatively unknown film. This is likely due in part to controversy surrounding Jane Fonda's activism during the Vietnam War. Fonda was notoriously vilified by many conservatives for her outspoken opposition to the war, and she received death threats as a result. Some critics have argued that FTA was ignored by mainstream media because of its association with Fonda and her political activism.

Despite these challenges, FTA stands as a powerful testament to the anti-war movement of the 1970s. The film captures the energy, creativity, and passion of a generation of activists who fought for peace and justice in the face of violence and oppression. It is a poignant reminder that the struggle for a more just and equitable world is ongoing, and that the power of collective action can effect real change.

FTA is a 1972 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 75.