Watch My Father's Vietnam

My Father's Vietnam is a poignant documentary that deftly weaves together three compelling narratives about war, love, and memory. Directed by Soren Sorensen and released in 2015, the film focuses on the experiences of three Vietnam veterans who served in the same unit: Glenn Aurelius, Loring Bailey Sr., and Stephen L. Clark. Through a series of interviews, archival footage, and evocative soundscapes, the film reveals how these men were forever changed by their time in the war, and how it continues to shape their relationships with their loved ones, their communities, and themselves.

At the heart of the film is the story of Glenn Aurelius, a soft-spoken man who served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War. As he shares his memories with his daughter and son-in-law, we learn about the harrowing missions he flew and the close bonds he formed with his fellow soldiers. But more than that, we see how his experiences in the war profoundly affected his relationship with his family when he returned home. He struggled with PTSD, avoided talking about his time in Vietnam, and ultimately took his own life. Through Glenn's story, the film explores the toll that war takes not only on the soldiers themselves but on their families and communities as well.

Alongside Glenn's story, My Father's Vietnam delves into the experiences of Loring Bailey Sr. and Stephen L. Clark, two other veterans who served in the same unit as Glenn. Loring, an African American soldier, reflects on the racism he encountered in the army and the bonds he formed with his fellow soldiers, including Glenn. Stephen, who served as a medic, shares his memories of trying to save the lives of wounded soldiers and struggling to reconcile the horrors he witnessed with his Christian faith.

What makes My Father's Vietnam such a powerful documentary is the way it intertwines these individual stories with the larger historical context of the Vietnam War. Through archival footage and a haunting score by composer Nathan Halpern, the film immerses us in the sights and sounds of the war, from helicopters swooping over jungle canopies to the deafening roar of gunfire. But rather than glorifying the war or demonizing those who fought in it, the film offers a nuanced, humanistic portrait of three men who were caught up in a complex and devastating conflict.

One of the most striking aspects of My Father's Vietnam is the way it blurs the line between memory and reality. The film is populated by old photographs, faded letters, and other artifacts of the past, which are juxtaposed with contemporary footage of the veterans and their families. This creates a sense of fluidity between different time periods and perspectives, allowing the film to explore the lingering impact of the war on multiple generations.

Ultimately, what emerges from My Father's Vietnam is a powerful meditation on the ways in which war shapes our lives and our identities. Through the voices of three veterans and their loved ones, the film offers a window into a conflict that continues to reverberate throughout American society. By blending documentary footage, personal testimony, and creative visual and sonic techniques, Soren Sorensen has created a work of art that is both deeply moving and intellectually engaging. Anyone interested in the Vietnam War, or in the human cost of war more broadly, will find much to appreciate in this remarkable film.

My Father's Vietnam is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.