Watch Saigon Year of the Cat

Saigon Year of the Cat is a 1983 drama film set in Vietnam, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Judi Dench, Chic Murray, and Yim Hoontrakul. The movie is set during the Vietnam War and follows the story of Barbara Dean (played by Judi Dench), a British journalist who travels to Saigon, Vietnam to cover the war. The film begins with Barbara arriving in Saigon and quickly immersing herself in the chaotic and dangerous world of war journalism. She meets a diverse cast of characters, including photographers, colleagues, and locals who have been affected by the war. Among them is a local Vietnamese man named Chau (played by Yim Hoontrakul), who becomes her interpreter and guide throughout her time in Saigon.

Throughout the film, we see a vivid portrayal of the Vietnam War and its impact on the people who lived through it. The film does not shy away from showing the horrors of war, including scenes of violence, destruction, and death. Barbara finds herself struggling to make sense of the conflict and its toll on the people, and she becomes increasingly disillusioned with the American involvement in the war.

One of the most compelling characters in the film is a Scottish photographer named Flynn (played by Chic Murray), who becomes Barbara's friend and confidante. Flynn is a war-torn veteran of conflicts all over the world, and he has become cynical and jaded about the war in Vietnam. His perspective on the war is a stark contrast to Barbara's, and the two characters engage in many heated debates and discussions about the nature of journalism and their roles in covering the war.

As the film progresses, Barbara becomes more and more invested in the people of Vietnam and their struggle for independence. She forms a deep emotional connection with Chau and his family, who are caught in the crossfire of the war. Barbara is torn between her duty as a journalist and her desire to help the people who have been affected by the war. In the end, she must make a difficult decision that has lasting consequences for both her and Chau.

Saigon Year of the Cat is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the human cost of war and the ethical dilemmas that journalists face when covering conflicts. The performances of the cast are exceptional, with Judi Dench delivering a nuanced and complex portrayal of a journalist struggling to do her job in a dangerous and complicated environment. Chic Murray's performance as the grizzled Scottish photographer is also noteworthy, providing a counterbalance to Dench's character and a unique perspective on the war.

Overall, Saigon Year of the Cat is a must-see for anyone interested in the Vietnam War or the role of journalism in conflict zones. It is a haunting portrayal of the human toll of war, and it will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Saigon Year of the Cat is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.