Watch The Big Picture - The Hidden War in Vietnam
- NR
- 2007
- 29 min
The Big Picture - The Hidden War in Vietnam is a compelling and eye-opening documentary that explores the untold story of the Vietnam War. The film takes viewers on a journey through time, shedding light on the war's hidden truths and conflicts that were once not-so-known or misrepresented by the media. The documentary expertly weaves together a fascinating array of interviews from key players in the conflict, archival footage, photos, and declassified documents. This approach creates a vivid and multifaceted account of the war - from its early days to the human atrocities, to the political manipulations that kept it going for far too long.
The film's opening historical context sets the stage for a close examination of the social and political tensions that led to the intervention of the United States in Vietnam. The interviews with historians, war veterans, politicians, activists, and journalists provide insightful commentary about the conflict and how it was perceived at the time. What comes across clearly is that the war had no clear objective or path to victory, and that the U.S. government had no clear exit strategy.
The documentary focuses on the experience of American soldiers in Vietnam - their struggles, pain, and trauma, all vividly captured through first-hand accounts. The interviews reveal the complexity and contradictions of the soldier's experiences. On one hand, there is a sense of duty and patriotism that drives them to serve. On the other hand, the horrors they witness and the mental and physical scars that they carry with them after the war is over is something they can never forget.
The film also explores the role of the media and the government's handling of the war's perception. Through interviews with journalists and media figures, the documentary exposes how the American public was kept in the dark about the realities of the conflict. The government's propaganda machine manipulated the narrative to spin it positively, downplaying the horrors of the war and the atrocities that were being committed.
As the documentary tells its story, the filmmakers uncover several hidden truths about the war that were never known before. For example, they reveal how the CIA conducted covert operations in Laos and Cambodia, which played a major role in the war but were kept hidden from the press and public for decades. They also reveal that Vietnamese civilians suffered immensely during the conflict - not only from American firepower but from their own government's purges and repression. These hidden truths provide an insightful glimpse into the complex nature of the conflict and the propaganda that supported it.
Overall, The Big Picture - The Hidden War in Vietnam is a highly informative documentary that provides an insightful look into the untold story of the Vietnam War. By weaving together interviews with key figures, archival footage, and declassified documents, the film exposes the complexities and contradictions of the confiect. It sheds light on the hidden truths and reveals how the media and government was involved in spinning a narrative that was not entirely truthful. Whether you are a history buff or just curious about the untold stories of conflict, The Big Picture - The Hidden War in Vietnam is a must-watch documentary.