Watch This Little Land of Mines

This Little Land of Mines is a 2019 documentary that tells the story of Laos, a country still dealing with the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Though the war ended over 40 years ago, Laos remains the most heavily bombed nation per capita in history. During the Vietnam War, the United States dropped over 270 million cluster bombs on Laos, many of which failed to detonate upon impact. These unexploded bombs continue to pose a threat to the people of Laos, as they often resemble toys or other harmless objects and can be accidentally triggered by unsuspecting civilians.

The documentary follows the efforts of an international team of bomb disposal experts as they work alongside the Laotian government to clear the land of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The team is comprised of both Laotian and foreign bomb disposal experts, who must navigate through dense jungle terrain and work can sometimes be highly dangerous due to the presence of unexploded bombs.

Much of the film is dedicated to showing the day-to-day work of the bomb disposal teams, who use metal detectors and other technology to locate the unexploded bombs. They must carefully dig around the bombs and defuse them without causing them to explode. The film also features interviews with survivors of UXO accidents and shows the impact that these accidents have on the local communities.

In addition to following the work of the bomb disposal teams, the film also delves into the history of the Vietnam War and how the bombing of Laos was largely overlooked by the international community. It highlights the continued suffering of the Laotian people as a result of the war, including the high rates of poverty and limited access to healthcare and education.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the resiliency of the people of Laos. Despite living in a country where bombs are still a very real threat to their safety, the Laotian people remain hopeful and determined to build a better future for themselves and their families. The film also highlights the international support that has been given to Laos in its efforts to clear its land of unexploded bombs.

Overall, This Little Land of Mines is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on the lasting impact of the Vietnam War on Laos. It highlights the efforts of those working to clear the land of unexploded bombs, while also showing the resilience of the Laotian people in the face of adversity. Through its compelling storytelling and stunning footage of the Laotian landscape, the documentary offers a unique glimpse into a part of the world that is often overlooked by the international community.

This Little Land of Mines is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.