Ep 10. Vietnam Under Communism

Vietnam Under Communism is the tenth and final episode of Frontline's third season. The episode takes the audience on a gripping journey through the history of communist rule in Vietnam. It explores the struggles, conflicts, and sentiments of the Vietnamese people against the backdrop of a communist revolution, which dramatically altered the country's landscape, economy, and social fabric.

The show highlights the early days of the communist movement in Vietnam which started after the end of World War II. The episode brings forward historic audio and visual footage from the archives of the Vietnam War, including an interview with Ho Chi Minh who led the Communist Party and spearheaded the fight for Vietnam's independence from France. This candid interview provides insight into the hopes and dreams of Ho Chi Minh for his country, including Socialism and equality for all.

The episode then moves on to the era of the American War when the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces fought against the American-backed South Vietnamese government. The show depicts the struggle of the Vietnamese people, their determination to fight, and how the war devastated their way of living. The war saw unprecedented human suffering, with millions of Vietnamese losing their lives and homes. The episode interviews surviving soldiers and civilians to recount personal experiences firsthand, making the struggle more human.

The audience gets to see how the Vietnam War shaped the consciousness of the youth in the country and gave impetus to their resolve to build a better future. The episode focuses on how the Vietnamese people began rebuilding their country once the war ended in 1975. It also explores the challenges the country faced as the Communist Party took control of the nation, and how the people were called upon to rebuild their country from scratch.

The show takes the audience on a visual tour of Vietnam, showing the progress made in different sectors, including education, agriculture, infrastructure, and healthcare. Through interviews with local residents, Frontline does an excellent job of depicting the transformation of Vietnam under communism and how it changed the lives of its citizens.

The episode concludes by looking at contemporary Vietnam and how the communist government has had to adapt to a rapidly changing world. It examines the changes in Vietnam's economy, including the growth of the private sector and foreign investment, and how the country's leaders have navigated the complex challenges of globalization, climate change, and security threats.

Overall, Vietnam Under Communism is a powerful and compelling episode that provides a unique and insightful look into the history of Vietnam under communist rule. It combines stunning visuals with personal interviews and historic archives to create an excellent documentary that is both engaging and informative. This episode of Frontline is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of communism and its impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.