Watch Bomb Harvest

Bomb Harvest is a riveting documentary film directed by Australian filmmaker, Kim Mordaunt, that takes viewers on a journey to Laos, a country that has been ravaged by the effects of the Vietnam War for over 30 years. The film explores the devastating impact of unexploded bombs scattered across the country, which have taken the lives of over 20,000 people and left many more permanently injured.

The movie follows the experiences of an Australian bomb disposal expert named Laith Stevens as he travels to Laos to help clear UXOs (unexploded ordnances) scattered around the country. His mission, which sees him descend into forests and villages in rural Laos, is to locate and detonate these hidden explosives, which pose a significant threat to the local population.

Stevens is a fascinating, intelligent, and charismatic character who has dedicated his life to disarming bombs. His methods are meticulous, and as a result, he has developed a keen eye for identifying unexploded munitions. In Laos, he works alongside a team of local bomb disposal experts, including Phonesai Silavan, a young Lao man who has been trained by the Australian team.

Together, the team works tirelessly to remove the deadly bombs from the fields and forests where they lie hidden. But as they delve deeper into the heart of the country, they encounter a host of obstacles, including unpredictable weather conditions and the harsh realities of rural life in Laos. Over time, Stevens and his team develop a deep affection for the people they meet, and they begin to understand the complexities of the situation they face.

The film is incredibly well-researched, and it sheds light on the devastating impact of the Vietnam War on Laos, which is one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world. The bombs were dropped by American forces during the Indochina conflict between 1964 and 1973, and many of them remain unexploded to this day. The film also touches on the complicity of many Western countries, including Australia, in the bombing campaign, which has had a lasting impact on the country's infrastructure and left many of its citizens with serious health problems.

In addition to spotlighting the bomb disposal process, Bomb Harvest is also a thought-provoking look at the psychological toll that working with bombs can take on an individual. Stevens, who is a former soldier, speaks candidly about his experiences in combat and the challenges of working in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment. His honesty is refreshing and helps to humanize a group of people who are often seen as larger-than-life heroes.

While the movie offers a sobering look at the devastation wrought by war, it is not without its moments of levity. The local people that Stevens and his team meet are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and their enthusiasm for life is contagious. The movie offers a glimpse into the unique cultural traditions of Laos, including its vibrant music scene and its famous water festival. These moments of joy offer a much-needed respite from the otherwise intense subject matter.

The visual style of the film is outstanding, with stunning footage of the Lao countryside and a haunting score that perfectly captures the mood of the piece. The documentary is well-edited, moving between scenes with ease, which highlights the urgency of the work. The camera work is also consistently impressive, with tight close-ups of Stevens as he dismantles each bomb.

Overall, Bomb Harvest is a remarkable film that sheds light on an issue that is underreported and often ignored. It is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the need to take responsibility for the aftermath of war. The film is both heartbreaking and inspiring and serves as a call to action for people around the world to take a stand against the legacy of war.

Bomb Harvest is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.