Watch Far from Vietnam

Far from Vietnam is a collective documentary film that explores the anti-war sentiments of French filmmakers during the Vietnam War. Released in 1967, the movie was directed by six different directors who were members of the French New Wave movement – Jean-Luc Godard, Joris Ivens, William Klein, Claude Lelouch, Chris Marker, and Alain Resnais.

The film presents a powerful and emotional message about the horrors of war, particularly in Vietnam where the United States was heavily involved in a conflict with communist forces. The documentary is divided into different segments, each directed by a different filmmaker, but all of them are interconnected by a common purpose – to present a critical viewpoint on the Vietnam War and raise awareness about the devastating effects of the conflict on both soldiers and civilians.

The opening sequence of the movie, directed by Chris Marker, sets the tone for the entire film. Marker interviews a group of American GIs in Vietnam, who explain their experiences and perspectives on the war. The soldiers speak candidly about their disillusionment with the war and their opposition to the conflict, pointing out the senselessness of the fighting and the deep personal toll it has taken on them.

The film then shifts to a segment directed by Alain Resnais, which is particularly moving. Resnais's segment is devoted to the story of a Vietnamese village that has been relentlessly bombed by the US Airforce. His contribution depicts the lives of local people, particularly the children, who were traumatized by the violence and left with deep physical and emotional scars.

Another segment directed by William Klein presents the anti-war protests in the US and France, showing how people were mobilized to join hands in opposing the war. The segment includes interviews with an array of anti-war activists, as well as footage of mass protests that were happening in different cities throughout the world.

Jean-Luc Godard, one of the directors of the film, presents a segment that shows how the media influenced the manner in which the war was reported and perceived by the public. Through his directorial lens, we see how news was censored by the governments of US and Vietnam, and how propaganda was used to shape the public perception of the war.

The film also interweaves personal stories alongside broader narratives. Karen Blanguernon and Anne Bellec play Vietnamese women who have suffered immensely in the war. Blanguernon is a former nurse who was forced to abandon her profession after witnessing the horrors of war, while Bellec plays a young woman who loses her entire family after her village is bombed.

Bernard Fresson plays a French journalist who travels to Vietnam to report on the war. He immerses himself in the conflict and records his experiences, providing a first-hand account of the horrors that he encounters.

The film's soundtrack is an essential part of its impact, featuring a haunting composition by Antoine Duhamel that helps to create the film's somber mood. The music draws the viewer into the human drama unfolding on the screen, and adds depth and emotional resonance to the film's various segments.

Far from Vietnam is a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, and deeply emotional film that presents a powerful anti-war message. The collective effort of these six celebrated directors, each with their unique perspective, provides an all-around perspective on the destruction that war brings. Ultimately, the film serves as a visceral reminder of why it is essential for us to strive for peace in our world. So, it is a must-watch film for anyone who wants to understand the human impact of the Vietnam War.

Far from Vietnam is a 1967 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.