Watch The Vietnam War (2017)

The Vietnam War is a critically acclaimed documentary series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. The 10-episode series premiered on PBS in 2017 and features interviews with over 80 witnesses and participants from all sides of the conflict, including American and Vietnamese soldiers, anti-war activists, government officials, journalists, and civilians.

Narrated by Peter Coyote, the series covers the period from the French colonial occupation of Vietnam in the 1850s to the fall of Saigon in 1975, with a special focus on the years of American involvement from 1955 to 1973. The Vietnam War was the longest and most divisive conflict in American history, and the series explores the complex political, social, and cultural factors that led to the war, its impact on both American and Vietnamese society, and its enduring legacy.

The series is structured chronologically, with each episode covering a specific period in the war. The first episode, "Déjà Vu," introduces the major players and outlines the historical context of the conflict. Subsequent episodes focus on key events such as the Gulf of Tonkin incident, the Tet Offensive, the Battle of Hue, and the My Lai Massacre, as well as broader themes such as the use of propaganda and the impact of the war on the home front.

The Vietnam War features a wealth of archival footage, including news reports, government documents, and personal photographs and videos. The filmmakers also conducted extensive interviews with veterans and civilians from both sides of the conflict, as well as historians, journalists, and policy makers. The series does not shy away from the brutality and trauma of war, and many of the interviewees share personal stories of loss, regret, and trauma.

One of the strengths of the series is its attention to the wide range of perspectives and experiences of those involved in the conflict. It does not present a simplistic "good versus evil" narrative, but instead recognizes the complexity and nuance of the war. The series includes interviews with North Vietnamese soldiers and officials, as well as anti-war activists and draft dodgers. It also features segments on the experiences of African American and Latino soldiers, and the role of women in the war effort.

At the same time, the series is not afraid to confront controversial issues and challenge long-held assumptions. For example, it explores the controversial decision to use Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide, and the impact it had on both American veterans and Vietnamese civilians. It also challenges the myth of the "spit on veteran," which suggests that returning veterans were widely reviled by American society.

Overall, The Vietnam War is a powerful and moving exploration of one of the most significant events in modern history. It is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to illuminate the past and challenge our assumptions about the present. The series offers a compelling and comprehensive portrait of a complex and divisive conflict, and serves as a reminder of the human cost of war.