Watch The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick is a comprehensive and in-depth documentary series exploring the history, politics, and social upheaval of one of the most divisive and controversial conflicts of the 20th century. Produced by PBS and featuring narration by Peter Coyote, the series presents a balanced and nuanced portrayal of the Vietnam War, addressing not only the military and political aspects of the conflict but also the personal stories of soldiers, civilians, and anti-war activists.

Spanning 10 episodes and 18 hours, The Vietnam War takes viewers on a journey from the roots of the conflict to its aftermath, exploring the complex factors that led to America's involvement in the war and the devastating impact of the conflict on both the Vietnamese and American people. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews with veterans and experts, and powerful visual storytelling, the series offers a comprehensive overview of the war, from its early stages in the 1950s to the fall of Saigon in 1975.

The series begins with a focus on the U.S. government's involvement in Vietnam, tracing the escalating military interventions and political maneuvers that led to the conflict. Viewers are introduced to key figures such as Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, who grappled with the difficult decisions surrounding the war, as well as influential military leaders and civilians who shaped the course of the conflict. The program also provides a detailed look at the North Vietnamese communist revolution and the Viet Cong, who were fighting to free South Vietnam from what they saw as foreign occupation.

As the series progresses, the focus shifts to the experiences of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The Vietnam War offers an intimate look at the realities of combat, exploring the physical and emotional tolls of war on those who fought in the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam. Through candid interviews with veterans, the series showcases the bravery, sacrifice, and trauma of soldiers from all walks of life, and highlights the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life after the war.

The Vietnam War also devotes significant time to the anti-war movement, which was a major force in U.S. politics and culture during the 1960s and 70s. Through the perspectives of activists such as Jane Fonda, Daniel Ellsberg, and Tom Hayden, the series explores the political and ideological divisions that emerged during the war, and the impact of the anti-war movement on American society. Viewers also see first-hand the tensions and violence that erupted between protesters and law enforcement, underscoring the deep divisions that existed within the country during this tumultuous time.

Throughout the series, The Vietnam War is committed to showing the war from all perspectives. This includes not only the experiences of American and Vietnamese soldiers, but also the voices of Vietnamese civilians caught in the middle of the conflict. Viewers are introduced to families and children struggling to survive amid the violence and destruction of war, and to the Vietnamese diaspora who have lived with the aftermath of the conflict for decades.

Overall, The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick is a powerful and thought-provoking series that delves deep into the complexities and controversies of one of the most consequential events in modern history. With its comprehensive approach and in-depth storytelling, the series offers viewers a chance to engage with the history and legacy of the Vietnam War in a way that is both educational and emotionally impactful. Whether you are a student of history, a veteran, an anti-war activist, or simply someone interested in exploring this important chapter in American history, The Vietnam War is a must-see documentary that will leave a lasting impression.

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick is a series that ran for 1 seasons (20 episodes) between September 16, 2017 and on PBS