Vietnam: The War That Changed America

Vietnam: The War That Changed America is an outstanding documentary that relates various aspects of the war as interpreted by some who served there. Their stories are compelling, surprising, horrifying and guaranteed to make you cry. We see them 50 years ago on film in country and we meet them back home today.

The first thing misleading about the documentary is the time frame - the war did not start in 1965. President Kennedy was of course assassinated in November of 1963. The Viet Nam war was his war. Kennedy sent the first 15,000 combat soldiers to Viet Nam. He authorized the use of napalm, agent orange and air power. The 58,000 Americans who died there and perhaps over a million Vietnamese who died are ultimately a result of his stimulus and leadership. President Kennedy bears the most responsibility for America's involvement in the war.

Missed entirely in the documentary was the religious aspect of the war. Catholics vs Buddhists. I enlisted in the military and volunteered to go to Viet Nam. When I spoke to any Vietnamese whether an ARVN soldier, shopkeeper or bar girl they all understood the division between the relatively affluent, upwardly mobile and privileged Catholics and the poor and lesser treated Buddhists. This hostility formulated and motivated the Viet Cong guerrillas in the south and aligned them with the NVA communists of the north.

The documentary leaves the impression that young black soldiers were given the most dangerous assignments in Viet Nam and consequently died in greater numbers than their percentage of Americas population. The war's data and the KIA men and women listed on the Viet Nam War Memorial does not verify that assumption. Young black men died in Viet Nam at almost exactly at the same percentage of black men in the US population. If a composite was formed of a typical Viet Nam KIA based on statistics he would be a 20 year old white kid from California.

Viet Nam did change the US Military in one major way. The US Military no longer wants to go to war with draftees and has formed a professional military. It prefers to fight with those who want to serve rather than those who are forced to. Whether this somewhat incestuous policy is good for the future of America remains to be seen, but it has definitely suppressed anti-war protests of America's military adventures after Viet Nam.

Finally, the treatment by the public of US Viet Nam veterans is touched upon, but in my opinion it has been somewhat exaggerated. There were probably instances when vets were spat upon and cursed as baby killers, but by in large the attitude was indifference - not condemnation.

Soldiers should probably not expect parades and accolades when we lose a war.

The attitude of the public towards the military changed dramatically after 9-11. The public began thanking soldiers for their service when they realized our oceans no longer protected them and that a determined enemy could reach out and kill them at any time.

So, did Viet Nam change America? We were divided then and we still are.

Amazing. Includes home movie super eight video taken by pilots actually in the cockpit telling their story, and great video footage taken by journalists that were embedded on the ground in the offensive and the Mekong Delta just amazing stuff. I cannot recall a war documentary where the voice over which in this case is Ethan Hawk, describes the footage that you are seeing, and then cuts to the actual members of our Armed Forces that are captured in the video, who came home to tell their story just truly amazing no matter how old you are it's a great watch I highly recommend it you absolutely have to get through the second episode make sure you do.

Without a doubt, this documentary stands out as one of the most compelling examinations of the Vietnam War. It offers an unflinching look at a conflict that shaped not only a generation but also the very fabric of American society. Viewing it can be a challenging experience; the emotional weight of the stories shared by the veterans who returned home is deeply moving. The documentary also offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those that fought against the "foreign invaders". You hear from some of the Viet Cong their first hand accounts of the war and what pushed them and gave them the drive to fight as hard as they did.

The documentary is not only a recounting of events; it presents the raw, human side of war through the experiences of those who served, on both sides. Each personal account is a testament to the courage and resilience of individuals who faced unimaginable horrors. Many of these brave individuals fought in a war they personally grappled with, often questioning the very purpose of their involvement. Yet, their commitment to one another, their comrades, illuminated a bond that had lasting impact even after the battle ended and they returned to their home lands.

Even if war documentaries are not typically your preference, I wholeheartedly encourage you to watch this series. It provides a rare opportunity to gain insight into the sacrifices made by these individuals, not just the physical toll, but the emotional and psychological scars that persist long after their guns have fallen silent. The series captures the profound spirit and camaraderie of those who fought, a bond forged in the fires of conflict that most of us can hardly fathom.

In short, this series sheds light on a complex chapter of history and honors the legacy of those who served with unmatched dedication. It invites viewers to reflect on their experiences, encouraging empathy and understanding for sacrifices that are often overlooked. It also helps to instill a spirit of thanks so that when you see that service member wearing a hat or other item signifying their service you have no choice but to stop and thank them.

Overall a good documentary and on par with previous Vietnam docus. I however find the rough voice of Ethan Hawke not fitting for the narrator role. At times it was tough to hear what he was saying over the battle noise and footage and this for me was the low point of the documentary but nothing personal against him. Just a bad choice. The Vietnam War (2017) in my humble opinion was far more in depth and a better edit of historical timeline supported by footage. What I did love was the imagery, film and then and now of the featured storytellers who were there and lived through the good times and the bad times. Worth a watch to remind us all War is not an option.

From the moment the trailer begins, it is clear that Vietnam: The War That Changed America is more than just an historical account-it's an emotional exploration of the war's human cost. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage and deeply personal testimonies, the series provides a nuanced portrait of the soldiers, civilians, and activists who experienced the war firsthand. The inclusion of long-awaited reunions between former soldiers, as well as perspectives from both American and Vietnamese individuals, adds an element of reconciliation and raw authenticity rarely seen in war documentaries.

Apple TV+'s compelling documentary Vietnam: The War That Changed America is a gripping six-part series, narrated by Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke, that marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, offering an unfiltered look at one of the most divisive conflicts in American history.

One of the documentary's greatest strengths is its wide array of voices. From Bill Broyles, a former Marine turned Hollywood screenwriter, to Hilary Brown, ABC News' first female foreign correspondent, and Melvin Pender, an Olympic gold medalist who served between deployments, the series provides a multifaceted look at the war's impact. Even more striking are the perspectives of Viet Cong fighters and Vietnamese civilians, offering a crucial counterpoint to the American narrative. These voices help construct a more complete and deeply humanized understanding of the conflict. Director Rob Coldstream and producer Caroline Marsden craft the series with a level of detail and sensitivity that elevates it beyond a simple historical retelling. The visuals, drawn from over 1,100 hours of archival footage, immerse viewers in the reality of war, while Ethan Hawke's narration provides a steady, reflective tone that balances the intensity of the material. What makes Vietnam: The War That Changed America truly stand out is its ability to connect past and present. The war left scars not only on those who fought but on the entire American political and cultural landscape.

This series really shows how the Vietnam War reshaped the United States in ways still felt today, from attitudes toward military intervention to the power of protest movements. For history enthusiasts, war documentary fans, or anyone seeking a deeply human look at one of the most defining conflicts of the 20th century, Vietnam: The War That Changed America is essential viewing.

I give Vietnam: The War That Changed America 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It premieres on Apple TV+ on January 31, 2025. By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST!