The Vietnam War has had a lasting impact on American cinema, influencing filmmakers across generations as they grapple with its complex and enduring legacy. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, a selection of 10 notable films has been compiled, illustrating the wide-ranging effects of the war’s trauma. These films span from poignant anti-war classics to Vietnamese narratives of resistance, each contributing to the nuanced tapestry of the war’s influence.
Starting with “The Big Shave” (1967), Martin Scorsese’s brief six-minute film sees a man continuously shaving to the point of self-harm, symbolizing the destruction wrought by the Vietnam War. Scorsese’s metaphorical depiction highlights the war’s bloody impact during its course.
“The Little Girl of Hanoi” (1974) offers a powerful Vietnamese perspective. This film tells the story of a young girl, played by Lan H??ng, as she traverses the ravaged streets of Hanoi in search of her family following the American B-52 raids. Initially framed as wartime propaganda, the movie achieves a balance between patriotic fervor and deep human empathy, capturing the real-time pain of conflict.
“Hearts and Minds” (1974) by Peter Davis is a documentary that received mixed reactions upon release. With time, its profound examination has become increasingly valued. The film contrasts home-front interviews and newsreel footage with the stark horror on the ground, highlighting the disparity between American policy and the stark Vietnamese reality, a sentiment underscored by President Lyndon B. Johnson’s focus on winning “hearts and minds.”
“The Deer Hunter” (1979) is often heralded as a seminal American film on the Vietnam War. Directed by Michael Cimino, the story follows a group of Pennsylvania steelworkers and their transformation from naive youths to war-torn individuals. The film’s tragic narrative arc culminates in a haunting rendition of “God Bless America,” marking the irreversible change in their lives.
“Apocalypse Now” (1979), crafted by Francis Ford Coppola, is considered a cinematic triumph that almost cost him everything. This film, an adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness,” captures the chaotic insanity of the Vietnam War as a surreal and nightmarish odyssey. Filmed in the Philippines, “Apocalypse Now” is more faithful to Conrad’s themes than to the specifics of the Vietnam War, transcending historical accuracy to convey a broader sense of madness.
The 1980s brought a surge of Vietnam War films, with “Platoon” (1986) standing out as a particularly impactful piece. Oliver Stone, reflecting on his own military experiences, produced a vivid and gritty portrayal of the war, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Picture. Its stark realism and visceral scenes have left an indelible mark on audiences.
Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket” (1987) continues this theme, blending the brutal training regimen of military recruits with the urban warfare of the Tet Offensive. The two halves of the film, exploring dehumanization, offer a relentless critique of war’s machinery and its impact on soldiers.
Another poignant narrative comes from Werner Herzog’s “Little Dieter Needs to Fly” (1997), which follows Dieter Dengler, a pilot who escaped captivity after being downed in Laos. Through a powerful reenactment of Dengler’s harrowing experiences, Herzog’s film explores the soldier’s struggle and resilience.
“The Fog of War” (2003) features interviews with Robert S. McNamara, a principal architect of the Vietnam War. In this documentary, Errol Morris captures McNamara’s introspection and the chilling realization of the war’s disastrous effects, posing an unsettling reflection on ideological fervor.
Lastly, “The Post” (2017) by Steven Spielberg dramatizes the role of the Washington Post during the publication of the Pentagon Papers in 1971. The film highlights the courageous decision-making of the paper’s publisher, Katharine Graham, emphasizing the essential role of the press in holding power to account during turbulent times.
This collection of films serves to underscore the extensive cultural and social impacts of the Vietnam War, as filmmakers continue to unravel its complex narratives even decades after it ended.