Vietnam: The War That Changed America

Watched this series and it brought back many memories. I was there in March 1975 in Vung Tau. Say what you want about the US involvement in Vietnam. We really had no business being involved as we were. We did not take our lessons from the French. But that aside, I followed my orders (Navy) and served the best I could. Been up and down the Vietnamese coast and up rivers. There has been at least one good series about the Vietnamese War before this one. This current one brought more personal aspects with people who were there and 50 years later. Loved both sides (VC and S. Vietnamese) interviews. Both did what they believed was honorable. Well worth watching. Thanks producers. They're correct in that the Vietnam War still impacts us these many years later.

As Episode 1 of "Vietnam: The War That Changed America" (2025 release; 6 episodes ranging from 38 to 47 min) opens, narrator Ethan Hawke that 2025 narks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war, and the Vietnam war was the first to so openly provide press (both written and filmed) access. We then go to "March 9, 1965" when there are 75,000 US combat troops, many just kids straight out of high school in Vietnam, fighting against the Viet Con from the north. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this documentary mini-series provides a concise overview of what happened in the Vietnam war, at that time the longest war ever in US history playing out over 4 US presidents. I cam to this country from Belgium in the early 80s when I was in my early 20s, and my knowledge of the Vietnam war was rather limited to what I saw on TV or in the movies. In other words: a lot of holes which I feel this mini-series does an excellent job in filling. The documentary makers interview a lot of people who lived through it, both from the US and from the Vietnamese (north and south). It is now clear that the US could not and would not win this war, even with 500,000 soldiers in Vietnam at one point. I also must mention the infamous scene towards the very end when helicopters were pushed into the ocean from the air carrier. I had never understood what was happening. Well, this documentary explains all of the context of what was going on at that time. And I now finally understand it.

"Vietnam: The War That Changed America" started streaming on Apple TV in the last week of so. I watched a;; 6 episodes over 2 evenings. This mini-series is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels a little too generous to me. All that aside, if you have an interest in the Vietnam war or in this country's history, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

"Vietnam: The War That Changed America" is a profound documentary that delves into the human stories behind the Vietnam War. Narrated by Ethan Hawke, it combines raw archival footage with personal accounts from soldiers, nurses, and Vietnamese civilians, creating an intimate and immersive experience. The filmmakers avoid sensationalism, focusing instead on authentic storytelling that captures the emotional and historical impact of the war. This approach ensures a fresh and engaging narrative throughout, making it a standout in the genre.

In contrast, many Netflix documentaries often fall into the trap of being overly dramatic and campy, prioritizing runtime over substance. They tend to stretch content thin, adding unnecessary filler to meet episode quotas. Apple TV+, however, takes a different approach by focusing on high-quality content that respects the viewer's time. Their documentaries are concise, well-researched, and avoid the pitfalls of campiness, offering a more genuine and impactful viewing experience. This commitment to quality over quantity sets Apple apart in the competitive streaming landscape.

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.