Apple TV+’s six-part docuseries Vietnam: The War That Changed America offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of one of the most controversial conflicts in American history. In this Vietnam: The War That Changed America review, I’ll tell you why the series is worth watching.
Narrated by actor Ethan Hawke, this series provides viewers with a surprisingly personal look into the Vietnam War and its lasting impact on both American and Vietnamese societies. I felt its biggest impact in the first few episodes, perhaps because that’s when the novelty of the storytelling felt freshest. I’ve been hearing about the Vietnam War for decades, so it’s surprising when a documentary sucks me in, as the first half of this one did.
3 reason to watch Vietnam: The War That Changed America on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ released Vietnam: The War That Changed America, directed by Brit Rob Coldstream, on January 31. I took my time in getting around to watching it, as I’ve seen and read enough about the Vietnam War over the past few decades to feel the new series couldn’t really bring anything new. And yet it does, in its way.
By conveying the information through the words of those who lived it on both sides of the conflict, it feels fresh and unflinchingly honest. And you get narrative voiceover to help tie it all together, without being too intrusive. Hawk does a decent job, although sometimes he sounds like he’s trying to inject his voice with gravelly gravitas to do the material justice.
1. Comprehensive storytelling and deeply personal perspectives
Photo: Apple TV+
Vietnam: The War That Changed America sets itself apart by offering a truly comprehensive view of the conflict. Unlike previous documentaries that focus primarily on the American perspective, this series goes to great lengths to present multiple viewpoints, including those of North Vietnamese Army officers, Vietcong fighters and Vietnamese civilians.
And the documentary’s storytelling approach isn’t just innovative — it’s deeply personal. It combines immersive archival footage with first-person testimonies, creating an intimate portrayal of the war’s impact. This blend of historical context and personal narratives helps viewers understand not just the events of the war, but also the human emotions and experiences behind them.
Some material feels straight from a war movie. For example, we meet “tunnel rats,” the soldiers who crawled into cave networks with little more than a pistol in hand to root out the Viet Cong and destroy munitions and booby traps. And a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer talks about having zero control over his jaded, weary and very dangerous troops as a young lieutenant — until he came to understand them and lead them more on their terms.
One of the most powerful aspects of the series is its use of reunions. Each episode features individuals who served together, often with differing views on the war and its aims. In one case, for example, two friends who served together remain close throughout life despite one returning for a subsequent tour of duty and the other becoming an outspoken and well-known critic of the war. The reunions remind us of the war’s complexity and the lasting bonds conflict can form.
2. Compelling visuals
Photo: Apple TV+
The production quality of Vietnam: The War That Changed America is exceptional, even for the first (and most shocking) war that famously unfolded on American living room TV screens in living color. This series simply finds more footage from more places than others to show.
The series makes use of a wide range of visual materials, including:
- Archive footage taken by embedded journalists.
- Super 8 movies shot by soldiers and their families.
- Rarely seen footage that provides new insights into the conflict.
The series weaves together its visual narrative to create a vivid and often harrowing picture of what the war was like for those who experienced it firsthand. The use of personal footage, in particular, adds a layer of intimacy and authenticity that is often missing from more traditional historical documentaries.
Moreover, the series doesn’t shy away from showing the graphic realities of war. While this can make for difficult viewing at times, it’s crucial in conveying the true impact of the conflict on both soldiers and civilians.
3. Relevance to contemporary issues
Photo: Apple TV+
Vietnam: The War That Changed America is not just a historical document. It also resonates deeply with contemporary issues. By exploring themes like the impact of media coverage on public opinion, tracism in the military and the long-term effects of war on veterans and civilians, the documentary draws parallels to current events and ongoing debates.
The series delves into how the Vietnam War changed American society, exploring:
- The divisive anti-war movement. It comes across viscerally.
- The impact of poverty and racism on who was sent to fight.
- The role of media in shaping public opinion about the war.
These explorations provide valuable context for understanding not just the Vietnam War, but also subsequent conflicts and their impacts. Furthermore, by including perspectives from both sides of the conflict, the series contributes to a more nuanced understanding of this complex historical event. It challenges viewers to consider multiple viewpoints and to think critically about the nature of war and its consequences.
Vietnam: The War That Changed America is more than just another war documentary. It’s a deeply human exploration of a conflict that shaped a generation and continues to influence American society and foreign policy today. Through its unique perspective, high production quality and relevant insights, this series offers viewers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of a pivotal moment in history.
Watch the trailer for Vietnam: The War That Changed America:
Watch documentaries on Apple TV+
Vietnam: The War That Changed America joins other documentary films and series on Apple TV+ on January 31. It’s available by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. Customers who buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 471 wins and 2,090 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
