Films

Hearts and Minds

Film. Directed by Peter Davis. 1974. 112 minutes.
Documentary about the Vietnam War.

Time Periods: 20th Century
Themes: Wars & Related Anti-War Movements

heartsandmindsThis powerful Academy Award winning documentary about the war in Vietnam is a metaphorical collage of interviews, battle footage, and daily life.  Students need a good deal of background about the war prior to viewing, but if they’re prepared, it can be an extraordinarily valuable resource. Some of the scenes and individuals are unforgettable, as our students, years later, will testify.

Note: A scene in a Saigon brothel is sexually explicit.  The filmmakers included it in part to explore the war’s effect on Vietnamese women, as  well as U.S. soldiers’ attitudes toward these women.

By Rialto Pictures | Available from The Criterion Collection.

Trailer

This documentary is currently available to watch on HBO Max.

Share a story, question, or resource from your classroom.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *