Religion and Ethics Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: jeremyp on October 10, 2017, 07:52:33 PM

Title: Vietnam
Post by: jeremyp on October 10, 2017, 07:52:33 PM
The BBC are running a documentary series on Vietnam, directed by Ken Burns. Anybody else here following it?

I'm a little bit behind, but I've got to 1963 (the first episode covers 1945-1961 and the second episode covers 1961 -1963). So far I am utterly astonished at the arrogance and ineptitude of both the French and the USA in handling the situation. 

Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Nearly Sane on October 10, 2017, 07:54:05 PM
Missed this completely. Link?
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Shaker on October 10, 2017, 07:55:27 PM
As is my wont I'm recording it and waiting for the thing in its entirety before I launch myself on it. (Currently binging on all three seasons of Penny Dreadful as I write). I've heard good reports of it so I'm looking forward to filling in some of the patchier parts of my knowledge.
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: jeremyp on October 10, 2017, 07:55:42 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/group/b096k7q7
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: jeremyp on October 10, 2017, 07:56:11 PM
As is my wont I'm recording it and waiting for the thing in its entirety before I launch myself on it. (Currently binging on all three seasons of Penny Dreadful as I write). I've heard good reports of it so I'm looking forward to filling in some of the patchier parts of my knowledge.

In my opinion, it is brilliant.
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Shaker on October 10, 2017, 07:57:39 PM
In my opinion, it is brilliant.
I would be mightily surprised if It's anywhere near the equal of Burns's American Civil War, though.
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Nearly Sane on October 10, 2017, 08:01:42 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/group/b096k7q7
Thank you
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Enki on October 10, 2017, 08:34:26 PM
Yes, I'm following it. Also saw Burn's exceptional Civil War. So far, I find it absolutely fascinating and chilling in equal measures. The next ones are on next Monday I think. The last two dealt with the lead up to, and exposition of the Tet offensive. For me, although I was born during the Second World War, it was this war above all which had a lasting impression on me regarding its futile horrors and the dissembling of politicians and the military. Others may not agree, of course.
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Nearly Sane on October 10, 2017, 08:43:59 PM
Yes, I'm following it. Also saw Burn's exceptional Civil War. So far, I find it absolutely fascinating and chilling in equal measures. The next ones are on next Monday I think. The last two dealt with the lead up to, and exposition of the Tet offensive. For me, although I was born during the Second World War, it was this war above all which had a lasting impression on me regarding its futile horrors and the dissembling of politicians and the military. Others may not agree, of course.

Burn's stuff is always great but. I think the Civil War is probably the best but love The West and Jazz
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: jeremyp on October 11, 2017, 02:10:49 AM
I would be mightily surprised if It's anywhere near the equal of Burns's American Civil War, though.
It's the same director. I haven't seen his series on the American Civil War, but I'm going to have to now, if it's anywhere near as good as Vietnam.
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Nearly Sane on October 11, 2017, 03:37:05 AM
It's the same director. I haven't seen his series on the American Civil War, but I'm going to have to now, if it's anywhere near as good as Vietnam.
on  Netflix currently, I think
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Enki on October 11, 2017, 10:41:53 AM
Burn's stuff is always great but. I think the Civil War is probably the best but love The West and Jazz

Agreed. I've got all 12 and a half hours of his JAZZ film on DVDs, bought as a Xmas present. Great :)
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Udayana on October 12, 2017, 10:55:19 AM
Have watched the first two parts of this excellent series so far.

Really would like similar analytic documentary on: Korean war, Iraq and Afghanistan, the political influences behind the scenes in the US...

And much much more. A time machine would be good ... :)

Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: Udayana on October 12, 2017, 11:35:00 AM
From the "Penny Dreadful" thread(?):

There was a pretty good BBC documentary series on Iran a few years back called Iran and The West, and it appears to be available on YouTube


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka-Wu1jYY9U

Thanks.

The BBC dies put on some great documentaries, usually on BBC4. There was one on Gertrude Bell recently and a repeat of Rory Stewart's two parter on Lawrence. Both excellent.
Title: Re: Vietnam
Post by: The Accountant, OBE, KC on October 12, 2017, 01:41:27 PM
Watched the first episode on BBC iplayer last night - thanks for this. Really good. Will also check out the link for Iran.