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Author Topic: Vietnam  (Read 1565 times)

jeremyp

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Vietnam
« 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. 

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Nearly Sane

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2017, 07:54:05 PM »
Missed this completely. Link?
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Shaker

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #2 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.
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jeremyp

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2017, 07:55:42 PM »
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jeremyp

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2017, 07:56:11 PM »
Quote from: 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.

In my opinion, it is brilliant.
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Shaker

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2017, 07:57:39 PM »
Quote from: jeremyp on October 10, 2017, 07:56:11 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.
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Nearly Sane

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #6 on: October 10, 2017, 08:01:42 PM »
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Enki

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #7 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.
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Nearly Sane

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2017, 08:43:59 PM »
Quote from: 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.

Burn's stuff is always great but. I think the Civil War is probably the best but love The West and Jazz
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jeremyp

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2017, 02:10:49 AM »
Quote from: Shaker on October 10, 2017, 07:57:39 PM
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.
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Nearly Sane

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #10 on: October 11, 2017, 03:37:05 AM »
Quote from: jeremyp on October 11, 2017, 02:10:49 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
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Enki

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #11 on: October 11, 2017, 10:41:53 AM »
Quote from: Nearly Sane on October 10, 2017, 08:43:59 PM
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 :)
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Udayana

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #12 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 ... :)

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Udayana

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #13 on: October 12, 2017, 11:35:00 AM »
From the "Penny Dreadful" thread(?):
Quote from: Nearly Sane on October 12, 2017, 11:20:34 AM

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.
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The Accountant, OBE, KC

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Re: Vietnam
« Reply #14 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.
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