An important and sad film...have to admit

Rating: 10/10 (13 March 2011)

I have to admit after writing on this subject, having had relatives who lived (and some died) through it. It becomes less understandable the more you try to understand.
Haing Ngor (as Dith Pran) represents Shanberg's friend who was left in the Vietnam region as he rescued his family to safety in New York City. ( you will see a haunting and strange ghostly image of the World Trade Center..anyone from NYC will notice this). The scenes of Vietnam and Cambodia are striking, because anyone who has lived in South Florida will see a similarity in climate and landscape, except for the mountains. Southeast Asia from a visual standpoint was respected by its people, Buddhists primarily, who respect their earth, animals and life source.
I watched this over five times because it strikes me how little the brutalization, alienation and starkness of any war affects a person if they were in America at the time. I did not see the end of "Saving Private Ryan" because, although I wanted to watch it...my fiancée at the time couldn't "handle the brutality and blood".
....what does this say.....what does it really say?...... I or any student wanting to learn about Vietnam must read the factual essays. The white phosphorus killings and attacks on villages are felt here, but not shown explicitly.
I am struck by the sad and brutal fact that my family members fought, yet little is spoken about, whether Iraq or Vietnam was necessary. This is a tragedy. Even more so today.
"The Deerhunter" I recall my parents watching and remarking on the cold alienation of it. " Who'll Stop the Rain" an interesting piece with Nick Nolte and Tuesday Weld , but addresses only one part of the issue;it probably barely scratches the surface.
There is so much to be learned and understood. It may not be pleasant but it is is real reality unlike the trash TV currently offered as pablum to American audiences who know better....or at least should know better if they have read any history since 9th grade. 10/10.