WANDERLIST: Vietnam in books and on film

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  • “Apocalypse Now” (1979): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this war film is set during the Vietnam War and follows the journey of an army captain sent to assassinate a renegade colonel. It is a classic that explores the psychological effects of war.
  • “The Deer Hunter” (1978): Another critically acclaimed film set during the Vietnam War, “The Deer Hunter” tells the story of a group of Pennsylvania steelworkers who enlist and experience the horrors of war. It stars Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep.
  • “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987): This comedy-drama starring Robin Williams is set in the 1960s and features a radio DJ broadcasting from Saigon during the Vietnam War. It blends humor with the harsh realities of war, highlighting the power of entertainment during difficult times.
  • “Indochine” (1992): This French epic drama, set in the early 20th century, offers a different perspective of Vietnam. It follows the story of a French plantation owner, played by Catherine Deneuve, and her adopted daughter during the French colonial period and the turbulent political changes.
  • “The Scent of Green Papaya” (1993): Directed by Tran Anh Hung, this Vietnamese film tells a poetic and visually story set in 1950s Vietnam. It focuses on the life of a young girl who works as a servant for a wealthy family while dreaming of a different future.
  • These movies provide different perspectives on Vietnam and its history, showcasing the diverse narratives and experiences associated with the country.
  • “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien: This novel is a collection of interconnected short stories that revolve around the Vietnam War. It provides a perspective on the war, exploring the emotional and psychological burdens carried by soldiers.
  • “The Quiet American” by Graham Greene: Set during the French Indochina War in the 1950s, this novel follows an English journalist and an American idealist navigating the complexities of colonialism and their conflicting views on Vietnam’s future.
  • “Paradise of the Blind” by Duong Thu Huong: This critically acclaimed novel offers a glimpse into the political and social challenges faced by the Vietnamese people during the period of collectivization and land reform in the 1950s and 1960s.
  • “The Sorrow of War” by Bao Ninh: Written by a North Vietnamese soldier, this novel is a deeply moving account of the Vietnam War. It reflects on the personal experiences and traumas endured by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
  • “The Lover” by Marguerite Duras: Set in colonial Vietnam, this semi-autobiographical novel explores a forbidden love affair between a young French girl and an older Chinese aristocrat. It delves into themes of desire, power dynamics, and cultural identities.
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