Last Days in Vietnam

Studio: American Experience
Directed by Rory Kennedy

Sep 05, 2014 By Zach Hollwedel Web Exclusive

In April 1975, the Vietnam War was coming to a swift—albeit chaotic and unsettling, conclusion—as the North Vietnamese Army swept rapidly and forcefully south. By then, the United States troops had for the most part been recalled, reducing the American presence in Saigon to a bare-bones selection of diplomats, advisors, and Ambassador Graham Martin. With each passing day, the Northern Vietnamese closed in on Saigon; American operatives knew they had to act quickly if they had any hope of getting their families and loyal South Vietnamese allies out of the country before the Northern Vietnamese made escape impossible and survival unpredictable. Despite all intelligence pointing otherwise, Ambassador Martin refused to accept that evacuation was necessary until the very last minute, when U.S. forces had to scramble for three days to evacuate as many people as possible by any means available.

It is hard to believe the events Director Rory Kennedy depicts in Last Days in Vietnam, even with incredible archival footage and enlightening interviews from such impressive subjects as Henry Kissinger and Kiem Do, the captain of the South Vietnamese Navy. That U.S. intelligence and army officers could allow the situation to devolve into such panicked chaos is utterly baffling. Equally awe-inspiring, however, is the frenzy to usher as many Americans and South Vietnamese to safety as possible. The footage Kennedy utilizes, depicting helicopter after helicopter filled to the brim with evacuees and U.S. naval ships packed with refugees is humbling. While the events transpiring in Saigon in April 1975 could prove little more than an exercise in frustration, Kennedy imbues her film with the sentiments of empowerment and selflessness. The goal was to save lives, and though it is heartbreaking to know that the objective could never be wholly completed, the effort displayed is nothing short of monumental. Perhaps Americans were long-past ready to move on from Vietnam by the beginning of 1975, but for those who remained behind, some of the most trying hours of the conflict were yet ahead. Rory Kennedy pays due homage to the Last Days in Vietnam.

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