A courageous and startling film, Peter Davis’s landmark documentary Hearts and Minds unflinchingly confronts the United States’ involvement in Vietnam. Using a wealth of sources—from interviews to newsreels to documentary footage of the conflict at home and abroad—Davis constructs a powerfully affecting portrait of the disastrous effects of war. Explosive, persuasive, and shocking, Hearts and Minds is an overwhelming emotional experience and the controversial winner of the 1974 Academy Award™ for Best Documentary. —The Criterion Collection
A M A Z I N G piece! One of the last big shots of BBS Productions, which was worth a lot for Bert Schneider. Compelling so much emotions and insight that they almost become palpable. A must-see!
(rewatch) still the gold standard for the sharp opinion-piece that makes substantial room for the opposite argument. michael moore claims this inspired him to make films, but he has something to learn from its disdain for cheap shots. there's an interview toward the end with two grieving parents who remain steadfast in their support for nixon. davis plays it straight, and their sincerity deepens the sense of tragedy.
truly heart wrenching. worth watching for the westmoreland "insight" at the end of the movie. controversially juxtaposed with disturbing images, of course...
With his partner Bob Rafelson, Schneider played a major role in launching the “New Hollywood” in the 70s.
