What was the impact of the Vietnam War on film?

The impact of the Vietnam War on film is notably characterized by the emergence of a wave of anti-establishment films. As public sentiment during the Vietnam War shifted, filmmakers began to reflect the growing disillusionment with war and government policies in their work. This marked a significant departure from previous war films that often glorified military actions and traditional hero narratives.

Movies from the late 1960s and 1970s frequently challenged the mainstream narratives about patriotism and heroism, instead portraying the harsh realities of war, the trauma experienced by soldiers, and the moral complexities surrounding U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Films like "Apocalypse Now," "Platoon," and "Full Metal Jacket" highlighted the brutal nature of war and criticized the motivations behind it, embodying a critical stance that resonated with many audiences at the time.

In contrast, while the Vietnam War did lead to an increase in documentaries addressing the conflict, the primary impact observed in the film industry was the overarching anti-establishment sentiment that influenced narrative cinema. Traditional war narratives were also challenged during this time, and some may argue that certain films sought to promote them, but the prevailing trend was a rejection of these narratives in favor of more critical perspectives. Therefore, the most evident impact