Under French colonial rule, Vietnam was not an independent state, but part of "Indochina" – France's distant paradise and a profitable colony. In 1945, amid the chaos of World War II, communist leader Ho Chi Minh proclaimed revolution and demanded Vietnam's independence. France responded with armed force. A conflict erupted that inspired people around the world to fight for their freedom, while simultaneously deeply dividing Vietnamese society. From the period under French colonial rule to the present day, the four-part documentary series uses multiple perspectives and emotionally recounts the journey of a nation that experienced utopias, conflicts, and the horrors of the late 20th century. The recollections of contemporary witnesses and unique access to Vietnamese archives provide a new perspective on the history of a country and a war that changed the world.
Season 1
4 episodes
1. Independence 1920 - 1954Under French colonial rule, Vietnam was not an independent state, but part of "Indochina" – France's distant paradise and a profitable colony. In 1945, amid the chaos of World War II, communist leader Ho Chi Minh proclaimed revolution and demanded Vietnam's independence. France responded with armed force.CC53minApr 29, 2025
2. Division 1954 - 1962The Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954 marked the end of French colonial rule in Vietnam. But the country paid a high price: Peace negotiations resulted in the temporary partition of Vietnam. The north went to the communists, and the south became an ally of the United States. The partition led to mass migration...CC52minApr 29, 2025
3. War 1963 - 1968In 1963, South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem was overthrown and assassinated in a military coup. US President Lyndon B. Johnson sent American combat troops to Vietnam. The conflict escalated into a violent catastrophe, images of which were broadcast daily on television around the world and shaped the collective memory of the war.CC53minApr 29, 2025
4. Reunification 1968 - todayIn 1973, American troops withdrew from South Vietnam. Saigon fell in 1975, marking victory for North Vietnam and communism. While some people fled South Vietnam, for others the dream of a united, peaceful, and socialist Vietnam became a reality. But the deeply divided country was left in ruins after the war.CC53minApr 29, 2025
Vietnam. Geburt einer Nation
Under French colonial rule, Vietnam was not an independent state, but part of "Indochina" – France's distant paradise and a profitable colony. In 1945, amid the chaos of World War II, communist leader Ho Chi Minh proclaimed revolution and demanded Vietnam's independence. France responded with armed force. A conflict erupted that inspired people around the world to fight for their freedom, while simultaneously deeply dividing Vietnamese society. From the period under French colonial rule to the present day, the four-part documentary series uses multiple perspectives and emotionally recounts the journey of a nation that experienced utopias, conflicts, and the horrors of the late 20th century. The recollections of contemporary witnesses and unique access to Vietnamese archives provide a new perspective on the history of a country and a war that changed the world.
Creators and cast
- Directors
- Lucio Mollica, Philipp Gromov, Lena Noad
- Created by
- Gunnar Dedio
- Studio
- LOOKSfilm
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English, French, German, Vietnamese
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.