Winter Soldier 2006
Distributed by Milestone Films & Video, PO Box 128, Harrington Park, NJ 07640-0128; 800-603-1104
Produced by Winterfilm Collective
Directed by Winterfilm Collective
DVD, color, 96 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Military Studies, Vietnam War, History
Date Entered: 07/14/2006
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgRecent reports of rape and murder by American soldiers in Iraq and the documented events of Abu Ghraib and Gitmo come to unfortunate light while viewing the DVD of the 1971 documentary Winter Soldier.
Veteran after veteran of the Vietnam War, representing almost all of the companies stationed there, testified in Detroit of the atrocities that occurred with no retribution or punishment. A group of filmmakers calling themselves the Winterfilm Collective filmed the testimonies to a disinterested American media. Unabashedly anti-war, and organized by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War, the veterans all tell of their desire to go, kill, and fight “in the best interest of their country.” They all attest to the carnage that numbed their souls and the process of disillusionment that occurred. Included are graphic photos and grainy film from Vietnam. One ashamed man who posed and held up the bodies of killed “gooks” looked at his smiling image and declared, “Don’t ever let your government do this to you.” As difficult as their testimony is to listen to, is as important for it to be seen. An invaluable addition to all libraries.