Hearts and Minds
Seen it?1974 | 112 min | Documentary, War
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious and history buffs. If you loved 13th or The Pianist, start here.
- The mood
- Intense, eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Made in 1974: an older pace and style.
Many times during his presidency, Lyndon B. Johnson said that ultimate victory in the Vietnam War depended upon the U.S. military winning the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese people. Filmmaker Peter Davis uses Johnson's phrase in an ironic context in this anti-war documentary, filmed and released while the Vietnam War was still under way, juxtaposing interviews with military figures like U.S. Army Chief of Staff William C. Westmoreland with shocking scenes of violence and brutality.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Oscar: Best Documentary Feature Film.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$30K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 32K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Fog of War
Sunday Safe BetAlso stars John F. Kennedy, in another political documentary, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
13th
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed prison documentary that fewer people know today.
The Pianist Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed prison war story.
The English Patient Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed prison war story.
They Shall Not Grow Old Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war documentary that fewer people know today.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Peter Davis
- Clark CliffordSelf - Aide to President Truman 1946-50
- John Foster DullesSelf (archive footage)
- Georges BidaultSelf - French Foreign Minister in 1954
- Harry S. TrumanSelf (archive footage)
- Dwight D. EisenhowerSelf (archive footage)
- John F. KennedySelf (archive footage)
- Richard NixonSelf (archive footage)
- Lyndon B. JohnsonSelf (archive footage)
- George CokerSelf - Prisoner of War 1966-73
- Walt RostowSelf - Aide to Presidents Kennedy, Johnson