SIR! NO SIR! — *** — Documentary feature about Vietnam War protests; in black and white and in color; not rated, probable R (violence, profanity, racial epithets, vulgarity).
Maybe it's just a sign of the times, but it seems there's been a flood of documentaries lately about another divisive war that involved American soldiers, namely the Vietnam conflict.
Like the more scholarly 1972 "Winter Soldiers," which was re-released in theaters and is now on DVD, the more recent "Sir! No Sir!" takes a look back at some of the protest movements both during and after the war — including a few that were organized by those involved in the fighting.
It's pretty strong, powerful stuff that will appeal to those with an interest in the subject, even though at times it seems a little unfocused and scattershot.
Filmmaker David Zeiger focuses his critical eye on explaining how and why the war began, as well as why it continued after support began dwindling. He also examines protest movements at home and abroad, even many well-publicized cases of desertion, mutiny (including the murder of officers) and alleged human-rights abuses.
Zeiger makes good use of archival footage, photos and sound bites from the period. And the frankness of his interview subjects is refreshing.
Still, there are a few notable missteps, such as Zeiger's overuse of snippets from actress/activist Jane Fonda — better known as "Hanoi Jane" to her detractors because of her anti-war sentiments. But her contributions to the movie are less interesting than those coming from the war veterans. (Coincidentally, Fonda's son, Troy Garity, also serves as the film's narrator, which may explain why she is so involved in it.)
"Sir! No Sir!" is not rated but would probably receive an R for strong violent content (including newsreel footage of warfare and other disturbing imagery), and use of strong sexual profanity, other sexually suggestive language and racial epithets. Running time: 84 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com