Rating: 
Summary: Less than satisfactiory film version of the book
Review: This is a well-intentioned biopic of John Paul Vann [Bill Paxton], a fascinating man who was intimately involved in the Vietnam War, both as a soldier and a civilian. It is a less than satisfying film because it attempts to cover much of our involvement in Vietnam [1962-1972] while simultaneously conveying a lot about Vann's personal life. For example, Vann was a womanizer. We see him with his wife and children in America. During his first tour of Vietnam, he takes up with a Vietnamese school teacher. His wife eventually divorces him. Later, he meets and marries another Vietnamese girl. These events by themselves could make for a complicated movie. "A Bright Shining Lie" also shows many of the highlights of the war, which itself is an even more complicated drama. The story is better suited to a miniseries. For more than a 'Cliff's Notes' view, read the excellent book by Neil Sheehan upon which it is based. Paxton is fine as Vann, but there are no pivotal scenes that define the character for us. We never feel we know him that well. Many other characters, most notable the women, appear for a while, then just disappear. The action sequences are exceptionally well done, especially for a made for TV movie. The film presents a point of view [someone who was a leader and an insider in the war] that's different from those in other Vietnam War movies, but it lacks the emotional impact of the best of them, such as "Apocalypse Now", "Platoon" and "Coming Home".
Rating: 
Summary: How did it all begin??
Review: This is film falls into that unique category of Vietnam movies: how did we get into it so deeply? Based on the excellent book of the same title, the film follows Lt. Col. John Paul Vann, an extraordinary man of vision who both understood the nature of the conflict and (in the end) fell victim to American frustrations over not winning. Good performance by ol' Bill. If you liked this movie, I suggest also seeing "Go Tell The Spartans".
Rating: 
Summary: A Bright Shining Lie
Review: This movie is one of the greatest movies on the Vietnam War.The book is [not].But the movie allows the viewer to make his own discisions.Such as at the end of the movie Mr Shehan is critizising Gen.Vann because he ordered carpet bombing on North Vietnamese Tank and troop concentrations(which is standard procedure)Mr Shehan didn,t understand the difference between conventional war and guerilla tactics.The movie is a tribute to one of Americas best .Whose life was sacraficed for freedom.And anyone who doubts that, go to Westminster "little Saigon"and ask the people who were South Vietnamese. Sincerely William Carney
Rating: 
Summary: One of the worst Vietnam movies of all time!
Review: What do all these people see in this lame movie? It has almost no combat (and what it does have is below average), The story's boring, and the acting is bad. If you want a GOOD Nam movie buy Hamburger Hill or Platoon. Forget this Pathetic excuse for a Nam movie.
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