Hearts and Minds

This anti-war documentary examines the conflict in Vietnam and the contrasting perspectives of those involved. Using archival footage and testimonies, the film explores the tension between official military rhetoric and the reality of violence on the ground. The title refers to a phrase used by President Lyndon B. Johnson regarding the necessity of winning the support of the Vietnamese people, a concept the film treats with irony by juxtaposing interviews with military leaders, such as William C. Westmoreland, against scenes of brutality.

Directed and produced by Peter Davis alongside Bert Schneider, the film features a large cast of 50 credited participants. Notable figures appearing as themselves include Clark Clifford and Georges Bidault, as well as archive footage of presidents Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy, and politician John Foster Dulles.

The production earned an Oscar for best documentary in 1975. Audience reception has been positive, with a rating of 8.2 on IMDb based on 6,600 votes and a score of 7.6 on TMDB from 96 votes. Film critics gave the movie a higher rating of 8.9 based on 42 reviews.