Turning Point: The Vietnam War is a five-part docuseries, directed by Brian Knappenberger, that examines how the United States became involved in the civil war in Vietnam.

The Netflix docuseries 'Turning Point: The Vietnam War' emerges as a critical examination of the Vietnam War from multiple perspectives. Directed by Brian Knappenberger, it dives into the complexities of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, touching upon themes of ignominy and the legacies of distrust that lingered long after the last American troops were withdrawn. With commentary from veterans, journalists, and South and North Vietnamese voices, it presents an extensive narrative that captures the tragic consequences of the war and its enduring impact on American society and identity. The opening segment introduces viewers to Scott Camil, a Vietnam veteran whose early indoctrination into the fight against communism reveals the psychological toll of war. The series does not dwell solely on the battlefield; instead, it unveils the propaganda and misinformation that shaped public perception and policy decisions. The Gulf of Tonkin incident, cited as a pivotal moment that escalated U.S. military involvement, is recast as an instance of disingenuous intelligence reports, which continued to propagate throughout the war. The narrative is bolstered by firsthand accounts from various stakeholders, ranging from anti-war activists to refugees, providing a more holistic view of the conflict as it drew in both American and Vietnamese participants. Knappenberger utilizes rich archival footage and recently declassified records, offering an unfiltered exploration of the events, highlighting the devastating toll taken on all parties involved. Notably, the prescient acknowledgment of the fallout from the war resonates with current American conflicts, inviting viewers to draw parallels with modern military engagements. The director emphasizes that the historical context is essential and that the Vietnam War laid the groundwork for societal issues surrounding alienation and civic distrust that still plague the nation today. This documentary succeeds in its mission to provoke thought about American identity and the repercussions of its military actions overseas, making it essential viewing not just for those interested in history, but for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of national and international relationships shaped by conflict. 'Turning Point: The Vietnam War' is now streaming on Netflix, offering a platform for reflection on both the past and present. As a noted commentary on representation, Knappenberger challenges the heavily American-centric narratives that have historically dominated the discourse. By engaging with voices from all sides involved in the conflict, the series attempts to paint a more comprehensive picture of the war's complexity and its multifaceted impacts on Vietnamese and American communities alike.