Small Wars

Synopsis

Vietnam War reenactors stage theatrical battles in the forests of Virginia, recreating scenes from a conflict that ended decades ago. Meanwhile, soldiers train at the Twentynine Palms military base in California, preparing for contemporary conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lê captures these warlike activities, contrasting the simulated nature of the reenactments with the serious training of active-duty personnel. The five-minute documentary presents a visual commentary on the nature of warfare without the immediate dangers of combat.