Five Vietnam War veterans recount their lives in prison for crimes committed after their military service. The documentary, directed by Bill Couturié and Jonas McCord, features their interviews alongside archival news footage from the war. Narration by Peter Thomas accompanies the stories of these decorated veterans, who reflect on the changes they underwent during the conflict. Released in 1982, "Vietnam Requiem" received a News & Documentary Emmy Award and a Peabody Award for its content and production.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet five Vietnam veterans sharing their stories.
See archival news footage from the Vietnam War.
Find out about the impact of PTSD on veterans.

Did You Know

The film won a News & Documentary Emmy Award in 1982.
It was nominated for three additional Emmy Awards in 1982.
Vietnam Requiem won a Peabody Award in 1982.
The documentary received the Golden Nymph Award in 1983 at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.

Perfect For

Vietnam War historyMental health awarenessDocumentary enthusiasts

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Vietnam Requiem?

Vietnam Requiem was directed by Bill Couturié and Jonas McCord.

What year did Vietnam Requiem win a Peabody Award?

Vietnam Requiem won a Peabody Award in 1982.

How long is the documentary Vietnam Requiem?

Vietnam Requiem has a duration of 48 minutes.

Awards & Festivals

Peabody Awards

1982 • Award

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

2h9m

The Vietnam War: Before, During and After

2024•2h9m

The Vietnam War lasted for 20 years, beginning in 1955, and was marked by significant events like the Tet Offensive and widespread anti-war protests.

The Vietnam War: Before, During and After

2024

57m

Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and Its War

2017•57m

Vietnam War veterans share their experiences and the impact of their service on families, as recounted by professor James Wright in a reflective narrative.

Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and Its War

2017

23m

“Remembering Vietnam: Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War” Eps 5-8

2017•23m

Vietnam veterans, activists, and historians recount critical episodes of the Vietnam War, including America's entry, the Tet Offensive, and Nixon's promises.

“Remembering Vietnam: Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War” Eps 5-8

2017

1h41m

Conflict Journalism in South East Asia

2017•1h41m

A panel discussion features Ted Koppel, Yasutsune “Tony” Hirashiki, and Barrie Dunsmore, focusing on the role of television journalism during the Vietnam War.

Conflict Journalism in South East Asia

2017

23m

“Remembering Vietnam: Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War” Eps 1-4

2017•23m

Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence on September 2, 1945, borrowing language from the American Declaration of Independence.

“Remembering Vietnam: Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War” Eps 1-4

2017

1h35m

Vietnam Photographers: Capturing the War on Film

2018•1h35m

In observance of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, combat photographers from the Army’s Special Photographic Office discuss their iconic work and experiences.

Vietnam Photographers: Capturing the War on Film

2018

1h3m

Finding Minh: The Navy SEAL Platoon That Went Back For Their Lost Interpreter

2026•1h3m

In 1975, a US Navy SEAL platoon left their interpreter Minh behind in Vietnam, prompting veterans decades later to search for him and confront their past.

Finding Minh: The Navy SEAL Platoon That Went Back For Their Lost Interpreter

2026

58m

PTSD: The American Soldiers Traumatized After WW2 | Battlezone

2021•58m

American WWII soldiers faced significant challenges with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as they navigated their reintegration into society, highlighted in a banned film from the 1940s.

PTSD: The American Soldiers Traumatized After WW2 | Battlezone

2021

27m

Homecoming: Gia Lam Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam

2017•27m

In March 1973, U.S. military personnel, including notable figures like John McCain and Col. Laird Guttersen, returned to Clark Air Base in the Philippines after being released from captivity in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Homecoming: Gia Lam Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam

2017

19m

Vietnam Still Struggles 25 Years After The War

2022•19m

1 million Vietnamese died during the war, which continues to shape the country's politics and economy 25 years after the fall of Saigon.

Vietnam Still Struggles 25 Years After The War

2022

1h6m

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History

2019•1h6m

The 1918 influenza pandemic killed more people worldwide than combat during World War One.

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History

2019

22m

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi

2025•22m

In ancient Greece, the Oracle of Delphi served as a pivotal religious site where priestesses delivered prophecies attributed to the god Apollo.

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi

2025

Explore Vietnam Requiem

People Awards Deep Dive Topics FAQ

Where else to watch

1h24m

Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam

1987•1h24m•★7.1TMDB

Letters from American soldiers in Vietnam, read by actors like Robert De Niro and Martin Sheen, are paired with archival footage to illustrate their experiences.

Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam

1987

1h27m

Vietnam: American Holocaust

2008•1h27m•★8.8TMDB

Nearly 5 million people lost their lives during the Vietnam War due to the actions of U.S. presidents from both political parties.

Vietnam: American Holocaust

2008

52m

Vietnam Nurses

2005•52m•★7.3TMDB

Six Australian Army nurses served in a field hospital in Vietnam from 1962 to 1972, providing critical medical care during the war.

Vietnam Nurses

2005

4h10m

Vietnam in HD

2011•4h10m•★7.2TMDB

Thirteen Americans recount their experiences during the Vietnam War, paired with found footage from the battlefield in this six-part miniseries.

Vietnam in HD

2011

54m

The Vietnam War: Hidden Traces

2016•54m•★7.5TMDB

Decades after the Vietnam War ended in 1975, unexploded ordnance and secret tunnels still pose significant risks to local communities.

The Vietnam War: Hidden Traces

2016

Browse more like this

2h9m

The Vietnam War: Before, During and After

2024•2h9m

The Vietnam War lasted for 20 years, beginning in 1955, and was marked by significant events like the Tet Offensive and widespread anti-war protests.

The Vietnam War: Before, During and After

2024

No digital watch option in your country

56m

The Vietnam War: Personal Reflections

2017•56m•★8.0TMDB

More than a dozen Vietnam War veterans from central Illinois recount their experiences, including the emotional toll of losing friends and enduring Agent Orange effects.

The Vietnam War: Personal Reflections

2017

1h13m

First Kill

2001•1h13m•★6.8TMDB

Vietnam War veterans share their experiences and the psychological effects of combat, focusing on the complex emotions surrounding their first kills.

First Kill

2001

1h35m

Vietnam: Ghosts Of War

2004•1h35m•★8.5TMDB

The 50th anniversary of the French surrender at Dien Bien Phu marks a significant moment in the history of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Vietnam: Ghosts Of War

2004

53m

He Has Seen War

2011•53m•★6.5TMDB

More than 50 veterans from Easy Company and the 1st Marine Division recount their World War II experiences and the challenges of returning to civilian life.

He Has Seen War

2011

50m

The Wall That Heals

1998•50m•★8.0TMDB

Fifteen years after its dedication, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is examined through interviews with veterans, senators, and supporters.

The Wall That Heals

1998

1h28m

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film

1998•1h28m•★7.6TMDB

Abraham Zapruder's footage of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963, is digitally remastered to reveal new details and its impact on public perception.

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film

1998