Excellent, realistic, non-pedantic
Travel videos aren't really my cup of tea, but as a former resident of Cambodia and Vietnam (1997) I gave this one a try. What a surprise that Bamboo Curtain turned out to be a balanced and realistic depiction of the contemporary cultures in the region, illustrating both its incredibly beautiful and otherwordly sides, and also a very well-informed view of the dark side (pointing out, for example, that the beggars in Saigon are often paid "employees" of local gangsters and that the city's cyclo drivers are frequently English-speaking former South Vietnamese soldiers now forced to the very bottom rung of the economic ladder). I haven't been to Burma yet, but this video sure makes me want to go. And I know from the Cambodia and Vietnam segments that Burma is probably quite similar to the way it's depicted here. This is not a "where to go, what to eat" sort of video, it really *does* provide practical and, I think, realistic insight into the contemporary...
A True Southeast Asia - 5 years Ago
I am planning a trip to Burma. I found the production quality excellent and the information well presented. I wish that something of this quality was even more recently made. I know Vietnam, having visited in 1999. The Vietnam segment is an excellent view of the people, history, and sights. Much of what is foretold in this 5-year old video is happening today. I can highly recommend this set as part of your learning about these countries.
An Eastern Hemisphere Geography Class 'must see'
As a retired Vietnam era military officer and current 8th grade social studies teacher, I found Rick Ray's documentary of Southeast Asia an absolute necessity for my classroom. His evenhanded portrayal of the former and present situation in Vietnam was remarkable. His all too short segment on Cambodia left me and my students wanting to know more. The odd situation in Myanmar (Burma) was treated with realism and sensitivity. What a great introduction to this area of the world for 8th graders. Honest and beautiful, mysterious but real. This movie helped me achieve my goal in the classroom...The students are now asking important questions about these three countries. Thank you.
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