The Fog of War (2003) Review in 2025
The Fog of War is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the life and experiences of former US Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, offering a unique perspective on the Vietnam War.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
Recommended for fans of documentaries, history, and politics, but not suitable for young children due to mature themes and graphic content.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The documentary delves into McNamara's involvement in the Vietnam War, revealing his complex and often contradictory views on the conflict, and how his experiences shaped his understanding of war and its consequences.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The documentary's narrative is engaging and well-structured, with McNamara's experiences and insights providing a unique perspective on the Vietnam War.
acting8.00/10
McNamara's performance is engaging and sincere, offering a compelling portrayal of a complex and often contradictory figure.
characters8.50/10
McNamara's character is complex and nuanced, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a key figure in modern history.
direction9.50/10
Errol Morris's direction is masterful, using a range of techniques to bring McNamara's story to life and convey the complexity of the Vietnam War.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is straightforward and effective, with a focus on capturing McNamara's words and actions rather than creating a visually stunning experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Fog of War is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that offers a unique perspective on the Vietnam War. McNamara's experiences and insights are fascinating, and the documentary's direction and cinematography are masterful.
Cons
The documentary's graphic content and mature themes may be off-putting for some viewers, and the pacing can be slow at times.
Notable Quotes
"I think we did what we thought was right at the time."
"The fog of war is a metaphor for the confusion and uncertainty of war."
"The ultimate weakness of Vietnamization was that it left the people of Vietnam in the hands of the Vietnamese Communists."
