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The War and Peace of Tim O'Brien

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Tim O'Brien has been called "the best American writer of his generation," and America's "poet laureate of war." A Vietnam veteran, and National Book Award-winner, O'Brien is one of the great voices in modern American literature. The Library of Congress recently named his groundbreaking novel about the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried, one of the 65 most influential books in US history. But O'Brien hasn't put pen to paper in nearly two decades. He swore off making sentences when, at a late age, he had his first of two children. Plus, the nation was waging new wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that he couldn't wrap his head around -- wars that both reconfirmed and upended the notions of war, soldiers, and society that animated his books. Now, Tim O'Brien is trying to write again. He thinks the country is past due for a conversation about war's impact. He thinks we're running out of time. And, at age 70, that he is too. What makes wars worth fighting? How do we write about war? What are the obligations of citizens with respect to war? What are the after-effects of war on individuals and families? The War and Peace of Tim O'Brien follows O'Brien on the journey of his last book, as he reveals the everyday ties between duty, art, family, and the trauma of war.

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The War and Peace of Tim O'Brien

Critics Reviews

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Godfrey Cheshire RogerEbert.com Mar 2, 2021
2.5/4
Well-intentioned but only partly satisfying. Go to Full Review Liam Trump Film Threat Apr 4, 2021
5/10
It may not be perfect from a technical level, but the documentary still delivers on many fronts. Go to Full Review Tom Meek Cambridge Day Mar 12, 2021
2.5/4
O'Brien is a jocular, reflective sort who posses unique views on war, death and peace. Writerly types will surely be intrigued. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mar 6, 2021 Really liked this. Do recommend. See more Read all reviews
The War and Peace of Tim O'Brien

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Cast & Crew

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Aaron Matthews

Director

Tim O'Brien

Self

Tim O'Brien

Actor

Aaron Matthews

Producer
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The War and Peace of Tim O'Brien

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Movie Info

Synopsis Tim O'Brien has been called "the best American writer of his generation," and America's "poet laureate of war." A Vietnam veteran, and National Book Award-winner, O'Brien is one of the great voices in modern American literature. The Library of Congress recently named his groundbreaking novel about the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried, one of the 65 most influential books in US history. But O'Brien hasn't put pen to paper in nearly two decades. He swore off making sentences when, at a late age, he had his first of two children. Plus, the nation was waging new wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that he couldn't wrap his head around -- wars that both reconfirmed and upended the notions of war, soldiers, and society that animated his books. Now, Tim O'Brien is trying to write again. He thinks the country is past due for a conversation about war's impact. He thinks we're running out of time. And, at age 70, that he is too. What makes wars worth fighting? How do we write about war? What are the obligations of citizens with respect to war? What are the after-effects of war on individuals and families? The War and Peace of Tim O'Brien follows O'Brien on the journey of his last book, as he reveals the everyday ties between duty, art, family, and the trauma of war.
Director
Aaron Matthews
Producer
Aaron Matthews
Production Co
Aaron Matthews Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 2, 2021
Runtime
1h 23m
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