The Threatening Sky
6.9
This documentary presents the Vietnam War as seen from within Vietnam, focusing on civilian life, industrial and agricultural labor, and organized resistance under sustained aerial bombardment. Introduced by Bertrand Russell, the film situates the conflict within a broader history of anti-occupation struggles, drawing parallels to World War II resistance movements. Footage includes interviews with Vietnamese leaders, scenes of air defense, and mass political mobilization.
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Cast
15 people
Joris Ivens
Interviewer
Also in
New Earth
The Flaming Arrow
Hồ Chí Minh
Himself
Also in
Ernesto Che Guevara - Uomo, Compagno, Amico
Born of the People: Ho Chi Minh and Malcolm X
Marceline Loridan-Ivens
Bertrand Russell
Himself
Also in
40 Minutes
Catherine Dourgnan
Lindsay Anderson
Narrator (UK)
Known for
Chariots of Fire
O Lucky Man!
Robert Destanques
Serge Reggiani
Narrator
Known for
Le Doulos
Casque d'Or
Duc Hoa
Phạm Văn Đồng
Premier of North Vietnam
Thu Van
Françoise Beloux
Joris Ivens Director · J.-C. Ulrich Writer Catherine Dourgnan Editor
First release May 3, 1966 · Produced in France, Vietnam · Languages English, French
Production
Dovidis
Production
France · Vietnam
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Le Ciel, la terre
Original language
French
Spoken on screen
English · French
Release dates
Italy · May 3, 1966
Premiere · Reggio Emilia
No release date listed for United States.
Italy
September 5, 1966 · Limited theatrical · Festival de L'unità
December 8, 1966 · Limited theatrical · Cuneo Film Festival
Portugal
April 21, 1983 · Limited theatrical · Cinemateca Portuguesa
United Kingdom
February 4, 1967 · Theatrical
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Some details come from TheTVDB.