Regret to Inform
by Lenora Chu

     Thirty years after her husband was killed in the Vietnam War, writer/director Barbara Sonneborn brings to life her struggle with pain, grief, anger and healing.  Regret to Inform is a visually stunning documentary that illustrates the devastation of war through the eyes of Vietnamese and American war widows. 

     The journey begins on a train rolling past fertile landscapes into the heart of Vietnam; Sonneborn is traveling to the site of her husband's death.  The narration takes us inside her head and from there we are launched into the lives of women who share her loss.

     The women's accounts are gripping.  Particularly haunting is a South Vietnamese woman's tale of drugs, prostitution and a loss of innocence at the age of 14.  Her eyes are expressive, and the irony is tangible when she tells you that she witnessed her cousin being blown to pieces, while decades later her troubles involve her 21-year old son's antics with the lawnmower.

     In another scene, an American woman reminds us that the real battle begins when the war ends.  She talks of her husband returning from the war only to suffer a slow death due to the effects of Agent Orange. 

     Overall, the film is successful, as the themes are universal and transcend war to touch all who have loved and lost. And Sonneborn has done the work; she interviewed over 200 women in both countries, which results in a well-rounded presentation.  However, this documentary is born from a unique perspective and with it comes its limitations.

     But take a look for yourself. I recommend this film, as does Sundance and the Academy. Sundance Documentary Directing Award, '99, Academy Award Documentary Feature nomination, '99.