The Independent Traveller In Vietnam

With the proliferation of camcorders and the availability of cheap editing equipment, there are far too many videographers out there who not only think they can produce as good a video as National Geographic, but that they can sell it for the same amount and libraries will buy it. In the introduction, filmmaker Lloyd Skelton says that he won't show fancy resorts or tombs, temples and museums--presumably because they are too boring--but why skip battle sites that would interest Vietnam veterans, the individuals most likely to visit the country? Instead, Skelton tells us the price paid for every meal and every hotel and every train ticket and cab. He offers repeated warnings about dealing with the Vietnamese people: count your change, haggle for better deals, beware of beggars and sharp-dealing street traders. His remarks are full of loaded asides: "Notice on the top of the hobby horse the little toy machine gun? That says?" The land and people of Vietnam appear completely unappealing despite the sappy "happy children waving" remark at the end. Not recommended. (R. Reagan)