A Bright Shining Lie
1998, English. Directed by Terry George.
In war as in life, the difference between truth and deception is what a man allows himself to believe.
Something in his past keeps career Army man John Paul Vann from advancing past colonel. He views being sent to Vietnam as part of the US military advisory force a stepping stone to promotion. However, he disagrees vocally (and on the record) with the way the war is being run and is forced to leave the military. Returning to Vietnam as a civilian working with the Army, he comes to despise some South Vietnamese officers while he takes charge of some of the U.S. forces and continues his liaisons with Vietnamese women.
- Runtime
- 1h 58m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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A Bright Shining Lie isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 30 May 1998.
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Cast & crew
- Terry GeorgeDirector
- Bill PaxtonJohn Paul Vann
- Amy MadiganMary Jane Vann
- Donal LogueSteven Burnett
- Robert John BurkeFrank Drummond
- Vivian WuLee
- Ed LauterGeneral Weyand
- Kurtwood SmithGeneral Westmoreland
- Eric BogosianDoug Elders
- James RebhornAmbassador
- Les MauColonel Dinh
- Todd SibleJesse Vann (19 years old)
- Harve PresnellMACV General
Details
- Released
- 30 May 1998
- Country
- United States of America
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News & fan talk
What A Bright Shining Lie is based on
A Bright Shining Lie is based on A Bright Shining Lie (1988) by Neil Sheehan, published by Random House.
1988
A Bright Shining Lie
By Neil Sheehan
Published by Random House
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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A Bright Shining Lie: quick answers
Is A Bright Shining Lie worth watching?
A Bright Shining Lie doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is A Bright Shining Lie?
A Bright Shining Lie runs 118 minutes (1h 58m).
Does A Bright Shining Lie have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for A Bright Shining Lie. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
A Bright Shining Lie parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for A Bright Shining Lie yet.
Which OTT platform is A Bright Shining Lie on?
A Bright Shining Lie isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 30 May 1998. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like A Bright Shining Lie?
If you liked A Bright Shining Lie, try Path to War, The Scarlet and the Black, Jacknife.
Who directed A Bright Shining Lie?
A Bright Shining Lie (1998) was directed by Terry George and stars Bill Paxton, Amy Madigan, Donal Logue.
What is A Bright Shining Lie based on?
A Bright Shining Lie is based on A Bright Shining Lie (1988) by Neil Sheehan, published by Random House.