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Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision

Play trailer Poster for Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision Released Nov 10, 1995 1h 45m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
This documentary explores the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Although it became one of the most beloved memorials in the world, Maya Lin's elegant design was initially greeted with skepticism. Lin was an unknown architect whose entry had been selected after a nationwide competition. She was only 20 years old, and it angered some politicians that she was Asian. Yet through all the vitriol, Lin persevered, ultimately realizing her stirring artistic vision.

Critics Reviews

View All (8)
Mike Clark USA Today No masterpiece, but a portrait worthy of the extraordinary woman it salutes. Rated: 3.5/4 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times If you have been to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you will want to see it. If you have not, it will make you want to go. Rated: 3/4 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Alison Macor Austin Chronicle Rated: 4.5/5 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Marya E. Gates Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack) Anyone who has a creative bone in their body will be inspired by Lin and her work. Jul 18, 2025 Full Review Donald J. Levit ReelTalk Movie Reviews Processes are illuminated, dedicatory ceremonies shown, honorary degrees conferred, but the carefully un-political woman does not emerge as a personality beyond a wall of concentration. Mar 12, 2013 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Jul 2, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (21)
YIYI X I respect the work, the courage, and the consistency that she expressed when the criticism came at such a young age. The meaningful architecture will remain and be judged by the people across time. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/19/25 Full Review Audience Member An interesting look at her work. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member An extraordinarily simple Documentary about a young Chinese/American Yale student who enters a Vietnam War Memorial Competition & wins but faces some incredible opposition & slander for a 21 year old. Maya Lin is as humble as she is extraordinary & has an incredible gift to understand her memorials deeply & in turn connected with people. Her work on the civil rights memorial was truly outstanding & she is truly gifted. This is a documentary about a simple artist who achieve great things...a sensational documentary! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Interesting story. I'm a little unclear how this won Best Documentary. It wasn't that great. But, the parts where she is actually creating or talking about creating art--versus the reactions against her art--are terrific. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member A good, but not great, documentary on a great Chinese-American artist. There should've maybe been more exploration of her life outside her work. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member : A superb film about a remarkable artist and architect and her work and aesthetic. There were moments I found my eyes welling with tears. Highly recommended. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision

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Movie Info

Synopsis This documentary explores the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Although it became one of the most beloved memorials in the world, Maya Lin's elegant design was initially greeted with skepticism. Lin was an unknown architect whose entry had been selected after a nationwide competition. She was only 20 years old, and it angered some politicians that she was Asian. Yet through all the vitriol, Lin persevered, ultimately realizing her stirring artistic vision.
Director
Freida Lee Mock
Producer
Freida Lee Mock, Terry Sanders
Distributor
Ocean Releasing
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 10, 1995, Original
Release Date (DVD)
May 27, 2003
Runtime
1h 45m