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Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision

Play trailer Poster for Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision 1995 1h 45m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 9 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

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John Anderson Wall Street Journal Jul 22
As viewers will likely agree, “Maya Lin” is a very respectable movie, one whose greatest virtue is Ms. Lin herself. But it often spends too much energy in digressions. Go to Full Review
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times 01/01/2000
3/4
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. Go to Full Review
Mike Clark USA Today 01/01/2000
3.5/4
No masterpiece, but a portrait worthy of the extraordinary woman it salutes. Go to Full Review
Marya E. Gates Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack) Jul 18
Anyone who has a creative bone in their body will be inspired by Lin and her work. Go to Full Review
Donald J. Levit ReelTalk Movie Reviews 03/12/2013
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. Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 07/02/2005
3/5
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Audience Reviews

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YIYI X @yiyi11 Jul 19 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. See more 02/09/2017 An interesting look at her work. See more 03/11/2014 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! See more 05/15/2012 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. See more 06/29/2011 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. See more 01/01/2011 : 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. See more 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