The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo

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The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo

R

Nov 2025

1h 40m

Documentary

History

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Popcornmeter

92%

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24 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

A former Saigon photo editor reveals a secret he's been plagued with for 52 years, setting off a gripping two-year investigation into the truth behind one of the Vietnam War's most iconic photographs. Acclaimed conflict photographer Gary Knight and a small team of journalists embark on a relentless search to locate and seek justice for a man known only as "the stringer."

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Ty Burr

Ty Burr's Watch List (Substack)

Dec 8

3.5/4

The Stringer comes to a more convincing judgement and in doing so illustrates the mutability of memory, the whims of chance, and the dodginess yet ultimate stubbornness of truth.

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John Anderson

Wall Street Journal

Dec 5

It’s a real shame Mr. Út didn’t speak to the people behind “The Stringer” because, given his absence, the film becomes far too much of an exercise in shame.

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Sam Adams

Slate

Dec 3

The Stringer goes to great lengths to investigate the question of where Nick Ut was on that road, constructing a timeline of events and plucking his blurry silhouette out of the background of photos focused on other subjects.

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Chris Joyce

Movies and Munchies (YouTube)

Dec 9

This is a tragic and beautiful film. The investigation is also a disturbing one, but something that is carried out nobly and cautiously.

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

Dec 5

While it makes a strong case, the documentary itself is a bit too long-winded and repetitive, including multiple levels of narration that are unnecessary.

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JK Sooja

Common Sense Media

Dec 2

4/5

This is solid investigative journalism straightforwardly packaged in a documentary.

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Claire M

5d

Just watch this documentary to the very end. You'll be glad you did. I was very moved by it. Excellent work by everyone involved in its creation.

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Bill V

@BillV 6d

The Stringer is a snoozer. And it's a one-sided cheapshot by someone with an obvious ax to grind against people who are long dead and can't defend themselves. The "whistleblower" waited a half century before speaking up? Sorry, but he has zero credibility to this viewer. And the digital "recreation" is laughable. Don't waste your time on this hatchet job.

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Avindu G

Nov 29

We talk about the ones who put their lives at risk but are just not influenced enough to be under the spotlight. This isn't about the war, but it's a gesture of respect towards what Hanoi represented. An atmospheric account of truth finding to do justice to what true journalism represents. Great cinematography during the interviews. Excellent visuals and sound effects. After all, in times when truth gets swayed and ethical journalism is unprofitable, this does really inspire.

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Jessica N.

@Huydawgindahaus Nov 29

One of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. I highly recommend it!

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Scott M.

@Skeeeeezo Nov 29

The power of a photograph goes well beyond it's subject, as told in this compelling documentary about the Napalm Girl.

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Dave G

Nov 21

Everyone knows the Napalm Girl photo, but did the wrong man get the credit? Interesting forensic investigation piece that try's to determine the true authorship of the photo. The filmmaker definitely has their point of view, I would have like someone who was more of the devils advocate to help clarify the debate,

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Bao Nguyen

Director

Fiona Turner

Producer

Terri Lichstein

Producer

Gary Knight

Executive Producer

Sue Turley

Executive Producer

Grace Lay

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

A former Saigon photo editor reveals a secret he's been plagued with for 52 years, setting off a gripping two-year investigation into the truth behind one of the Vietnam War's most iconic photographs. Acclaimed conflict photographer Gary Knight and a small team of journalists embark on a relentless search to locate and seek justice for a man known only as "the stringer."

Director: Bao Nguyen
Producer: Fiona Turner, Terri Lichstein
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: The VII Foundation
Rating: R (Some Language)
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 21, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 28, 2025
Runtime: 1h 40m

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