A Bright Shining Lie poster
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A Bright Shining Lie

6.019981h 58mMovieDramaWarTV Movie

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…

DirectorTerry George
WriterNeil Sheehan
ProducersGreg Ricketson·Lois Bonfiglio

Where to watch

MaxMax
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Terry George

BPBill Paxton
Bill Paxton
John Paul Vann
AMAmy Madigan
Amy Madigan
Mary Jane Vann
DLDonal Logue
Donal Logue
Steven Burnett
RBRobert John Burke
Robert John Burke
Frank Drummond
VWVivian Wu
Vivian Wu
Lee
ELEd Lauter
Ed Lauter
General Weyand
KSKurtwood Smith
Kurtwood Smith
General Westmoreland
EBEric Bogosian
Eric Bogosian
Doug Elders
JRJames Rebhorn
James Rebhorn
Ambassador
LM
Les Mau
Colonel Dinh
TSTodd Sible
Todd Sible
Jesse Vann (19 years old)
HPHarve Presnell
Harve Presnell
MACV General

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More from Amy Madigan · Co-star actress

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More from Terry George · Director

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A Bright Shining Lie — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams A Bright Shining Lie?

A Bright Shining Lie is streaming on Max in United States as of September 2026. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is A Bright Shining Lie on Netflix?

No, A Bright Shining Lie is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on Max.

Is A Bright Shining Lie on Amazon Prime Video?

No, A Bright Shining Lie isn't on Amazon Prime Video in United States right now. It's on Max instead.

Where can I watch A Bright Shining Lie for free?

A Bright Shining Lie is on Max in United States, so you'll need access to Max to watch it.