The Sympathizer, premiering on HBO on April 14, is an espionage thriller and cross-culture satirical drama based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. With a talented cast and crew, this limited series is set to offer a fresh perspective on the Vietnam War.
The series centers on the Captain (played by Hoa Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. As a North Vietnamese mole embedded in the South Vietnamese army, the Captain flees to the United States as a refugee when the war comes to a close. He settles in Los Angeles, continuing his secret spy activities within the South Vietnamese refugee community and reporting back to the Viet Cong.
The Captain’s life in Los Angeles is filled with intrigue. He becomes entangled in a love triangle with Ms. Sofia Mori (Sandra Oh), a liberated feminist who helps awaken his understanding of Asian-American identity. Additionally, he takes on a job at his American alma mater in the “Oriental Studies” department, where he experiences the Orientalist perspective firsthand.
However, the Captain’s most significant challenge arises when he is recruited to return to Vietnam for a raid on the communists. This mission puts his loyalties to the test, forcing him to navigate between his original allegiances and his new life.
The series also stars Fred Nguyen Khan as Bon, the Captain’s childhood friend who refuses to acknowledge his multiple identities. Toan Le portrays the General, the former head of the South Vietnamese Secret Police, obsessed with hunting down traitors. Vy Le plays Lana, the General’s daughter, fluent in both American and Vietnamese cultures. Alan Trong takes on the role of Sonny, the Captain’s former classmate and editor of a Vietnamese-language newspaper in LA.
Adding to the allure of the series is Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple antagonist roles, each representing different facets of the American establishment.
The Sympathizer is co-created by Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, with Park directing. The series is a collaboration between HBO and A24.
The Sympathizer premieres on HBO at 9:00 pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024.
