The concept of a war fought twice, once in reality and again in memory, is central to Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War, a nonfiction work by Vietnamese American author Viet Thanh Nguyen. This theme is also pivotal in the HBO adaptation of Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Sympathizer, which delves into the memories of a half-French, half-Vietnamese spy as he navigates the final days of the Vietnam War and his subsequent life as a refugee in Los Angeles.
The Sympathizer, set to premiere on HBO, introduces viewers to the protagonist, referred to as the Captain (played by Hoa Xuande), who recounts his experiences as a double agent from within a Vietnamese reeducation camp. The seven-episode series is multifaceted, offering a stark portrayal of the war’s casualties, an immigrant narrative, a spy thriller, and a critical examination of Hollywood’s one-sided depictions of the Vietnam War. As the Captain continues his espionage in the U.S., the series broadens its lens to include his perspective on the war, enhancing the wit and energy of the original novel, though some inconsistencies are present throughout the season.
The A24 coproduction is spearheaded by showrunners Don McKellar and Park Chan-wook, the latter directing the initial episodes before Fernando Meirelles and Marc Munden take over. Park’s distinctive style is evident in the early episodes, infusing the show with his unique brand of humor and cinematic flair. The adaptation skillfully weaves in the influence of Park’s work on Nguyen; the director’s acclaimed film Oldboy was a formative inspiration for the author’s novel.
Park’s preference for complex characters is reflected in the Captain, as he explained in an interview with The New Yorker: “I am drawn to characters who act on their convictions, only to find themselves in unexpected situations upon achieving their goals.”
While Park’s absence is felt in the later episodes, this transition showcases the distinctive style of an auteur passing the baton to other directors. One of Park’s more controversial decisions is the casting of Robert Downey Jr. in four distinct roles throughout the series. Downey’s characters, all white American men, serve variously as mentors or employers to the Captain, satirizing American imperialism. Although entertaining, Downey’s performances occasionally overshadow the narrative and other actors, detracting from the overall impact of the story.
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