Get ready for an intense and gripping episode of “The Sympathizer” as Season 1 Episode 6, titled “The Oriental Mode of Destruction,” airs at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024, on HBO. In this thrilling installment, viewers will be drawn deeper into the world of espionage and intrigue as the story nears its climax.
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War’s final days, “The Sympathizer” follows a spy embedded within the South Vietnamese army as he flees to the United States and takes up residence in a refugee community. Despite his new surroundings, the spy continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong, navigating a dangerous world of double-crosses and betrayal.
As tensions rise and the stakes escalate, viewers can expect plenty of twists and turns as the spy’s loyalties are put to the test. With its complex characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, “The Sympathizer” offers...
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War’s final days, “The Sympathizer” follows a spy embedded within the South Vietnamese army as he flees to the United States and takes up residence in a refugee community. Despite his new surroundings, the spy continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong, navigating a dangerous world of double-crosses and betrayal.
As tensions rise and the stakes escalate, viewers can expect plenty of twists and turns as the spy’s loyalties are put to the test. With its complex characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, “The Sympathizer” offers...
- 5/12/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
In 2019, Sandra Oh simultaneously received her seventh and eighth acting Emmy nominations for “Killing Eve” (drama lead) and “Saturday Night Live” (comedy guest). Five years later, her performance bid total is set to reach an even dozen thanks to her respective lead and supporting performances in the telefilm “Quiz Lady” and the limited series “The Sympathizer.” Earning TV academy recognition for these two roles would make her the eighth woman to compete for both possible limited program acting awards at once.
In “Quiz Lady,” which premiered on Hulu last November, Oh plays Jenny Yum, a vivacious yet reckless woman who reunites with her estranged younger sister (Awkwafina) to resolve their mother’s gambling debts. “The Sympathizer,” which began airing on HBO in April, features her in the role of Sofia Mori, a 1970s Japanese American secretary who becomes entangled with a communist spy (Hoa Xuande).
Prior to amassing her four...
In “Quiz Lady,” which premiered on Hulu last November, Oh plays Jenny Yum, a vivacious yet reckless woman who reunites with her estranged younger sister (Awkwafina) to resolve their mother’s gambling debts. “The Sympathizer,” which began airing on HBO in April, features her in the role of Sofia Mori, a 1970s Japanese American secretary who becomes entangled with a communist spy (Hoa Xuande).
Prior to amassing her four...
- 5/10/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Welcome to Emmy Experts Typing, a weekly column in which Gold Derby editors and Experts Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen discuss the Emmy race — via Slack, of course. This week, we revisit the limited races, now with “Baby Reindeer” in the mix.
Christopher Rosen: Hello, Joyce! We’re back to type about the limited series race, which remains fairly top-heavy despite what the odds might suggest. To wit: Netflix smash “Baby Reindeer” is only in fifth place in our odds, even though it’s all-but-assured of being extremely win-competitive in this race and could usurp “Shōgun” in the end as the year’s one true sensation of the year (if the latter doesn’t move to drama as widely speculated this week). You were the earliest adopter of the Netflix juggernaut, which made landfall in Los Angeles this week for a splashy FYC event. The show feels assured of several top nominations,...
Christopher Rosen: Hello, Joyce! We’re back to type about the limited series race, which remains fairly top-heavy despite what the odds might suggest. To wit: Netflix smash “Baby Reindeer” is only in fifth place in our odds, even though it’s all-but-assured of being extremely win-competitive in this race and could usurp “Shōgun” in the end as the year’s one true sensation of the year (if the latter doesn’t move to drama as widely speculated this week). You were the earliest adopter of the Netflix juggernaut, which made landfall in Los Angeles this week for a splashy FYC event. The show feels assured of several top nominations,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Love Lies Bleeding Ending Explained: Do Lou and Jackie Escape Successfully?(Photo Credit –IMDb)
A24 is quite well known for making films that do not follow the traditional path, and their latest, Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding, is no different. What starts off as a passionate and pure romance between Lou (Kristen Stewart) and Jackie (Katy M. O’Brian) soon turns to roads that are bloody and full of terror. Set in the southwest of the 1980s, Love Lies Bleeding is violent, toxic, and romantic, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
What Happens in Love Lies Bleeding?
Love Lies Bleeding is about Lou and Jackie and how all hell breaks loose when the two fall in love. Initially, their romance seems innocent enough, and their chemistry is sizzling on the screen right from the moment they set eyes on each other. However, things start getting complicated when Jackie learns that...
A24 is quite well known for making films that do not follow the traditional path, and their latest, Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding, is no different. What starts off as a passionate and pure romance between Lou (Kristen Stewart) and Jackie (Katy M. O’Brian) soon turns to roads that are bloody and full of terror. Set in the southwest of the 1980s, Love Lies Bleeding is violent, toxic, and romantic, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
What Happens in Love Lies Bleeding?
Love Lies Bleeding is about Lou and Jackie and how all hell breaks loose when the two fall in love. Initially, their romance seems innocent enough, and their chemistry is sizzling on the screen right from the moment they set eyes on each other. However, things start getting complicated when Jackie learns that...
- 5/10/2024
- by Pramila Tripathi
- KoiMoi
One of the best recent rule changes the Television Academy recently made was the 2020 decision to expand the Drama and Comedy series categories to include eight nominees, regardless of the number of entries. But if the goal of the Primetime Emmys is to be reflective of the shows that most engaged viewers and voters alike throughout the TV season, it needs to now go one step further. The TV Academy needs to expand the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category to eight nominees as well.
In the decade since they have re-split the Limited Series and TV Movie categories there have been plenty of winners that were a cultural moment, from “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story” to “Big Little Lies” to “Watchmen,” but these event series were not as common an occurrence. Then the Covid-19 pandemic happened, an event that has had ramifications to the television schedule still present today.
In the decade since they have re-split the Limited Series and TV Movie categories there have been plenty of winners that were a cultural moment, from “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story” to “Big Little Lies” to “Watchmen,” but these event series were not as common an occurrence. Then the Covid-19 pandemic happened, an event that has had ramifications to the television schedule still present today.
- 5/8/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
(Welcome to Under the Radar, a column where we spotlight specific movies, shows, trends, performances, or scenes that caught our eye and deserved more attention ... but otherwise flew under the radar. In this edition: the haunting genre-bender "The Beast," the farcical indie "Hundreds of Beavers," and HBO's "The Sympathizer" all stand out as clear highlights.)
Buckle up, folks: The theme of this month's edition of "Under the Radar" falls under the category of weird and wild.
More so than in previous years, this past April marked something of an awkward transition point in the overall release calendar. While Oscar season is well and truly behind us, the summer blockbuster season still remains a few weeks away from truly ramping up in earnest. Sure, the one-two punch of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" and "Furiosa" technically kick off the festivities in short order, but June and July are when the real heavy-hitters -- hello,...
Buckle up, folks: The theme of this month's edition of "Under the Radar" falls under the category of weird and wild.
More so than in previous years, this past April marked something of an awkward transition point in the overall release calendar. While Oscar season is well and truly behind us, the summer blockbuster season still remains a few weeks away from truly ramping up in earnest. Sure, the one-two punch of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" and "Furiosa" technically kick off the festivities in short order, but June and July are when the real heavy-hitters -- hello,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
The MCU is about to mutate. The arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine is set to bring an all-new flavour to the Marvel universe – teaming up Ryan Reynolds’ Merc With A Mouth and Hugh Jackman’s adamantium-clawed Logan for a mad, meta buddy movie. The new issue of Empire takes a world-exclusive deep-dive into the film speaking to its stars and filmmakers – and you’ll find it on newsstands from Thursday 9 May.
For now, take an early peek at what’s inside the magazine. Hold onto your chimichangas!
Deadpool & Wolverine
What happens when you team up two volatile agents of chaos, take them out of their respective worlds, and plunge them into the MCU? You get Wolverine & Deadpool, a no-holds-barred Marvel movie set to change the game. Empire speaks to Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, director Shawn Levy, Marvel boss Kevin Feige and more about unleashing mutant mayhem in the Marvel universe.
For now, take an early peek at what’s inside the magazine. Hold onto your chimichangas!
Deadpool & Wolverine
What happens when you team up two volatile agents of chaos, take them out of their respective worlds, and plunge them into the MCU? You get Wolverine & Deadpool, a no-holds-barred Marvel movie set to change the game. Empire speaks to Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, director Shawn Levy, Marvel boss Kevin Feige and more about unleashing mutant mayhem in the Marvel universe.
- 5/8/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Robert Downey Jr. is making his Broadway debut this fall in a new play by Ayad Akhtar.
The play, called McNeal, will see Downey portraying a talented writer who grapples with a new novel, a broken family life and “an unhealthy fascination with artificial intelligence.” Bartlett Sher, resident director at the Lincoln Center who also helmed To Kill a Mockingbird, among others, is directing.
Downey’s production company, Team Downey, is producing, in association with Lincoln Center Theater.
The play will run at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater starting Sept. 5 and opening on Sept. 30. The play will be a strictly limited engagement running through Nov. 24. Complete casting will be announced at a later date.
The Iron Man star won his first Oscar this year for his role in Oppenheimer. His recent projects include the HBO and A24 adaptation of the novel The Sympathizer. He is also slated to appear in Paramount Pictures’ Vertigo.
The play, called McNeal, will see Downey portraying a talented writer who grapples with a new novel, a broken family life and “an unhealthy fascination with artificial intelligence.” Bartlett Sher, resident director at the Lincoln Center who also helmed To Kill a Mockingbird, among others, is directing.
Downey’s production company, Team Downey, is producing, in association with Lincoln Center Theater.
The play will run at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater starting Sept. 5 and opening on Sept. 30. The play will be a strictly limited engagement running through Nov. 24. Complete casting will be announced at a later date.
The Iron Man star won his first Oscar this year for his role in Oppenheimer. His recent projects include the HBO and A24 adaptation of the novel The Sympathizer. He is also slated to appear in Paramount Pictures’ Vertigo.
- 5/7/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robert Downey Jr. has been instrumental in building the MCU and making it what it is today. Downey Jr.’s Iron Man was the first character that Marvel Studios kicked off within their planned cinematic universe. The character became the leader of the Avengers and also dealt with some personal issues and complexities within him in his solo films as well.
A soldier insists on taking a picture with Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark in Iron Man
One of the trademark actions of Tony Stark is his frequent use of the peace sign in different films. In the first Iron Man, a soldier who’s protecting him does the same pose while trying to take a photo together with Stark. However, the soldier died saving him and there has been an ongoing discourse that Tony frequently does the now-iconic move to honor the fallen soldier.
Tony Stark’s Trademark...
A soldier insists on taking a picture with Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark in Iron Man
One of the trademark actions of Tony Stark is his frequent use of the peace sign in different films. In the first Iron Man, a soldier who’s protecting him does the same pose while trying to take a photo together with Stark. However, the soldier died saving him and there has been an ongoing discourse that Tony frequently does the now-iconic move to honor the fallen soldier.
Tony Stark’s Trademark...
- 5/7/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
After a decade and change playing superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe sandbox, Robert Downey Jr. wants to remind everyone there's more to him than Tony Stark. In the years since permanently (?) retiring his MCU alter ego in "Avengers: Endgame," the actor has lined up an ambitious slate of projects. Between getting an Oscar for his supporting role in Christopher Nolan's Best Picture-winning "Oppenheimer" and pulling a Peter Sellers by tackling multiple colorful characters in Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar's "The Sympathizer" miniseries, it's fair to say Rdj the character actor is officially back.
As chance would have it, we're now 10 years removed from the last time Downey tried (but failed) to renew his acting bonafides with "The Judge." Directed by David Dobkin, the 2014 drama stars Downey as Hank Palmer, a big-shot lawyer from Chicago who returns to his podunk hometown in Indiana to attend his mother's funeral.
As chance would have it, we're now 10 years removed from the last time Downey tried (but failed) to renew his acting bonafides with "The Judge." Directed by David Dobkin, the 2014 drama stars Downey as Hank Palmer, a big-shot lawyer from Chicago who returns to his podunk hometown in Indiana to attend his mother's funeral.
- 5/6/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
[Warning: The following contains Major spoilers for The Sympathizer Season 1 Episode 4, “Give Us Some Good Lines.”] The Sympathizer Episode 4 is one of the best episodes of 2024 so far. The episode breaks form from its previous installments and plants the Captain (Hoa Xuande), a double agent pretending to be loyal to the Southern Vietnamese cause and its CIA allies, on the set of an American-made Vietnam War movie directed by Nikos Damianos (the fourth of Robert Downey Jr.‘s characters). The Captain was hired as the cultural consultant for The Hamlet, a noteworthy section of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. As the man in charge of representing the Vietnamese community, the Captain was in a unique position to both witness the racist depiction of Vietnamese people in this film and do something about it. What resulted in the making of this Apocalypse Now-style movie was a meta commentary that criticizes how Hollywood portrayed the Vietnam War...
- 5/6/2024
- TV Insider
Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man shepherded the MCU in its first three phases, leading the Avengers and being one of the leading heroes that catapulted the franchise to its peak. His journey from an arrogant and flamboyant billionaire to a selfless hero who sacrifices his life for the greater good has made him the most iconic character in the franchise.
Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame
The actor has played the character over 10 times in the MCU and that is an admirable record. However, another unlikely actor has surpassed Downey Jr. in terms of voicing several MCU characters. X-Men ’97 actor Ross Marquand now holds the record for the most voice roles in the MCU across different formats.
Ross Marquand Now Holds a Unique MCU Record for His Incredible Voice Roles
Ross Marquand is the voice of Professor X in X-Men ’97
Many actors in the...
Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame
The actor has played the character over 10 times in the MCU and that is an admirable record. However, another unlikely actor has surpassed Downey Jr. in terms of voicing several MCU characters. X-Men ’97 actor Ross Marquand now holds the record for the most voice roles in the MCU across different formats.
Ross Marquand Now Holds a Unique MCU Record for His Incredible Voice Roles
Ross Marquand is the voice of Professor X in X-Men ’97
Many actors in the...
- 5/6/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Hoa Xuande’s life changed on Sept. 21, 2022.
It was nine months after he had sent in his audition tape for HBO’s series “The Sympathizer”; he had gone through the gamut of Zoom calls, he’d met with director Park Chan-wook, he’d traveled to South Korea and even made some trips to Los Angeles as part of the audition process. But there was no word on whether he’d gotten the part — radio silence after readings and tests had to mean the worst. But on that fateful September morning, he learned that he’d be playing the Captain, starring in the series opposite Robert Downey Jr. and Sandra Oh. “I felt like I won the lottery,” says Xuande.
The series is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s 2016 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The Captain is a spy for North Vietnam who comes to Los Angeles and finds himself with conflicted loyalties.
It was nine months after he had sent in his audition tape for HBO’s series “The Sympathizer”; he had gone through the gamut of Zoom calls, he’d met with director Park Chan-wook, he’d traveled to South Korea and even made some trips to Los Angeles as part of the audition process. But there was no word on whether he’d gotten the part — radio silence after readings and tests had to mean the worst. But on that fateful September morning, he learned that he’d be playing the Captain, starring in the series opposite Robert Downey Jr. and Sandra Oh. “I felt like I won the lottery,” says Xuande.
The series is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s 2016 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The Captain is a spy for North Vietnam who comes to Los Angeles and finds himself with conflicted loyalties.
- 5/6/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Note: This story contains spoilers ahead from “The Sympathizer” Episode 4.
Sunday’s episode of “The Sympathizer” saw The Captain (Hoa Xuande) go to work as an interpreter on auteur Nikos’ (Robert Downey Jr.) film about the Vietnam War.
Co-showrunner Park Chan-wook revealed in an interview with TheWrap that one key change that the series made from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pultizer Prize-winning source material was moving the location of the film’s set from the Philippines to California.
“I think in the original novel, because it’s inspired by ‘Apocalypse Now,’ they changed the Philippines into Vietnam. But because of the financial restraints, we set this in California and changed that into Vietnam for this movie set,” Chan-wook said. “I think in hindsight, it turned out better in terms of our creative aspect… we were able to bring in our secondary characters into our story to have them play the...
Sunday’s episode of “The Sympathizer” saw The Captain (Hoa Xuande) go to work as an interpreter on auteur Nikos’ (Robert Downey Jr.) film about the Vietnam War.
Co-showrunner Park Chan-wook revealed in an interview with TheWrap that one key change that the series made from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pultizer Prize-winning source material was moving the location of the film’s set from the Philippines to California.
“I think in the original novel, because it’s inspired by ‘Apocalypse Now,’ they changed the Philippines into Vietnam. But because of the financial restraints, we set this in California and changed that into Vietnam for this movie set,” Chan-wook said. “I think in hindsight, it turned out better in terms of our creative aspect… we were able to bring in our secondary characters into our story to have them play the...
- 5/6/2024
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Robert Downey Jr.’s brilliant string of roles in A24’s “The Sympathizer” (streaming Sundays on HBO) is a tour de force reminiscent of Peter Sellers’ legendary turns in “Dr. Strangelove.” But Downey does Sellers one better by portraying four characters that serve as interconnected projections of American patriarchy to the Captain (Hoa Xuan Nguyen), a Vietnamese double agent with a severe identity crisis.
After the fall of Saigon, the Captain is forced to flee to the U.S. to continue his post-war mission. He winds up in L.A., where he continues interacting with Claude, a pop music-loving CIA operative, and his college mentor, Hammer, a gay East Asian studies professor who sponsors him. In addition, the Captain gets introduced to Ned Godwin, a military vet-turned-congressman, and Niko, a counter-culture film director, who hires him as a consultant for his Vietnam War epic (inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s...
After the fall of Saigon, the Captain is forced to flee to the U.S. to continue his post-war mission. He winds up in L.A., where he continues interacting with Claude, a pop music-loving CIA operative, and his college mentor, Hammer, a gay East Asian studies professor who sponsors him. In addition, the Captain gets introduced to Ned Godwin, a military vet-turned-congressman, and Niko, a counter-culture film director, who hires him as a consultant for his Vietnam War epic (inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s...
- 5/6/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Jeff Daniels and Diane Lane rarely put in anything less than stellar performances, but the Emmy winner and Oscar nominee are rarely as good as they are in Netflix’s adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s A Man in Full.
In a fortnight that has seen the premieres of Hulu’s Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough starring Under the Bridge, the Elisabeth Moss spy thriller FX series Veil, HBO’s The Sympathizer, based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize winner and a third season of the still wonderfully wicked Hacks launching today on Max, executive producers Regina King and David E. Kelley have put a real winner on the track for Netflix with A Man in Full.
On any other show, the never better Daniels as a pugnacious Atlanta real estate tycoon Charlie Croker on the brink of bankruptcy, and Lane as his revitalized razor-sharp ex-wife Martha would be more than enough of a payoff.
In a fortnight that has seen the premieres of Hulu’s Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough starring Under the Bridge, the Elisabeth Moss spy thriller FX series Veil, HBO’s The Sympathizer, based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize winner and a third season of the still wonderfully wicked Hacks launching today on Max, executive producers Regina King and David E. Kelley have put a real winner on the track for Netflix with A Man in Full.
On any other show, the never better Daniels as a pugnacious Atlanta real estate tycoon Charlie Croker on the brink of bankruptcy, and Lane as his revitalized razor-sharp ex-wife Martha would be more than enough of a payoff.
- 5/2/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s hard to believe that it’s already May 2024, especially on the TV front. We have standing weekly appointments with “The Sympathizer” and “Under the Bridge,” are still reeling from “Baby Reindeer,” and still can’t get enough of Kristen Wiig in “Palm Royale” — but there’s a whole new crop of May shows about to debut that deserve the audience’s dutiful attention.
May brings some big names back to TV, including Sean Bean with Hulu’s “Shardlake,” Jeff Daniels with Netflix’s “Man in Full,” and Benedict Cumberbatch with “Eric.” Joel Edgerton headlines Apple’s twisted thriller about a man unmoored from reality in “Dark Matter,” while André Holland plays Black Panther party founder Huey P. Newton in “The Big Cigar.” Many new shows are based on novels or articles, and on the reality front there’s “Love Undercover” — about soccer stars searching for romance; on the documentary side “Pillowcase Murders,...
May brings some big names back to TV, including Sean Bean with Hulu’s “Shardlake,” Jeff Daniels with Netflix’s “Man in Full,” and Benedict Cumberbatch with “Eric.” Joel Edgerton headlines Apple’s twisted thriller about a man unmoored from reality in “Dark Matter,” while André Holland plays Black Panther party founder Huey P. Newton in “The Big Cigar.” Many new shows are based on novels or articles, and on the reality front there’s “Love Undercover” — about soccer stars searching for romance; on the documentary side “Pillowcase Murders,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Dev Patel, Jason Momoa, Olivia Rodrigo and James Wan are the entertainers topping Gold House’s A100 list of the most influential Asian Pacifics across culture for 2024.
Annually released on the first day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month since 2018, this year’s A100 also includes Keanu Reeves, Hayao Miyazaki, BTS member Jung Kook, Academy president Janet Yang and — in a sign of the relative plenitude of Api-fronted content today — key creatives and cast members from Avatar: The Last Airbender, 3 Body Problem, Past Lives, One Piece, Expats, Elemental, Shōgun and The Sympathizer.
“This year was special: Asian Pacific leaders had a record number of records broken while building a more inclusive tomorrow for all, particularly in new avenues like AI,” Gold House CEO Bing Chen and COO Jeremy Tran said in a joint statement. “Gold House is honored to celebrate so many new and established leaders who are committed to both equity and excellence.
Annually released on the first day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month since 2018, this year’s A100 also includes Keanu Reeves, Hayao Miyazaki, BTS member Jung Kook, Academy president Janet Yang and — in a sign of the relative plenitude of Api-fronted content today — key creatives and cast members from Avatar: The Last Airbender, 3 Body Problem, Past Lives, One Piece, Expats, Elemental, Shōgun and The Sympathizer.
“This year was special: Asian Pacific leaders had a record number of records broken while building a more inclusive tomorrow for all, particularly in new avenues like AI,” Gold House CEO Bing Chen and COO Jeremy Tran said in a joint statement. “Gold House is honored to celebrate so many new and established leaders who are committed to both equity and excellence.
- 5/1/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Projects about the Vietnam War and its aftermath are so plentiful as to be practically their own genre, and they’ve starred a who’s who of Hollywood icons, including John Wayne, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson and Christian Bale.
Notably missing from the casts — at least among the substantive speaking parts — have been performers of actual Vietnamese descent. That’s finally changed with The Sympathizer, HBO and A24’s limited series adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer-winning novel. Robert Downey Jr. (who also executive produces) and Sandra Oh are the big names involved, but they are led by relative newcomer Hoa Xuande and joined by Vietnamese costars to tell a story about spycraft and personal and collective identity immediately following the conflict, centering the people whose lives and country were torn apart as a result.
The Hollywood Reporter spoke with eight of...
Notably missing from the casts — at least among the substantive speaking parts — have been performers of actual Vietnamese descent. That’s finally changed with The Sympathizer, HBO and A24’s limited series adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer-winning novel. Robert Downey Jr. (who also executive produces) and Sandra Oh are the big names involved, but they are led by relative newcomer Hoa Xuande and joined by Vietnamese costars to tell a story about spycraft and personal and collective identity immediately following the conflict, centering the people whose lives and country were torn apart as a result.
The Hollywood Reporter spoke with eight of...
- 4/30/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Douglas is in terrific form as Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV’s new historical limited series “Franklin” but he isn’t the only actor to emerge with awards whispers whizzing through the air. Veteran actor Eddie Marsan features in a key supporting role as John Adams and delivers one of the finest performances of his career while also shining a new light onto a man that many actors have depicted before.
The limited series follows Franklin’s eight years in France as he tried to persuade King Louis XVI (Tom Pezier) to join the colonies’ cause and aid them in the American Revolutionary War. The scenes between Douglas and Marsan are nothing short of spectacular and Marsan nails his performance as Adams, as noted by critics.
Clint Worthington (Roger Ebert) noted: “Marsan’s energy as Adams is decidedly different from Paul Giamatti’s in Ellis’ original 2008 miniseries—“Franklin” feels...
The limited series follows Franklin’s eight years in France as he tried to persuade King Louis XVI (Tom Pezier) to join the colonies’ cause and aid them in the American Revolutionary War. The scenes between Douglas and Marsan are nothing short of spectacular and Marsan nails his performance as Adams, as noted by critics.
Clint Worthington (Roger Ebert) noted: “Marsan’s energy as Adams is decidedly different from Paul Giamatti’s in Ellis’ original 2008 miniseries—“Franklin” feels...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
[Warning: The following contains Major spoilers for The Sympathizer Season 1 Episode 3, “Love It or Leave It.”] All four Robert Downey Jr. characters came out to play in the same scene The Sympathizer Episode 3, and director Park Chan-wook tells TV Insider it was a masterclass in acting to film it. Viewers met the first two Downey characters, Claude and Professor Hammer, in The Sympathizer Episodes 1 and 2. Claude works for the CIA and has been training the Captain (Hoa Xuande) as his “protege” (he still hasn’t figured out that the Captain is a double agent with loyalty to the Northern Vietnamese cause). Hammer was the Captain’s professor during his brief stint in America. It’s through Hammer that the Captain meets his new lover, Sofia (Sandra Oh). Downey’s third character was revealed earlier in Episode 3, “Love It or Leave It.” The politician Ned Godwin is nicknamed “Napalm Ned” and is sympathetic to the Southern Vietnamese war efforts.
- 4/29/2024
- TV Insider
Park Chan-wook doesn’t actually know how Robert Downey Jr. responded to his characters in “The Sympathizer.”
The acclaimed Korean director worked with Downey for the first time while adapting Viet Thanh Nguyen’s bestselling novel for HBO, and he expected a big-name star at that level to drag out the negotiation process after getting an offer. To Park’s surprise, Downey circled back quickly, and the two of them started to dig into his character — his characters.
Downey, who also executive produced the series along with wife Susan, plays four characters (so far) in the limited series, each with a unique look and voice and motivations — all of which were built in process. There’s C.I.A. agent Claude, the Orientalist Professor Hammer, filmmaker Niko, and Congressman Ned Godwin, and Downey appears to thoroughly enjoy embodying every single one. In his review of the series, IndieWire’s Ben Travers...
The acclaimed Korean director worked with Downey for the first time while adapting Viet Thanh Nguyen’s bestselling novel for HBO, and he expected a big-name star at that level to drag out the negotiation process after getting an offer. To Park’s surprise, Downey circled back quickly, and the two of them started to dig into his character — his characters.
Downey, who also executive produced the series along with wife Susan, plays four characters (so far) in the limited series, each with a unique look and voice and motivations — all of which were built in process. There’s C.I.A. agent Claude, the Orientalist Professor Hammer, filmmaker Niko, and Congressman Ned Godwin, and Downey appears to thoroughly enjoy embodying every single one. In his review of the series, IndieWire’s Ben Travers...
- 4/29/2024
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Robert Downey Jr. eyes the Primetime Emmy next after his Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer. Downey Jr. plays not one but four roles in the new HBO series, The Sympathizer. While the Dolittle actor surprised fans with his different looks in the trailer of the series, fans were not ready for one scene in the third episode. In this scene, Downey Jr. brought out all four characters in a single sequence, and Sandra Oh hijacked an interview to hear all about it.
Robert Downey Jr. in a still from The Sympathizer
The Iron Man actor’s four characters represent different aspects of the American establishment. These characters include CIA agent Claude, Professor Hammer, auteur filmmaker Niko, and Southern California congressman Ned Godwin.
Robert Downey Jr.’s One Scene In The Sympathizer Was Challenging To Shoot
Robert Downey Jr. and Hoa Xuande in the steakhouse scene in The Sympathizer...
Robert Downey Jr. in a still from The Sympathizer
The Iron Man actor’s four characters represent different aspects of the American establishment. These characters include CIA agent Claude, Professor Hammer, auteur filmmaker Niko, and Southern California congressman Ned Godwin.
Robert Downey Jr.’s One Scene In The Sympathizer Was Challenging To Shoot
Robert Downey Jr. and Hoa Xuande in the steakhouse scene in The Sympathizer...
- 4/29/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
The Captain has a big morale dilemma in the first season of The Sympathizer TV show on HBO. As we all know, Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like The Sympathizer is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the first season episodes of The Sympathizer here.
An HBO historical dark comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese...
An HBO historical dark comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese...
- 4/29/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
When “The Sympathizer” showrunner and director Park Chan-Wook brainstormed ideas for HBO’s newest miniseries, one scene struck him as a “quintessential American institution and represented the idea of America.” It took place in a steakhouse with several characters coming together.
Based on the best-selling novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen and set at the end of the Vietnam War, “The Sympathizer” follows a captain, played by Hoa Xuande, in the South Vietnamese army who’s secretly spying for the North Vietnamese communists. As Saigon falls and the U.S. retreats, the Captain remains embedded and escapes to Los Angeles. Throughout, Robert Downey Jr. pops up as various characters who interact with the Captain including Claude, the Captain’s CIA contact, as well as a professor, a congressman and an auteur.
Park toyed with the idea of casting Mark Ruffalo and even Josh Brolin along the way, but in the end,...
Based on the best-selling novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen and set at the end of the Vietnam War, “The Sympathizer” follows a captain, played by Hoa Xuande, in the South Vietnamese army who’s secretly spying for the North Vietnamese communists. As Saigon falls and the U.S. retreats, the Captain remains embedded and escapes to Los Angeles. Throughout, Robert Downey Jr. pops up as various characters who interact with the Captain including Claude, the Captain’s CIA contact, as well as a professor, a congressman and an auteur.
Park toyed with the idea of casting Mark Ruffalo and even Josh Brolin along the way, but in the end,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: This interview contains spoilers for Episode 3 of “The Sympathizer” on HBO.
Phanxine isn’t an actor.
Or so he says, though one might beg to differ after seeing his performance in “Love It or Leave It,” the third episode of HBO’s “The Sympathizer.” Though he’s no stranger to filmmaking, having directed and produced popular features such as the Vietnamese box office hit “Sweet 20,” Phanxine is a first-time performer. In fact, his involvement in “The Sympathizer” only came together after an audition he attended as a prank — more on that later.
Episode 2 saw the General (Toan Le) begin to suspect the presence of a North Vietnamese spy among the South Vietnamese community he began building in Los Angeles after the war, but he’s still far from realizing that it’s the Captain (Hoa Xuande) who’s betraying him. In an attempt to keep his cover, the...
Phanxine isn’t an actor.
Or so he says, though one might beg to differ after seeing his performance in “Love It or Leave It,” the third episode of HBO’s “The Sympathizer.” Though he’s no stranger to filmmaking, having directed and produced popular features such as the Vietnamese box office hit “Sweet 20,” Phanxine is a first-time performer. In fact, his involvement in “The Sympathizer” only came together after an audition he attended as a prank — more on that later.
Episode 2 saw the General (Toan Le) begin to suspect the presence of a North Vietnamese spy among the South Vietnamese community he began building in Los Angeles after the war, but he’s still far from realizing that it’s the Captain (Hoa Xuande) who’s betraying him. In an attempt to keep his cover, the...
- 4/29/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains spoilers for The Sympathizer through episode 3.
With the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer, adapting the award-winning 2015 novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen, audiences get four Robert Downey, Jrs. for the price of one. The Academy Award-winning actor, who also executive produces the series through his production company Team Downey, plays four distinctly different characters over the course of the story. By the series’ third episode, all four of Downey’s characters have not only been introduced, but begun interacting with each other on-screen as the story nears its halfway point.
With so many Downeys to get to know in The Sympathizer, here’s a quick primer explaining the background of each of Downey’s characters, what we know about them so far, and how each figure into the overall story and interact with its protagonist, a Vietnamese double agent known as simply as the Captain.
With the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer, adapting the award-winning 2015 novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen, audiences get four Robert Downey, Jrs. for the price of one. The Academy Award-winning actor, who also executive produces the series through his production company Team Downey, plays four distinctly different characters over the course of the story. By the series’ third episode, all four of Downey’s characters have not only been introduced, but begun interacting with each other on-screen as the story nears its halfway point.
With so many Downeys to get to know in The Sympathizer, here’s a quick primer explaining the background of each of Downey’s characters, what we know about them so far, and how each figure into the overall story and interact with its protagonist, a Vietnamese double agent known as simply as the Captain.
- 4/29/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
This Sunday on HBO, viewers are in for a gripping and thought-provoking episode of “The Sympathizer” with Season 1 Episode 4 titled “Give Us Some Good Lines.” Set near the end of the Vietnam War, the series follows the journey of a spy embedded in the South Vietnamese army who flees to the United States and settles in a refugee community. Despite his new surroundings, he continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong.
In this installment, tensions rise as the spy navigates the complexities of his double life while grappling with the moral dilemmas that come with espionage. As the stakes escalate, viewers will be drawn deeper into the web of intrigue and deception that surrounds the protagonist.
Tune in at 9:00 Pm this Sunday, May 5th, 2024, on HBO, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of “The Sympathizer.” It’s a riveting portrayal of loyalty, betrayal, and...
In this installment, tensions rise as the spy navigates the complexities of his double life while grappling with the moral dilemmas that come with espionage. As the stakes escalate, viewers will be drawn deeper into the web of intrigue and deception that surrounds the protagonist.
Tune in at 9:00 Pm this Sunday, May 5th, 2024, on HBO, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of “The Sympathizer.” It’s a riveting portrayal of loyalty, betrayal, and...
- 4/28/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Must-Watch Premieres on HBO and Max This April April showers bring not only May flowers but also a bouquet of eagerly awaited shows and films to HBO and Max. This month features everything from historical films to groundbreaking series that are sure to captivate audiences. Spotlight on The Sympathizer Mark your calendars for April 14, as ‘The Sympathizer’/, a gritty adaptation of Viet Than Nguyen’s acclaimed novel, makes its debut. Helmed by Park Chan-wook, this seven-episode series traverses dire conditions before the Vietnam War’s culmination. We can’t wait to bring this incredibly compelling story to the screen, and are honored
The post April 2024 Premieres on HBO and Max Featuring New Shows and Movies first appeared on TVovermind.
The post April 2024 Premieres on HBO and Max Featuring New Shows and Movies first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/27/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Must-Watch Premieres on HBO and Max This April April showers bring not only May flowers but also a bouquet of eagerly awaited shows and films to HBO and Max. This month features everything from historical films to groundbreaking series that are sure to captivate audiences. Spotlight on The Sympathizer Mark your calendars for April 14, as ‘The Sympathizer’/, a gritty adaptation of Viet Than Nguyen’s acclaimed novel, makes its debut. Helmed by Park Chan-wook, this seven-episode series traverses dire conditions before the Vietnam War’s culmination. We can’t wait to bring this incredibly compelling story to the screen, and are honored
The post April 2024 Premieres on HBO and Max Featuring New Shows and Movies first appeared on TVovermind.
The post April 2024 Premieres on HBO and Max Featuring New Shows and Movies first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/27/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Fumi Nikaido could be one of several “Shōgun” stars who go on to earn Emmy nominations for their career-best work in the FX series.
Adapted from James Clavell‘s 1975 historical book of the same name, Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks’ limited series follows multiple factions all vying for control over the five Regents in Japan at the end of the 16th century. Meanwhile, a British sailor (Cosmo Jarvis) begins a brand new life after becoming shipwrecked in Japan and entering the service of Hiroyuki Sanada‘s Lord Yoshii Toranaga.
Jarvis and Sanada are both competing for lead actor nominations and so, too, is Anna Sawai. Nikaido, meanwhile, is one of several supporting players who are looking for an Emmy citation for their work on the show. Nikaido plays Ochiba no Kata, a consort of the Japanese leader Taikō (Taikō’s death is the incident that triggers the five Regents power...
Adapted from James Clavell‘s 1975 historical book of the same name, Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks’ limited series follows multiple factions all vying for control over the five Regents in Japan at the end of the 16th century. Meanwhile, a British sailor (Cosmo Jarvis) begins a brand new life after becoming shipwrecked in Japan and entering the service of Hiroyuki Sanada‘s Lord Yoshii Toranaga.
Jarvis and Sanada are both competing for lead actor nominations and so, too, is Anna Sawai. Nikaido, meanwhile, is one of several supporting players who are looking for an Emmy citation for their work on the show. Nikaido plays Ochiba no Kata, a consort of the Japanese leader Taikō (Taikō’s death is the incident that triggers the five Regents power...
- 4/26/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Just as “Shōgun” wraps up, another limited series has entered the chat: “Baby Reindeer.” Gold Derby editors and Experts Christopher Rosen and Joyce Eng are here to discuss Netflix’s breakout hit and whether it can put up a fight against new odds-on favorite “Shōgun.”
Adapted from Richard Gadd‘s autobiographical one-man show, “Baby Reindeer” has been a word-of-mouth success since quietly dropping on Netflix on April 11 After sitting atop the Netflix daily top 10 for days, the streamer confirmed on Monday that the series will be submitted at the Primetime Emmys. “Baby Reindeer” is currently in seventh place in the limited series odds, while Gadd, who plays a fictionalized version of himself named Donny, is in eighth place in the lead actor rankings. Supporting actress contenders Jessica Gunning, who plays Martha, Donny’s stalker, and Nava Mau, Donny’s love interest he meets on a trans dating site, are hovering...
Adapted from Richard Gadd‘s autobiographical one-man show, “Baby Reindeer” has been a word-of-mouth success since quietly dropping on Netflix on April 11 After sitting atop the Netflix daily top 10 for days, the streamer confirmed on Monday that the series will be submitted at the Primetime Emmys. “Baby Reindeer” is currently in seventh place in the limited series odds, while Gadd, who plays a fictionalized version of himself named Donny, is in eighth place in the lead actor rankings. Supporting actress contenders Jessica Gunning, who plays Martha, Donny’s stalker, and Nava Mau, Donny’s love interest he meets on a trans dating site, are hovering...
- 4/25/2024
- by Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Lucy Liu and Padma Lakshmi are among the stars who will be honored at the third annual Gold House Gala in May.
This year marks the third annual Gold Gala where top Asian Pacific and multicultural leaders will convene to celebrate the 2024 A100 List.
Gold House will announce the A100 honorees on May. 1. The list highlights the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific changemakers in culture and society over the past year.
This year’s theme, A Gold New World, imagines a tomorrow for all, built by all. Luxury brand fashion designer Prabal Gurung will help bring this vision to life as the first-ever Gold Gala Creative Director.
Speaking with Variety, Gurang said, “When we talk about Asian representation, we talk about all Asians. People are flying in from India, Taiwan, Shanghai and all over. It’s about people from their respective fields coming together to inspire.” He added, “Gold House and...
This year marks the third annual Gold Gala where top Asian Pacific and multicultural leaders will convene to celebrate the 2024 A100 List.
Gold House will announce the A100 honorees on May. 1. The list highlights the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific changemakers in culture and society over the past year.
This year’s theme, A Gold New World, imagines a tomorrow for all, built by all. Luxury brand fashion designer Prabal Gurung will help bring this vision to life as the first-ever Gold Gala Creative Director.
Speaking with Variety, Gurang said, “When we talk about Asian representation, we talk about all Asians. People are flying in from India, Taiwan, Shanghai and all over. It’s about people from their respective fields coming together to inspire.” He added, “Gold House and...
- 4/25/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
We don't have to wonder if The Sympathizer will be cancelled or renewed for a second season since it's been promoted as a limited series. Still, HBO sometimes likes to change course and find a way to keep shows going. Big Little Lies and The White Lotus are good examples. Could The Sympathizer continue beyond these seven episodes? Stay tuned.
A historical dark comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. He flees to America with his general (Le) and begins a new life in Los Angeles within a...
A historical dark comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. He flees to America with his general (Le) and begins a new life in Los Angeles within a...
- 4/24/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Vulture Watch
The Captain has serious choices to make. Has The Sympathizer TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on HBO? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of The Sympathizer, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
A historical dark comedy-drama series airing on the HBO cable channel, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. He flees...
The Captain has serious choices to make. Has The Sympathizer TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on HBO? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of The Sympathizer, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
A historical dark comedy-drama series airing on the HBO cable channel, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. He flees...
- 4/24/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
TV is positively cluttered with buzzy book adaptations; 2024 alone has given us “Ripley,” “3 Body Problem,” “Under the Bridge,” “Girls on the Bus,” “Apples Never Fall,” “Palm Royale,” and way too many others to really count. Few of these projects arrive to the screen with as much clout — and as high of expectations — as “The Sympathizer,” HBO’s newest limited series. Not only was Viet Thanh Nguyen’s 2015 novel about the queasy half-existence of a North Vietnamese spy burrowed in the South Vietnamese army extremely popular when it hit book stores in 2015, it was also highly acclaimed, receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. That’s a lot for any show to live up to.
That said, the show certainly has the pedigree behind the cameras to match the original work. The HBO “Sympathizer” limited series comes from Korean auteur Park Chan-wook, who co-created the series with Don McKellar and directs...
That said, the show certainly has the pedigree behind the cameras to match the original work. The HBO “Sympathizer” limited series comes from Korean auteur Park Chan-wook, who co-created the series with Don McKellar and directs...
- 4/22/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
After giving an outstanding performance in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, and grabbing the Academy Awards for the Best Supporting Actor Robert Downey Jr. is all set to work on his new project, The Sympathizer. He is going to portray four different characters in the movie: a director, a congressional representative, a professor, and a CIA operative. This project is going to be one of the most difficult projects that the Iron Man actor has put his hands on.
Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer
However, working with Nolan in the 2023 historical drama film, helped Rdj to go nuts with his idea of character development. Susan Downey, the actor’s wife gave an insight into how the Inception director’s intensive character process helped the actor. It allowed him to work on each character’s looks and physicality, making them look different from each other.
Christopher Nolan’s Strict...
Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer
However, working with Nolan in the 2023 historical drama film, helped Rdj to go nuts with his idea of character development. Susan Downey, the actor’s wife gave an insight into how the Inception director’s intensive character process helped the actor. It allowed him to work on each character’s looks and physicality, making them look different from each other.
Christopher Nolan’s Strict...
- 4/22/2024
- by Tushar Auddy
- FandomWire
HBO and Max’s latest original series, The Sympathizer, has been a critical success since premiering this April, blending dark comedy with historical drama and life-or-death stakes. Like its 2015 source material, by author Viet Thanh Nguyen, the main story begins in 1975, framed against the backdrop of the fall of Saigon, the historical capital of South Vietnam. This real-life event not only opens The Sympathizer, but its fallout and the shadow of the Vietnam has far-reaching consequences for the rest of the series and its main characters.
With this in mind, a refresher on the real-world history behind the Vietnam War, both during and after the formal withdrawal of American forces in the conflict, is well-worth the time to read to better familiarize oneself with the actual context behind the story. Keep in mind, this isn’t intended to be an authoritative academic source on explaining the history of the Vietnam...
With this in mind, a refresher on the real-world history behind the Vietnam War, both during and after the formal withdrawal of American forces in the conflict, is well-worth the time to read to better familiarize oneself with the actual context behind the story. Keep in mind, this isn’t intended to be an authoritative academic source on explaining the history of the Vietnam...
- 4/21/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
If you want to be in perfect sync with the never-ending flow of the actual quality TV, we got you covered.
April was pretty rich in great premieres in various genres. Here's a quick look at the best of the best, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores.
1. The Sympathizer
Tomatometer: 86%
Audience score: 80%
Now that Robert Downey Jr. has an Oscar, he is seemingly eyeing an Emmy award, too — at least that's what everybody is saying as his newest HBO premiere, The Sympathizer, takes everyone to the gritty times of Vietnam War. You can watch the series on Max, but you're going to need some patience. The limited series consists of 7 episodes scheduled for weekly release. New episodes premiere every Sunday, and the finale arrives on May 26.
2. Parasyte: The Grey
Tomatometer: 100%
Audience score: 75%
Netflix's newest horror K-drama is also a dystopian sci-fi and a thrilling drama that quickly claimed #1 in the platform's global chart,...
April was pretty rich in great premieres in various genres. Here's a quick look at the best of the best, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores.
1. The Sympathizer
Tomatometer: 86%
Audience score: 80%
Now that Robert Downey Jr. has an Oscar, he is seemingly eyeing an Emmy award, too — at least that's what everybody is saying as his newest HBO premiere, The Sympathizer, takes everyone to the gritty times of Vietnam War. You can watch the series on Max, but you're going to need some patience. The limited series consists of 7 episodes scheduled for weekly release. New episodes premiere every Sunday, and the finale arrives on May 26.
2. Parasyte: The Grey
Tomatometer: 100%
Audience score: 75%
Netflix's newest horror K-drama is also a dystopian sci-fi and a thrilling drama that quickly claimed #1 in the platform's global chart,...
- 4/21/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Álvaro Villanueva)
- STartefacts.com
Get ready for an intense episode of “The Sympathizer” titled “Love It or Leave It,” airing on HBO at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024. In this gripping installment, tensions rise as the Captain grapples with the General’s orders to eliminate the spy among them.
Feeling the weight of this task, the Captain turns to Bon for assistance in crafting and executing a plan, timed perfectly for Independence Day. As they strategize, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the pressure mounts as they race against time to uncover the traitor in their midst.
Meanwhile, amidst the turmoil, Claude introduces the Captain to the enigmatic figure known as the Auteur during an upscale lunch. With alliances shifting and secrets lurking, the Captain finds himself navigating treacherous waters where loyalty and betrayal blur the lines.
Don’t miss out on the suspenseful twists and turns of “Love It or Leave It...
Feeling the weight of this task, the Captain turns to Bon for assistance in crafting and executing a plan, timed perfectly for Independence Day. As they strategize, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the pressure mounts as they race against time to uncover the traitor in their midst.
Meanwhile, amidst the turmoil, Claude introduces the Captain to the enigmatic figure known as the Auteur during an upscale lunch. With alliances shifting and secrets lurking, the Captain finds himself navigating treacherous waters where loyalty and betrayal blur the lines.
Don’t miss out on the suspenseful twists and turns of “Love It or Leave It...
- 4/21/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Despite his pretty diverse portfolio, most people primarily knew Robert Downey Jr. as the Iron Man star — until Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer came around, bringing the actor his first Academy Award and making the world see his dramatic chops. While a huge win, Downey Jr. didn’t plan on stopping there: he learned his potential and knew that to unleash his full power, he had to play five characters at once.
The Sympathizer: What Is It About?
It’s hard to put The Sympathizer under a strict genre definition. It’s a period drama as it’s set in the last days of the War in Vietnam; it’s a dark comedy as it tackles serious topic through sarcasm; it’s a spy thriller because the protagonist is a spy on a mission; and, of course, it’s a drama, because the stakes and tensions are high.
The TV show’s official description reads,...
The Sympathizer: What Is It About?
It’s hard to put The Sympathizer under a strict genre definition. It’s a period drama as it’s set in the last days of the War in Vietnam; it’s a dark comedy as it tackles serious topic through sarcasm; it’s a spy thriller because the protagonist is a spy on a mission; and, of course, it’s a drama, because the stakes and tensions are high.
The TV show’s official description reads,...
- 4/19/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
The Sympathizer is a historical black comedy series with elements of war, spy, politics, and mystery. Based on a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winning 2015 best-selling novel of the same name by Vietnamese-American professor Viet Thanh Nguyen, the HBO series is co-written and directed by Park Chan-wook.
The HBO series is set near the end of the Vietnam war and it follows the story of a spy embedded in the South Vietnam army as he flees to the United States to gather intelligence for the Viet Cong. The Sympathizer is simply a thrilling experience with some great comedy and layered characters that will have you glued to your screen.
The Sympathizer – Episode Guide (When Will the New Episodes Arrive?) Credit – HBO
The Sympathizer consists of seven episodes in total. The historical dark comedy series premiered on HBO with its first episode on April 14, with the rest of the episodes coming out weekly every Sunday.
The HBO series is set near the end of the Vietnam war and it follows the story of a spy embedded in the South Vietnam army as he flees to the United States to gather intelligence for the Viet Cong. The Sympathizer is simply a thrilling experience with some great comedy and layered characters that will have you glued to your screen.
The Sympathizer – Episode Guide (When Will the New Episodes Arrive?) Credit – HBO
The Sympathizer consists of seven episodes in total. The historical dark comedy series premiered on HBO with its first episode on April 14, with the rest of the episodes coming out weekly every Sunday.
- 4/19/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
As you prepare to make your 2024 Emmy predictions for Best Limited Series, be sure to check out our photo gallery highlighting the likeliest contenders. As of now, the frontrunner is the FX anthology “Fargo,” which is seeking the honor for its fifth iteration after winning for its first in 2014. It was also recognized here in 2016 and 2017.
FX has indeed produced several serious Best Limited Series candidates this year, including “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,” “A Murder at the End of the World,” and “Shōgun.” Its most recent victories came for the first two seasons of “American Crime Story” (2016; 2018).
Having conquered this category with “The Queen’s Gambit” (2021) and “Beef” (2023), Netflix’s best shot at achieving three wins in four years lies with “Ripley.” Other strong contenders from the streamer include “Griselda” and “Black Mirror,” the latter of which won Best TV Movie every year from 2017 to 2019 but can no longer compete...
FX has indeed produced several serious Best Limited Series candidates this year, including “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,” “A Murder at the End of the World,” and “Shōgun.” Its most recent victories came for the first two seasons of “American Crime Story” (2016; 2018).
Having conquered this category with “The Queen’s Gambit” (2021) and “Beef” (2023), Netflix’s best shot at achieving three wins in four years lies with “Ripley.” Other strong contenders from the streamer include “Griselda” and “Black Mirror,” the latter of which won Best TV Movie every year from 2017 to 2019 but can no longer compete...
- 4/18/2024
- by Matthew Stewart and Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Loosely adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name, Park Chan-wook’s 2003 movie Oldboy turned into a cult classic right after its release. Narrating the tale of Oh Dae-su, who becomes obsessed with vengeance on his captors after being imprisoned for 15 years, the movie garnered critical success and positive reviews.
Acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook | image: Wikimedia Commons
Later on, following in Park Chan-wook’s footsteps, Spike Lee came up with a 2013 remake, starring Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. Unfortunately, Lee’s film turned into an atrocious remake, which deeply saddened fans of the original film.
However, decades later there appears hope for Chan-wook to redeem his Oldboy remake, as the director prepares for an English-language Oldboy TV series remake.
Spike Lee’s Atrocious Remake of Oldboy Starring Josh Brolin
Following the grand success of Park Chan-wook’s original 2003 thriller Oldboy, Spike Lee tried his hands on the remake of the Korean film,...
Acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook | image: Wikimedia Commons
Later on, following in Park Chan-wook’s footsteps, Spike Lee came up with a 2013 remake, starring Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. Unfortunately, Lee’s film turned into an atrocious remake, which deeply saddened fans of the original film.
However, decades later there appears hope for Chan-wook to redeem his Oldboy remake, as the director prepares for an English-language Oldboy TV series remake.
Spike Lee’s Atrocious Remake of Oldboy Starring Josh Brolin
Following the grand success of Park Chan-wook’s original 2003 thriller Oldboy, Spike Lee tried his hands on the remake of the Korean film,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Will “Under the Bridge” go over big with voters? Did Anna Sawai just lock up the Emmy? Gold Derby editors and Experts Christopher Rosen and Joyce Eng are here to discuss Hulu’s new limited series, the penultimate episode of “Shōgun” and more.
Based on Rebecca Godfrey‘s book of the same name, “Under the Bridge,” which premiered with two episodes on Wednesday, tells the true story of Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta), a 14-year-old who was assaulted by a group of teens, mostly girls, and then murdered in a small town in British Columbia, Canada, in 1997. Riley Keough plays Godfrey, who died of lung cancer in 2022, a week after the show was announced, and Lily Gladstone plays a detective. Both are campaigning in supporting, which on the surface seems like category fraud, but we explain why this is the correct placement for both and how the teen cast members — which includes Chloe Guidry,...
Based on Rebecca Godfrey‘s book of the same name, “Under the Bridge,” which premiered with two episodes on Wednesday, tells the true story of Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta), a 14-year-old who was assaulted by a group of teens, mostly girls, and then murdered in a small town in British Columbia, Canada, in 1997. Riley Keough plays Godfrey, who died of lung cancer in 2022, a week after the show was announced, and Lily Gladstone plays a detective. Both are campaigning in supporting, which on the surface seems like category fraud, but we explain why this is the correct placement for both and how the teen cast members — which includes Chloe Guidry,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Following his first foray into television with 2018’s “The Little Drummer Girl,” Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook returns to Western television this month with the espionage thriller series “The Sympathizer” on HBO (read our review). And the director is already quickly putting together another project for the small screen, a series adaptation of his 2003 revenge masterpiece “Oldboy.” Variety reports that Chan-Wook is partnering with Lionsgate Television on the adaptation of the English-language series based on his film of the same name.
Continue reading ‘Oldboy’: Park Chan-Wook & Lionsgate TV Team For English-Language Series Remake Of Genre Classic at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Oldboy’: Park Chan-Wook & Lionsgate TV Team For English-Language Series Remake Of Genre Classic at The Playlist.
- 4/17/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Iron Man Robert Downey Jr Once Admitted He Could Relate To Tony Stark A Lot (Photo Credit – IMDb)
Robert Downey Jr became a household name because of his role as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in the MCU. In the comics and in the movies, especially the first one, we saw the character’s obnoxious side. Rdj, who is notorious for his past and the substance abuse and misconduct, once, in an interview, admitted relating to Tony’s character because of that. Keep scrolling for more.
Downey has come a long way and is a true inspiration for those looking for a second chance or getting one. He got arrested several times and is now an Oscar-winning actor and one of the highest paid in Hollywood. Rdj is a brand, and the MCU plays a significant role in that. The movie came to him when he was sober and trying...
Robert Downey Jr became a household name because of his role as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in the MCU. In the comics and in the movies, especially the first one, we saw the character’s obnoxious side. Rdj, who is notorious for his past and the substance abuse and misconduct, once, in an interview, admitted relating to Tony’s character because of that. Keep scrolling for more.
Downey has come a long way and is a true inspiration for those looking for a second chance or getting one. He got arrested several times and is now an Oscar-winning actor and one of the highest paid in Hollywood. Rdj is a brand, and the MCU plays a significant role in that. The movie came to him when he was sober and trying...
- 4/17/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
Following in the wake of the Spike Lee-directed remake in 2013, Park Chan-wook’s South Korean masterpiece Oldboy (2003) is getting a small screen adaptation, we’ve learned.
Lionsgate Television is partnering with renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook to develop his acclaimed film Oldboy for television, marking the first English-language series adaptation of the iconic property. This comes as Park’s The Sympathizer just debuted on HBO.
Park Chan-wook, who of course directed and co-wrote the original South Korean film, is attached to produce the upcoming “Oldboy” TV series along with producing partner Syd Lim.
“Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision for bringing Oldboy into the world of television,” said Park. “I look forward to working with a studio whose brand stands for bold, original and risk-taking storytelling.”
“Park is one of the most visionary storytellers of our generation, and we’re excited to partner with him in bringing his cinematic masterpiece to the television screen,...
Lionsgate Television is partnering with renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook to develop his acclaimed film Oldboy for television, marking the first English-language series adaptation of the iconic property. This comes as Park’s The Sympathizer just debuted on HBO.
Park Chan-wook, who of course directed and co-wrote the original South Korean film, is attached to produce the upcoming “Oldboy” TV series along with producing partner Syd Lim.
“Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision for bringing Oldboy into the world of television,” said Park. “I look forward to working with a studio whose brand stands for bold, original and risk-taking storytelling.”
“Park is one of the most visionary storytellers of our generation, and we’re excited to partner with him in bringing his cinematic masterpiece to the television screen,...
- 4/17/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Lionsgate Television is partnering with renowned Korean filmmaker and television creator Park Chan-wook to develop his acclaimed film Oldboy for television. This marks the first English-language series adaptation of the iconic property.
Park, who directed and co-wrote the original film, is attached to produce the series along with producing partner Syd Lim.
Oldboy has earned numerous accolades, becoming the first South Korean film to win the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004 and being named to numerous lists of the greatest movies of all time. The movie was re-released by Neon last year for its 20th anniversary, landing in the top ten at the domestic box office in its opening week, a rare feat for a re-release.
Adapted from a Japanese manga of the same name, the film follows a man who is released from prison after 15 years, only to find that he must find his captor in five days. The...
Park, who directed and co-wrote the original film, is attached to produce the series along with producing partner Syd Lim.
Oldboy has earned numerous accolades, becoming the first South Korean film to win the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004 and being named to numerous lists of the greatest movies of all time. The movie was re-released by Neon last year for its 20th anniversary, landing in the top ten at the domestic box office in its opening week, a rare feat for a re-release.
Adapted from a Japanese manga of the same name, the film follows a man who is released from prison after 15 years, only to find that he must find his captor in five days. The...
- 4/17/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Lionsgate Television and Park Chan-wook are partnering on an English-language adaptation of the South Korean auteur’s revenge thriller Oldboy.
Park and producing partner Syd Lim are attached to produce the series. Lionsgate Television executives Courtney Mock and Tara Joshi are overseeing the project.
The news comes days after the debut last weekend of Park’s HBO series The Sympathizer.
Oldboy became the first South Korean film to win the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004 and the modern classic was re-released last year to mark its 20th anniversary.
Adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name, the feature follows...
Park and producing partner Syd Lim are attached to produce the series. Lionsgate Television executives Courtney Mock and Tara Joshi are overseeing the project.
The news comes days after the debut last weekend of Park’s HBO series The Sympathizer.
Oldboy became the first South Korean film to win the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004 and the modern classic was re-released last year to mark its 20th anniversary.
Adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name, the feature follows...
- 4/17/2024
- ScreenDaily
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