Exploring the Vietnam War with a Twist: Robert Downey Jr. in 'The Sympathizer'

The limited series "The Sympathizer" takes a unique approach to exploring the Vietnam War and its aftermath, with newly crowned Oscar-winner Robert Downey Jr. playing multiple roles. However, despite some powerful moments, the series struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative. Directed by Park Chan-wook and written by Don McKellar, the show is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The dated-looking credits at the beginning of each episode, reminiscent of the 1970s, set high expectations that the series sometimes struggles to meet.

Told in flashback, the story focuses on the Captain (Hoa Xuande), a half-Vietnamese, half-French officer of the secret police. He has been secretly working for the North Vietnamese against the American-backed government, frequently rewinding to fill in details.

The Captain’s lineage and his double life reflect a man torn in different directions. This includes his relationship with two inseparable friends (played by Duy Nguyen and Fred Nguyen Khan). The story is a heavy-handed approximation of Vietnam's fate during the war, making the Captain’s increasingly surreal arc less compelling.

The protagonist is sharing his story with a Vietnamese interrogator. The journey he recounts involves the fall of Saigon, escaping the country, and his interesting experiences in the US. This includes a particularly intense sequence that stands out as the most gripping moment in the show.

In terms of Downey's roles, they range from a CIA agent to a manic movie director. This approach may seem gimmicky and unnecessary, similar to how it sounds. Instead of enhancing the impact, it feels more like a way to showcase the star's presence without adding much depth, unlike the iconic Peter Sellers in "Dr. Strangelove."

The Captain’s travels lead him to meet an American coworker, Sandra Oh, who helps him navigate a difficult situation with their racist boss. He also finds himself on a movie set, working as a technical consultant, where he must deal with the demands of the director and a method actor, David Duchovny, who is known for his eccentric behavior.

"The Sympathizer" is not the first project to explore the complexities of the Vietnam War in a dramatic way, with films like "Apocalypse Now" setting the stage. However, despite some powerful moments, the film struggles to effectively convey its message. Balancing the satirical tone proves to be a challenge, especially considering the recent HBO production "The Regime," which also fell short in finding the right balance between humor and seriousness.

Downey deserves credit for using his influence in the industry to support difficult content and bringing a top international director to American TV. However, ultimately, "The Sympathizer" feels more like a celebrity vanity project. Despite the reasoning behind this approach in the competitive world of premium television, the show falls short of delivering on the expectations set by its star power.

“The Sympathizer” premieres April 14 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, which, like CNN, is a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Editor's P/S:

"The Sympathizer" presents a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath. While it boasts powerful moments and an intriguing protagonist, the series struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative. The flashback format, while intended to enhance the story, sometimes disrupts the flow. Additionally, the inclusion of Robert Downey Jr. in multiple roles feels gimmicky and detracts from the impact of the story.

Despite its shortcomings, "The Sympathizer" sheds light on the complexities of the Vietnam War and the challenges faced by those involved. The protagonist's journey, which includes navigating cultural and political divides, highlights the human toll of war. The series also explores themes of identity, betrayal, and the search for redemption. Ultimately, while "The Sympathizer" may not fully live up to its potential, it offers a thought-provoking examination of a pivotal moment in history.