The Quiet American
Cynical British journalist Fowler falls in love with a young Vietnamese woman but is dismayed when a naïve U.S. official also begins vying for her attention. In retaliation, Fowler informs the communists that the American is selling arms to their enemy.
Critics Sentiment
Thomas Fowler enables Communist agents to capture Alden Pyle
CIA-backed militia conducts bombings killing innocent Vietnamese civilians
The film's steepest climb occurs when Fowler's moral awakening and betrayal of Pyle elevates the drama from political thriller to personal tragedy
The Quiet American receives consistent praise for Michael Caine's masterful performance and Philip Noyce's atmospheric direction, but critics consistently note weaknesses in character development, particularly the underdeveloped female lead and insufficient friendship foundation between the male leads. The film succeeds as a moody political thriller but falls short of the emotional devastation Greene's source material demands.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 42
Michael Caine
Thomas Fowler
Brendan Fraser
Alden Pyle
Đỗ Thị Hải Yến
Phuong
Tzi Ma
Hinh
Rade Šerbedžija
Inspector Vigot
Robert Stanton
Joe Tunney
Holmes Osborne
Bill Granger
Ngo Quang Hai
General Thế
Ferdinand Hoang
Mr. Muoi
Pham Thi Mai Hoa
Phuong's Sister
Mathias Mlekuz
French Captain
Kevin Tran
Watch Tower Soldier
Lap Phan
Watch Tower Soldier
Tim Bennett
American Photographer
Jeff Truman
Dancing American
Hong Nhung
House of 500 Girls' Singer
Lucia Noyce
American Woman
Hiliary Douglas
American Woman
Daniel Hung
Assassin
Nguyen Kim Hoan
Assassin
Crew
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