The Quiet American

Starring:Michael Caine
Studio: Miramax Home Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The Quiet American proves that elegant and intelligent filmmaking can be emotionally powerful. Michael Caine plays Thomas Fowler, a British journalist in 1950s Vietnam with a lovely Vietnamese mistress named Phuong (Do Thi Hai Yen) and a jaded view of the political strife teeming around him. He befriends a seemingly innocuous American named Alden Pyle (Brendan Fraser), who falls in love with Phuong--and slowly, Pyle's real purpose in Vietnam becomes revealed. Fowler finds that, to hold on to the carefully balanced life he's created for himself, he must make choices he's long avoided. Caine and Fraser are both superb and give a human face to complicated politics; as a result, The Quiet American manages to be compelling as both history and a story about very specific people embroiled in a very personal conflict. An impressive film from director Philip Noyce (Rabbit-Proof Fence, Patriot Games). --Bret Fetzer

Description

The acclaimed performances of two-time Academy Award(R)-winner Michael Caine (Best Supporting Actor, THE CIDER HOUSE RULES, 1999; HANNAH AND HER SISTERS, 1986) and Brendan Fraser (THE MUMMY, GODS AND MONSTERS) power a stylish political thriller where love and war collide in Southeast Asia. Set in early 1950s Vietnam, a young American (Fraser) becomes entangled in a dangerous love triangle when he falls for the beautiful mistress of a British journalist (Caine). As war is waged around them, these three only sink deeper into a world of drugs, passion, and betrayal where nothing is as it seems. Based on the classic novel by Graham Greene -- you'll find yourself riveted by the fascinating intricacies and ever-developing intrigue of this outstanding motion picture.

Customer Reviews:

..........Those Big Dark Almond Eyes........To Die For..............2007-06-28

Michael Caine does it again as a English journalist in 1952 Vietnam when France was still in-charge of 'their' colony....Caine has a marvelous, tranquill lifestyle here, writing timely war encounters back to his London newspaper by day and by nite cohabitating with a simply gorgeous Vietnamise knockout, who thinks he is her King in all senses of hedonism and beyond...enter a seemingly unheralded USA doctor and both men become friends through thick an thin encounters along the way...I won't go into the plot any deeper...by doing such...you can emerge yourself into this engrossing/interesting film....but one thing is for sure...you won't dare take your eyes off Do Thi Hai Yen...WOW!!!...talk about heaven with her under heaven...'those big dark almond eyes to die for and then some'...enjoy a darn good movie for a change....SSGT CHRIS SARNO-USMC FMF

A Masterful Adaption with Great Performances.......2007-04-22

I've always loved Michael Caine from ALFIE to THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING to DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS(!) to his Oscar-winning performances and he's always been great--whether the movie was any good or not. Watching him in this latest version of Graham Greene's novel, I had the feeling that Caine was firing on all pistons this time out. This is definitely one of his best roles.

And Brendan Fraser has really stepped up from the kind of movies everyone is used to seeing him in. Who knew that anyone associated with a Pauly Shore movie--ugh--could come so far. He was very good in GODS AND MONSTERS and I thought he was outstanding in BEDAZZLED (even if you weren't that wild about the movie, he was really funny and he really made it work). And he's the perfect Alden Pyle, the "quiet American" and Michael Caine's romantic rival in 1950s Vietnam.

I've recently read the novel and was blown away that Greene could write such a powerful, multi-layered story that predicted the whole Vietnam war mess for the USA--over ten years before we entered that war!

If you really want to appreciate how good this movie is, read Greene's original novel and then watch the film. There isn't an ounce of fat on the screen and this is really one of the best adaptions I've seen of a book-to-movie transition. You get that rare feeling that the filmmakers actually READ the book they're making a movie about.

Beautifully photographed, meticulously written, wonderfully acted--definitely check this out.

Classic adaptation of a classic book.......2007-01-04

This is a faithful adaptation of one of the English language's great books. Every scene is precise, Michael Caine fully earned his Academy Award nomination, and Brendan Frasier -- and unlikely casting, certainly -- shows that he's a real actor, not just a bland, pretty face. The photography is excellent and gives a good feel for Vietnam. One of my favorites.

EXCELLENT BUT ANTI-AMERICAN AT HEART(* * * 1/2).......2006-12-22

A huge Michael Caine fan, I admire his performance in THE QUIET AMERICAN as Thomas Fowler, a mature in years British correspondent in 1950's French Vietnam. Brendan Fraser does a solid job as Alden Pyle, a young American who falls in love with Fowler's Vietnamese girlfriend. (Mr. Fraser is excellent as the swashbuckling, romantic, funny male lead in THE MUMMY.) THE QUIET AMERICAN is a love triangle movie but it is also a political film and, unfortunately, it is at heart an anti-American film. The film basically condemns American efforts to organize native Vietnamese forces against the communists, which seems necessary since the French at the time were losing the war against the communists. I can't really say more about the political aspects of the movie without giving away the plot, except to say that the dramatic tone and emotional weight of THE QUIET AMERICAN make Americans the villians of the piece without little, if any, logical foundation. If you don't much like American proactive foreign policies, you will probably like this film a lot. If you are pro-American you may be disappointed at the bitter tone here. That aside, THE QUIET AMERICAN nevertheless is a beautifully filmed period piece with lots of authentic-feeling sets and excellent acting. It is a poetic movie in some ways and worth seeing for the excellent script and high production values. And for Michael Caine. The director, Philip Noyce, made PATRIOT GAMES, another well-made movie.

The Too Quiet American.......2006-11-10

This movie was/is touted as being one of the best, early era Vietnam movies of all time. Unfortunately, I found it to be very slow and drawn out. There was very little war related action, a shallow story line, and way too much relationship action between Michael Caine's and Brendan Fraser's characters vying for the attention of the heroine, Do Thi Hai Yen. Really - when would Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser EVER be in contention for the same woman?

Way too close to being an all out chick-flick for this viewer, but if you liked "The English Patient" (y-a-w-n) then you will probably like this movie. If you liked "Saving Private Ryan", you're probably going to sleep through this one.

Average customer rating:

The Quiet American
Very good, but with a Hollywood ending that ruins it!
really was filmed on location!
A Symphony of Dialogue
Romantic Triangle Symbolizing Colonialism

The Quiet American
Starring: Audie Murphy , Michael Redgrave , Claude Dauphin , Giorgia Moll , and Bruce Cabot
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00079ZAD6
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Description

A love triangle brews amidst a growing political tempest in this "brilliantly intellectual" (Los Angeles Times) film in which nothing is quite as it seems. Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Graham Greene, Academy Award-winning writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz's screenplay "delivers dialogue that not only sparkles but bites deep with the irony of truth" (Citizen-News). In 1952, Saigon is caught between the corrupt colonial powers and the Communist uprising. An idealistic young American (Audie Murphy) champions a shadowy Third Force, but cynical British journalist Thomas Fowler (Michael Redgrave) is concerned only with the American's interest in his mistress. When jealousy forces Fowler to take sides at last, the personal and political consequences are devastating.

Customer Reviews:

The Quiet American.......2006-07-10

I purchased this as a gift for my father-in-law for Father's Day and he loved it and is sharing it with others. There is no age bracket for a movie of this caliber.

Very good, but with a Hollywood ending that ruins it!.......2005-12-16

The first two-thirds of this film is excellent. Then, Hollywood has to simplify and dummy down the end. Rent the 1950's version of this, and also read the book. Here's what made those two infinitely more fascinating...
1. Ambiguity! You are never sure if the American was working with the enemy (or who the enemy is, for that matter), or if our main British character wanted to believe he was, was duped like a pawn into believing he was, to get the American killed out of a sense of revenge. This new version destroys that!
2. Our burned-out British journalist DOES NOT get the girl in the end. Hollywood sucks!
Again, the first two-thirds are really good. You just need to tack on the ending of the 1950's version. Not that the 1950's version wasn't without its flaws (the female lead was as far from Vietnamese looking as you can get... try a European with black hair). Combine those two movies, you really would have a movie that's faithful to a phenomenal book.

really was filmed on location!.......2005-10-17

Yes, the ending was made corny in this version, but the on location scenes at Cao Dai Temple and Continental Palace are wonderful! I was in Viet Nam in the 60s, long before home video, and so seeing this, filmed in some on my favorite places, is worth the cooked up non GG patter near he end.

I just saw this on French TV and loved it. Will get the DVD now.

A Symphony of Dialogue.......2005-10-16

The movie, "The Quiet American" isn't all that interesting a story, but the acting is so damn good that it is fun to watch.

Michael Redgrave is perfect as a cynical burned-out journalist fed up with Vietnam, and the futile French effort to save it from itself and preserve their pre-WWII empire that no longer exists. Redgrave is a man of middle age, more concerned with the menu than the music of the nightclub, he is hanging on to life by a slender thread.

Audie Murphy fits well the role as an earnest young American. The paths of the two soon cross in a Saigon hotel, where Murphy's eye is caught very quickly by Redgrave's native girlfriend. Straight away Murphy invites himself to dinner with them and politely but persistently begins to push the older Redgrave aside. However, despite all his wallowing in middle-age self pity it turns out Redgrave still has a few tricks up his sleeve.

Occasionaly Murphy and Redgrave find themselves negotiating the treacherous terrain of Vietnam together and in one moment when Murphy pushes Redgrave into a rice-patty to avoid a Communist patrol Redgrave replies, "Who asked you to save my life, we're not a couple of movie Marines, you're not even going to get the girl in the end!" This line seems ironic being delivered to Murphy who in real life was one of America's most decorated WWII vets and who once played himself in a movie about his expereinces.

Redgrave's acting maintains your interest in the rather banal story and near the end we also get a very strong performance from Claude Dauphine as a French police Inspector.

Romantic Triangle Symbolizing Colonialism.......2005-08-31

This film was based on the novel of Graham Greene set in 1953 French Indo-China (now Vietnam). It starts on Tet, the Chinese New Year and shows the traditional celebration. Then we see a dead body by the bank of the river. The people flee before the police arrive! The police bring in the English journalist for questioning; he is the prime suspect. The answers start to paint the picture of this quiet American. He represented the "Friends of Free Asia", a charity that tried to do good in French Vietnam. Fowler (symbolic name), the jaded cynical reporter, contrasts to the young fresh Pyle. Phuong represents the Vietnamese people, wise in years but seemingly young. Pyle acts surprised by the life of the dancing escorts, as if there were nothing like this in Texas or New York, or the college towns of America.

The American reporter Granger criticizes the French military, directed from Paris and based on 19th century plans. (How will this change in the 1960s?) Pyle travels to see Fowler, to bring him a message. Fowler acts cranky and bitchy, suggesting some personal problem which can't be mentioned. The romantic triangle symbolizes the Old World - New World conflict over the colony of Vietnam. Who is to become the colonial power?

James Michener's "Sayonara" tells of American policy regarding marriage. Could Pyle get permission to marry someone with the background of Phuong? Or could this be a ruse to recruit Phuong and build a network of informers? Pyle is importing plastics to create a new industry in Vietnam. Where would the dollars come from, the import regulations, the machinery, etc.?

Action begins on the trip back from the Cao Dai festival. Pyle's car is sabotaged, Fowler's car runs out of gas. They take refuge in a fort, and begin a philosophical discussion on global politics. They escape before the fort is destroyed. Pyle saves Fowler's life when hiding in the swamp (symbolizing American savoir-faire and the involvement in WW II). Fowler's wife will not grant a divorce, but Fowler lies about this! Dominguez brings a secret story to Fowler, about containers of "Diolactin", that connect back to General The and Pyle. Hints are given to Fowler to allow him to connect the dots. But the truth is found out about the letter, and Fowler is rebuked by Pyle. Fowler sees the bicycle bombs go off, and Heng provides more facts. (Can't Fowler do any investigating on his own?) After the bombing at the Continental Hotel, Fowler spouts the words that were programmed into him. Fowler's jealousy blinds him to his being manipulated, and he invites Pyle to his apartment. Pyle tells how a Vietnamese in America will become the next Vietnamese leader! When Fowler learns that Pyle will take Phuong away, he signals the Communists. Pyle will not see another dawn. Symbolically, Fowler reads a passage on jealousy.

Inspector Vigot catches Fowler in a lie about when he last saw Pyle, a sign of his guilty knowledge. Fowler is left alone as Phuong leaves him. A gossip columnist will use this in a story! Fowler loses all at the end, its too late for him, The film doesn't explain the reason for the death of Pyle. To cause an American protest? Does the Vietnamese Manufacturing Association want to eliminate foreign competition? The ending is very talkative, but never explains why Pyle was made a target for assassination. If Phuong keeps drinking those milk shakes, she will have to get new clothes. Read the novel for the true ending.

[Why is a "quiet American" remarkable? The free speaking without oppression is due to the First and Second Amendment to the Bill of Rights. Are they still operational?]

Charlie Rose with Robert Bazell; Jerry Linenger, Sam Brownback & David Sanger; Michael Caine (February 3, 2003)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Robert Bazell; Jerry Linenger, Sam Brownback & David Sanger; Michael Caine (February 3, 2003)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Description

Robert Bazell, chief science correspondent for NBC News, guest hosts a conversation about the space shuttle Columbia disaster with Jerry Linenger, astronaut and member of the Russian space station Mir, Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, and David Sanger of The New York Times. Then, an interview with actor Michael Caine about his life, career, and new film, The Quiet American, an allegorical story about the Vietnam war.

Average customer rating:

..........Those Big Dark Almond Eyes........To Die For.......
A Masterful Adaption with Great Performances
Classic adaptation of a classic book
EXCELLENT BUT ANTI-AMERICAN AT HEART(* * * 1/2)
The Too Quiet American

The Quiet American [Region 2]
Starring: Michael Caine , Brendan Fraser , Do Thi Hai Yen , Rade Serbedzija , and Tzi Ma
Director: Phillip Noyce
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

..........Those Big Dark Almond Eyes........To Die For..............2007-06-28

A Masterful Adaption with Great Performances.......2007-04-22

Classic adaptation of a classic book.......2007-01-04

EXCELLENT BUT ANTI-AMERICAN AT HEART(* * * 1/2).......2006-12-22

The Too Quiet American.......2006-11-10

Charlie Rose with Peter Fisher & Pete Peterson; Michael Caine (January 7, 2003)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Peter Fisher & Pete Peterson; Michael Caine (January 7, 2003)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Description

A dialogue about the president's economic stimulus plan with Peter Fisher, the Treasury Undersecretary for Domestic Finance, and Pete Peterson, chairman and co-founder of The Blackstone Group. Then, an interview with actor Michael Caine about his life, career, and new film, The Quiet American.

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