'The Sympathizer' (2024) air date, plot, full cast and how to stream Max's comedy drama series
Show name: The Sympathizer
Platform: Max
Date of release: April 14, 2024
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Comedy/Drama/History
Director: Park Chan-wook, Marc Munden, Fernando Meirelles
Full cast list: Robert Downey Jr., Scott Ly, Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Tien Pham, Tom Dang, Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, and others
HBO is gearing up for the release of their latest comedy series 'The Sympathizer', set to premiere on Sunday, April 14.
HBO has been unparalleled in its original shows over the past two years, launching massive hits like 'House of the Dragon', 'The Last of Us', 'Succession', 'The White Lotus', 'Barry', 'True Detective: Night Country', and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'.
This network also boasts classics like 'Watchmen' and 'Chernobyl' in its impressive lineup. Now, imagine the excitement as celebrated director Park Chan-wook and star-producer Robert Downey Jr. team up to bring a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to HBO.
'The Sympathizer', adapted from Viet Thanh Nguyen's critically acclaimed and award-winning debut novel, offers a complex view of the Vietnam War and the nuances of immigrant identity.
It weaves together various genres and styles into a sharp, thrilling narrative. For those intrigued, here's everything we know about 'The Sympathizer'.
What is the plot of 'The Sympathizer'?
'The Sympathizer' follows a half-Vietnamese, half-French communist spy, known as The Captain, who navigates his dual allegiance as a mole for North Vietnam while forming close bonds with the South Vietnamese military.
After the devastating fall of Saigon leads to a tragic massacre, killing many he knows, The Captain flees to America. In the US, his struggle with his mixed identity intensifies. While continuing his espionage for North Vietnam, he encounters a range of intriguing characters and embarks on several affairs.
He also lands a job as a consultant on an American Vietnam War film, which satirically references 'Apocalypse Now' and 'Platoon'. Disillusioned by the film's glorified portrayal of the war, he nearly loses his life during its production.
However, the official synopsis reads, "Near the end of the Vietnam War, a plant who was embedded in the South Vietnam army flees to the United States and takes up residence in a refugee community, where he continues to secretly spy and report back to the Viet Cong."
'The Sympathizer' main cast
Robert Downey Jr.
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Robert John Downey Jr., born on April 4, 1965, is an actor whose leading roles have earned over $14 billion globally, ranking him among the most lucrative actors in history.
Downey's journey in Hollywood has seen an early rise to fame, followed by a turbulent period marked by substance abuse issues and legal troubles. However, he made a remarkable comeback in the 2000s.
In 2008, Time magazine recognized him as one of the world's 100 most influential people. Furthermore, from 2013 to 2015, Forbes named him the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, underlining his significant impact on the industry.
Scott Ly
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Born to Vietnamese boat refugees in Houston, Texas, and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Southern California, Scott Ly stands as the first American-born child in his family.
A natural athlete, he led his high school's basketball and wrestling teams as captain, embracing a rigorous regimen of circuit training, yoga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA. Ly's passion for performance steered him towards acting, dedicating himself to the craft.
With a notable presence on television, Ly has appeared in 'FBI's Most Wanted', 'BONES', 'CRIMINAL MINDS', 'CRIMINAL MINDS: BEYOND BORDERS', and had a recurring role in 'ANIMAL KINGDOM'. His acting extends to the stage, national commercials, and major print campaigns, promising more exciting projects on Netflix in the future.
Fred Nguyen Khan
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Fred Nguyen Khan is a multifaceted talent in acting, stunts, and writing, recognized for his roles in 'This Life', 'Deus Ex: Mankind Divided', 'The Burglar', and 'Rise of the Tomb Raider'.
Originating from Ottawa, Canada, Khan brings a unique blend of skills to his diverse projects in the entertainment industry.
There is not much information available about Fred Nguyen Khan yet but we will keep you posted when something comes up!
How to stream 'The Sympathizer'
'The Sympathizer' will be exclusively available to stream on Max from Sunday, April 14. Don't have Max? Don't worry!
Accessing Max is made easy with subscription plans featuring both monthly and yearly billing choices.
The available Max plans and their corresponding prices include the 'With Ads' plan at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
The 'Ad-Free' plan at $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year, and the 'Ultimate Ad-Free' plan is available at $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.
'The Sympathizer' trailer