The Quiet American
DVD released 2003
Running Time: approximately 101 minutes
running time seemed like: 100 minutes
**** out of 8 stars

I suppose it's part of my generation, but I've always been interested in stories about the Viet Nam war. The Quiet American takes place in the timeframe between the French involvement in IndoChina and American involvement. If the events in the movie have any factual basis, that's the best part of the film. The American backing of an independent general is a great bit of intrigue if it's true.

Unfortunately, the movie centers around a love triangle. Watching a Brit put on the niceties of a 1950's gentleman while defending the honor of his girlfriend just doesn't interest me. Stick with the politics and intrigue, or get nitty gritty with the jealousy. Michael Caine is his usual excellent droll self, Brendan Fraser is very credible, and Do Thi Hai Yen creates quite the enigmatic heroine.

Overall, this movie is watchable. It needs more edginess to be more than a B movie. Watch it if you're bored.