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Poster for The Quiet American

The Quiet American

Seen it?

2002 | 101 min | Romance, Thriller, Drama, War

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, romantics and history buffs. If you loved Apocalypse Now or The Killing Fields, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense, intense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.6 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $28 million worldwide on a $30 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 117K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Phillip Noyce

  • Michael CaineThomas Fowler
  • Brendan FraserAlden Pyle
  • Đỗ Thị Hải YếnPhuong
  • Tzi MaHinh
  • Rade ŠerbedžijaInspector Vigot
  • Robert StantonJoe Tunney
  • Holmes OsborneBill Granger
  • Ngo Quang HaiGeneral Thế
  • Ferdinand HoangMr. Muoi
  • Pham Thi Mai HoaPhuong's Sister