80. THE SYMPATHIZER

Lit to Lens

The guys discuss the new MAX series THE SYMPATHIZER, directed by Park Chan-wook based on the Pulitzer Prize winning debut novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen. … THE SYMPATHIZER tells the story of The Captain, a North Vietnamese mole working undercover for the South Vietnamese army. The story traces his escape from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, his acclimation to Los Angeles and working in Hollywood, to his grappling with the competing ideologies of his friends and foes, and the moral lines he must cross to save his life and those of the ones he loves. … The series adaptation was directed by Park Chan-wook, who has directed acclaimed films such as OLDBOY and DECISION TO LEAVE. The series, streaming on MAX (formerly HBO) stars How Xuande, Robert Downey, Jr., Toan Le, Fred Nguyen Khan, Day Nguyen, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Phanxinê, Kieu Chinh, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, with special appearances by John Cho and David Duchovny. … Topics of discussion include how the book felt like homework, the minor changes made to the show, a history lesson on Operation Frequent Wind and why maybe this series didn’t gain more traction with audiences. … (0:00) From the book… (1:56) Fast facts, recap, trivia… (18:03) A word from our sponsor… (18:26) Studio pitch & novel breakdown… (40:34) Trailer (42:50) Learn you something, differences from the book… (1:38:53) Music outro … If you would like to get in contact with us about anything regarding the show, feel free to shoot us an e-mail: [e-mail] … Or reach out on social media: twitter.com/littolens instagram.com/littolens