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Is 'The Sympathizer' a real story? The inspiration behind the HBO miniseries

The HBO miniseries "The Sympathizer" has aired to widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. Here's what to know about the inspiration for the story.

Robert Downey Jr. in 'The Sympathizer'
© IMDbRobert Downey Jr. in 'The Sympathizer'

HBO miniseries ‘The Sympathizer’ aired to great success with both audiences and critics. However, many people wonder if the black comedy series is based on real-life events, and the short answer is yes, but loosely.

While the characters of the black comedy series are entirely fictional, their narratives are inspired by real people and events in Vietnam, particularly the fall of Saigon. Created by Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, the show is also based on the 2015 novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen.

It centers around a fictional character named the Captain, played by Hoa Xuande, a North Vietnamese spy embedded in the South Vietnam army during the Vietnam War. The series begins near the war’s end. Here’s what to know about the real-life events behind the show, starring Robert Downey Jr.

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What is real on ‘The Sympathizer’?

Viet Thanh Nguyen drew inspiration from real-life individuals and their stories during the Vietnam War’s conclusion in both countries to create many of the characters in the plot. The story is set against the backdrop of the fall of Saigon, a catastrophic and life-changing event that initiates the narrative.

The Vietnam War, which began in November 1955, lasted nearly 20 years before ending with the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. And this event marks the beginning of the show. In the series, we follow The Captain, a North Vietnamese spy forced to flee to the United States. In his new home, he lives among South Vietnamese refugees from the war and continues his espionage activities for the Viet Cong, although he becomes increasingly conflicted as he acclimates to his new environment.

robert downey jr.

Robert Downey Jr.

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On the other hand, Robert Downey Jr. portrays four different characters in the series, with one of the most significant being a CIA agent named Claude who mentors the Captain. The story flashes back to the fall of Saigon in 1975 before the Captain’s relocation to the United States.

This historical backdrop sets the stage for The Captain’s journey in the United States in the HBO satirical spy thriller. Author Viet Thanh Nguyen, whose family also fled Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, explained that the war didn’t end with there, as the consequences were still felt through the stories of refugees, prisoners, or the defeated and left behind.

Natalia is a seasoned journalist with over eight years of experience in digital media. Currently, she serves as a sports journalist at Bolavip US, where she covers soccer, tennis, and a wide range of sports topics. Her previous role as an entertainment journalist at Spoiler US allowed her to delve into the film industry, series, reality TV, and celebrity news. Natalia has also contributed her bilingual skills in English and Spanish to outlets such as Revista Exclusiva and Cambio16, enriching her diverse reporting background in sports, fashion, and culture.

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