His role as Fowler, the sensitive, lonely, pathetic, cynical antihero of Graham Greene’s conflicted Vietnam novel The Quiet American. A difficult part, ably assisted by his nemesis, the naive American aid coordinator-conspirator Pyle, ably played by Brendan Fraser. Caine certainly deserved an AA for Best Actor that year, 2003.
A tale of romance with a love triangle trio (the beautiful Vietnamese woman love-object Vietnamese smoothly played by Do Thi Hayden Rade Sherbegovia–this was her first film), a violent war background, and numerous inner conflicts. A strong, moving faithful adaptation of Greene’s original steered by veteran director Philip Noyce, shot on location. The special effects explosion scene in the square is a work of art within the film.
Highly recommended for Caine fans, Greene fans, and students of 1950s Vietnamese history. A labor of love for all involved in its making.