The recently premiered HBO drama series "The Sympathizer" is aiming to challenge dominant perceptions of the Vietnam War by reframing the narrative to focus on the plight of Vietnamese people rather than the sacrifices of American soldiers. The show, which is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, follows the main character known as "the Captain" as he navigates his life as a spy for the North Vietnamese communists while serving in the South Vietnamese army.

In an effort to convey a multi-layered perspective, the show primarily features a mostly Vietnamese cast. Hoa Xuande, who plays the main character, highlighted the importance of having Vietnamese actors at the forefront, stating that it allows them to be in control of their own narratives. Xuande, the son of Vietnamese refugees, emphasized that Vietnamese people had equally traumatic experiences as the American soldiers and led complex lives during the conflict.

Actress Sandra Oh, who portrays the love interest of the main character, further added the significance of shifting perspectives by incorporating a frequent use of the Vietnamese language throughout the series. Oh estimated that over half of the show is in Vietnamese, which helps to de-exoticize the language and present it in its true elegance. By normalizing the Vietnamese language, the show aims to challenge the historical marginalization and mockery it has faced.

"The Sympathizer" aims to depict the war through a more nuanced lens, recognizing that the war was not simply a binary conflict. The complexity of the main character's identity, torn between his conflicting convictions and sympathies, is further explored through the portrayal of his Japanese American love interest, Sofia Mori, who amplifies his multilayered beliefs.

The series has already sparked important conversations within the Vietnamese community, with cast member Xuande sharing that his parents were prompted to open up about their own experiences of escaping on a boat. The show serves as a recognition of the struggles and trauma faced by the Vietnamese diaspora, validating their experiences and possibly providing a cathartic experience for those who have endured similar hardships.

"The Sympathizer" represents a major shift of perspective in depicting the fall of Saigon, challenging the traditional narrative dominated by American perspectives. By centering the stories of the Vietnamese people who lived through the war, the show aims to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive account of this historical event. With the impactful portrayal of the war from the inside point of view, the hope is that the series will spark further conversations and promote a deeper understanding of this significant period in history.