- Genre
- Thriller
- Year
- 1963
- Runtime
- 1h55
0
The Ugly American
When diplomacy falters, understanding must prevail.
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Synopsis
The Ugly American is a 1963 political drama starring Marlon Brando as Ambassador Harrison Carter MacWhite, who is sent to a fictional Southeast Asian country during the Cold War era. The film explores the impact of American diplomacy and foreign policy in a region fraught with political unrest and ideological conflict. As MacWhite navigates cultural misunderstandings, corruption, and the complex socio-political landscape, he strives to build genuine relationships with the local population and undermine communist influence. The movie delves into themes of cultural ignorance and the consequences of arrogance in international relations, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding in diplomacy.
Cast
Reviews
Critical reception for The Ugly American has been mixed but generally positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 67% rating, signaling a fairly favorable response from critics. Many praise Marlon Brando's powerful performance as the American ambassador, noting his ability to convey depth and complexity in a politically charged role. For example, the New York Times highlighted Brando's compelling portrayal, saying it adds significant gravitas to the movie's political commentary. However, some critics found the film's pacing slow and the narrative somewhat didactic, feeling that its political message sometimes overshadowed character development. IMDb users rate the movie 6.6/10, appreciating its historical context and its exploration of U.S. foreign policy, though some point to dated elements in the storytelling. Metacritic scores are not available, but overall, The Ugly American is recognized as an important film that candidly addresses American diplomacy's challenges during the Cold War, even if it doesn’t always hit every dramatic mark perfectly.
