Product Details

• Actors: Marlon Brando, Eiji Okada, Sandra Church, Pat Hingle, Arthur Hill
• Directors: George Englund
• Format: Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Studio: Universal Studios
• VHS Release Date: October 22, 1992
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000005XUU
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,460 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
Marlon Brando stars in this volatile political thriller based on the critically acclaimed best-selling book. As a compassionate American ambassador to the strife-torn Southeast Asian nation of Sarkhan, Brando tries to keep the Communists in the north from overrunning the weakened democracy in the south by making sure a vital road into the country's inaccessible interior goes through. But, from his very arrival, "The Ugly American" is met with suspicion and hate even by an influential freedom fighter now suspected of being a Communist agent. Intrigue and danger surround Brando and co-stars Pat Hingle, Arthur Hill and Sandra Church, in this tense story of Cold War politics that remains all too real today. END

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brando does it again. Hard-hitting Cold War drama., January 2, 2004

By	Roger J. Buffington (Huntington Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Ugly American (DVD)

This is a fine movie starring Marlon Brando and an excellent supporting cast. Marlon Brando stars as Ambassador McWhite to the fictional Southeast Asian nation of Sarkhan. Eiji Okada turns in a bravo performance as Cheyoung, a wartime comrade of McWhite's who is now a Sarkhanese national hero and who is opposed to American involvement with and presence in Sarkhan. The two men have good chemistry even as their goals are conflicted. Despite once being the closest of wartime friends, McWhite and Cheyoung now find themselves to be enemies.

This is obviously at least in part an allegory of American involvement in Vietnam and other Asian countries, a topic that was at the forefront of American politics when this movie was made. Nonetheless, after watching the film recently after not seeing it for about 25 years, I found that it had lost none of its impact or relevance. This is a very good film with a solid storyline, a relevant political message, and good acting. These all combine to make this film a fine and rewarding viewing experience.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Vietnam Era Drama with Brando, February 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ugly American [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Fascinating drama about Communist insurgency in early-60s Southeast Asia. Takes place in a fictional country named "Sarkhan," which was based at the time on the situations in Laos and Vietnam. Brando is great as the U.S. Ambassador to volatile Sarkhan, trying to balance American political objectives with the nationalist sentiments of the "Sarkhanese" people. Perhaps one of the most intelligent political films of the 1960s. Also includes the Asian perspective and real Asian settings, a rare achievement for a Hollywood film of that era. It was beautifully filmed in Thailand, and the VHS looks great. The story lacks clarity and pace at a few points, keeping the film from being five-star. But it succeeds as a rich character drama in an exotic setting, and an powerful historical statement...a much more intelligent look at the politics of the 1960s in Asia than more famous films like "The Green Berets." Highly recommended for viewers interested in Asia, the Vietnam War era, and Brando fans.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful Classic, September 1, 2005

By	Roger Kennedy - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Ugly American (DVD)

This is probably one of Brandos best films. Considering the time frame when this was first released its amazing to see how on the mark it was for the early 1960s. The comparisons with Vietnam for the time are obvious. The film also provides a study in classic US foriegn relations to 3rd World countries during the Cold War period. US policy can be seen to be well meaning, but often mis-placed and heavy-handed. The lessons to learn here are valuable, and all the more so today. I consider this film a classic because not many pictures like this have ever been made. If one considers how recent the whole Cold War McCarthy syndrome was as well its all the more remarkable. Sure it has all the cliche touches of Hollywood films for that time, but there is still educational value for today from watching it. History teachers should consider showing it to their students. Good to see on DVD with a nice picture quality.
Recommended.