A British journalist in Saigon in 1952 trying to stay out of local politics and the war between the French and the Communists is drawn in through his acquaintence with an American.

Well, sort of. The book has a whole lot more nuance and character detail that, of course, just don't come through in the movie; the focus of the movie is the woman that both men are in love with, Fowler's Vietnamese mistress, with less emphasis on his determination not to take sides, and his eventually being forced to do so.

Michael Caine is still wonderful, a total honey 70 years along, and quietly steals the show...but this is also one of the best things Brendan Fraser has done, a chance for him to really act after a string of action flicks. The period detail is truly excellent as well, both Mr. Otter and I were both pleased.

Worth seeing, even if you haven't read the book.