The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Relevant Political Thriller
After returning home from the Korean War, Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey) is decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor. The other members of his unit claim that Shaw saved their lives and showed exemplary courage in the face of daunting danger. Yet, what each member says seems rote and no one can remember specific details. When Shaw's commanding officer, Ben Marco (Frank Sinatra) begins having "nightmares" about his Korean experience, he begins to suspect that Shaw isn't everything he seems to be and that there might be some powerful people with ulterior motives at work. His suspicions increase when Shaw's mother, Elanor Iselin (Angela Lansbury) begins using her son for her own political purposes.

THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE is one of the best political suspense films ever made. The film works on a number of different levels and the issues that it touches upon are still relevant today. Besides a great story that has been directed with great skill by John Frankenheimer, the film is also notable for its powerful acting performances. Frank Sinatra might best be known as a singer, but he was just as talented as an actor and stunt person (in the kung-fu fight scene he broke his hand, but for filming purposes it wasn't cast--it never healed properly and he had problems for it the rest of his life). Laurence Harvey isn't as well known as some other members of the cast, but he gives one of the best film performances of his career. Janet Leigh is as beautiful as ever as Shaw's love interest, Eugenie Rose Chaney, but is also allowed to show some range instead of just being a pretty face. Lastly, Angela Lansbury gives an amazing showing as one of the most evil and wicked woman ever seen on film, Mrs. Iselin.

A great drama that anyone interested in film or politics should see at least once.

The DVD includes some very good special features including an interview with Frank Sinatra, George Axelrod, and John Frankenheimer; audio commentary with director Frankenheimer; "Queen of Diamonds" featurette with Angela Lansbury; "A Little Solitaire" featurette with William Friedkin; the original theatrical trailer; and a photo gallery. I most enjoyed the director's audio commentary and the "Queen of Diamonds" featurette.

a masterpiece of political and psychological horror
"The Manchurian Candidate" a masterpiece of political and psychological horror, inspired by the ridiculous heights of the Cold War and the terror of McCarthyism. An extraordinary film about political agitations, assassinations, and Communist fiddling, probably one of the best politically based fiction movies ever made by Hollywood. It had been out of release immediately following President John F. Kennedy's death in 1963, but the film's producers and United Artists decided to call it back for its subject matter resonating with the tragedy and conspiracy surrounding the death of JFK. Fallowing its release in 24th October 1962, the film faced various acquisitions, some critics said the story line was somewhat un-AMERICAN, some thought of it being pro-communist, and in certain countries protesters stigmatized it as rightist propaganda. The film deals with a Communist plot to send a brainwashed American war hero to assassinate a presidential candidate. But the most shocking aspects of the story are who truly sponsored it and who Raymond (the protagonist) is ultimately destined to assassinate. The mind reeling aspect of the film is to watch how the protagonist is relentlessly manipulated by those who use him, while those who want to save him deal with insuperable obstacles. Raymond wouldn't allow himself to enjoy any pleasure in his life. He surely found himself guilty for the crimes he had committed. He was frequently spellbound by his mother and executed every transgression operation his mother wanted him to perpetrate.

What was really interesting watching was the character of Raymond's despicable and domineering mother Mrs. Iselin, whose evil amply propels the storyline, the difficulty to believe in her cobwebby evil brilliance. The acme of Momisms: What She Says and What She Really Means. Actress Angela Lansbury portrays a character of a mother who is both scathing and self-deprecating. One of the prime focuses of the story is the obsession with motherhood and the impossible standards which that obsession promotes.Watching Angela Lansbury play her character of a rugged and powerful mother will certainly make any viewer's blood run cold. Tone in the way she talks favors the sarcasm and black humor rather than her daunting attitude. Some scenes are too funny to be takes seriously and that is why her character is addictive.

One of a kind movie
A patrol is captured in Korea and the plot to the Manchurian Candidate begins.

Fears of brainwashing, then seen as a weapon of communism, were genuine. During the Korean War normal, patriotic American Soldiers captured by the enemy were seemingly turned, willingly providing statements on behalf of their captors. Psychologically, this was largely the result of torture and mental pressure provided by the communists. But at the time people had to wonder... how far could it be pushed?

The scene where the soldiers of the patrol have been placed in a hypnotic state is absolutely brilliant, mixing reality and the perceived reality of the two groups involved. The nightmares and almost reflexive responses given by some of the Soldiers after their return was very well done as well.

The cast in this film was brilliant, especially Frank Sinatra who had proven by this time to be a very good actor as well as a skilled singer.
An all-time classic.