Rating: 
Summary: A Great Introduction to Intrigue
Review: With the coming new release of this title featuring Denzel Washington, no one should preview the story that was released in the early 60s yet, dissappeared after the Kennedy Assassination.You are left wondering what is happening throughout the film. Frank Sinatra is utterly believable and the way the men reveal their incarceration and come to the knowledge of being brainwashed is very intense. Anyone interested in the Korean War, POW movies, intrigue and conspiracy movies will love this movie. Sadly this movie was disappeared for so long. Yet it is back and making a comeback.
Rating: 
Summary: good, but dated
Review: (spoilers within) First of all, I can definitely see why the film was regarded as a classic political thriller in its day. And since the film was made *for* its day, it's not the fault of the film that it didn't age well (virtually no political films do). But I grew up in the '70s and '80s, not the '50s and '60s, and I have no personal experience with ducking and covering and red scares that are necessary to get the most out of this movie. The politics are simply of another time, and come off as both quaint and overly paranoid, given what we now know about what was actually going on in the era.
Other problems with the film: if a love interest was ever tacked-on in film, Sinatra's here takes the cake. There simply is no reason for any of these scenes to have taken place -- not only is there no chemistry at all, it is totally ancillary to the story and implausible to boot (she's dumping her betrothed -- for a profusely sweating man exhibiting signs of Parkinson's disease and dementia that she's spent an afternoon with?). Since the film runs a bit long, all of this should have been left on the cutting-room floor. Additionally, there are some rather large logical obstacles that the viewer must be able to accept to buy into the plot. Brainwashing can take place over the course of a couple of days and last a lifetime? This doesn't make much sense, but I can get past this. What I can't get past, though, is why such an incredibly effective method of hypnosis/brainwashing would be made to be triggered by the appearance of something as relatively common as the Queen of Diamonds playing card. I mean, what if the subject plays a lot of cards? If he's in Vegas and the Queen comes up, will he be suggestible to killing people? Just wondering. Also, it's rather idiotic to use the game of Solitaire as the method for this trigger to be sprung. There are quite a few cards that lay face down during a game of Solitaire that are never seen unless the player wins (which happens less than ten percent of the time). What if the subject is told to "pass the time while playing Solitaire" and the Queen never comes up? Why would the Soviet operatives come up with such an overpowering method of mind control but then have such a haphazard way of triggering it? I have no idea. And why are there always cards at hand, anyway? Did people always play cards in the '50s? Additionally, the relative infancy of things like hypnotism and "brain washing" during this time are brought to light by some rather ridiculous assumptions. If a playing card is a trigger mechanism, why would two of them (or, say, 52 of them) have extra power? It would make no sense at all for the Russians to have "programmed" this effect. And in the final scene, if the title character was fully in control of his actions (which he states to Sinatra's character), then why would he aim the rifle first at the speaker and then AT THE LAST MINUTE switch to his mother and stepfather? Obviously to heighten the dramatic tension for the audience. But this makes no sense practically, since, in the movie, nobody is watching the character perform these acts. Too much of this movie is simply unbelievable for it to be regarded as a classic. Maybe people in the 50s and 60s were just naive as moviegoers and were willing to take suspension of disbelief to the absurd levels necessary to buy into the plot of this film. Viewers accustomed to the superior editing of today's films, however, will not be able to take the Manchurian Candidate seriously. This is a must-see in terms of it being a period piece to and view from an academic distance, but it really doesn't work as a thriller anymore.
Rating: 
Summary: Ready for a remake, Mr. Demme?
Review: Living in Washington, D.C. has, of course, made me much more aware of politics, although there's something about getting older that has something to do with it as well. Browsing the video store racks the other day brought up this classic, which neither of us had seen, although I had tried to catch it at the AFI Silver Theater last year. Labeled as film-noir, The Manchurian Candidate is actually a bit of science-fiction, albeit of the psychological/sociological 1970s type rather than the 1950s/1980s big idea type or the 1980s/1990s we're all living in the grimy future type. Laurence Havey plays Raymond Shaw, a stuck-up sticky-beat of a 'Nam Sergeant, whose company dislikes him, even his second in command, Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra). But when Shaw brings in most of his company from deep behind enemy lines, Marco puts Shaw up for the Congressional Medal of Honor. His homecoming is greeted with fanfare, as much choreographed by his mother for her own purposes of keeping Shaw's stepfather in the limelight as he's up for re-election to the Senate next year. But something's wrong, because Marco's having nightmares about that time spent behind enemy lines, and it may have something to do with Shaw. To write anything more about the plot is to give some of the mystery away, and while it's not that hard to figure out by modern audiences, now blaise from the trickery of more recent films like L.A. Confidential, The Usual Suspects, and Memento, it works toward a solid conclusion with some nice twists along the way. There's a bit of a red herring involved in a sudden and strange romance for the main character, but the writer remains honest with the audience for the most part. Everyone sweats a lot here: Sinatra actually can act, and Angela Lansbury gives one of the best performances as the grasping mother that puts Joan Crawford to shame. I see from the Internet Movie Database that Jonathan Demme is remaking this movie, with Denzel Washington in the Sinatra role and Meryl Streep as Shaw's mother. I hope it's not a straight remake and that the new film plays upon the deeper cynicism that we have today. This 1962 version made a strong statement about McCarthyism; perhaps a 2004 remake could point out some of the similar neoconservative, "Patriot Act," flaws?
Rating:
Summary: Oh My~ What I have been missing!
Review: I've finally watched this masterpiece last weekend. I had had a doubt regarding the title (thought it's a musical comedy!). Well, it turned out to be one of my best experiences with political thriller movies (never mind 'no way out' kinda hollywood cr*ps). Although it has quite strong anti-russia feel (or has it?), overall this is a great movie. Actors and actresses are great! Miss Lansbury smokes!!!! WOW, this is the word to describe her performance in this movie. The last scene at the Garden is....one of the best last scenes. REMEMBER, DO NOT LET OTHERS TALK ABOUT THE LAST SCENE TO YOU BEFORE YOU WATCH IT!!! That said....you can read so many positive reviews here which I agree with. Now there are two things I'd like to comment. In the opening scene, the Bar scene. To my Korean eyes, none of the girls looks like a Korean. Worst of all, the old lady (Gerturude?) is wearing a chinese cloth... Second, the man (actor) Sinatra fights is not korean. His name is Henry Silva, a great actor with Puerto Rican heritage. I couldn't help smiling at their 'karate' fighting scene. Wasn't there any stuntman who could teach them a little bit of Karate, TaeKwondo (this could be the choice because Silva was portraying a north korean agent, Chun Jin (again, a name I cannot imagine as a Korean name) or Kung Fu? But if you pass these scenes...to the last scene, you will have a best experience of your movie watching! Strongly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies ever made....
Review: The story revolves around Sgt. Raymond Shaw ( Laurence Harvey). He has just come back from the war a Medal of Honor winner for saving the lives of his platoon. He is a hero in everyone's eyes from the men in his platoon, to the general public. All except his commanding officer Col. Bennet Marco (Frank Sinatra). Marco is suffering from nightmares involving the entire platoon being captured by the Red Chinese and being subject to sadistic mind control experiments, where Raymond is trained as a top assasin. Marco tries to convince the Army that the Medal of Honor was just a front and that Shaw is a deadly killer. However, they also love Raymond and refuse to believe what Marco is saying. Now it is up to Marco alone, to stop Raymond before it is too late. Stop him before he has a chance to play a "little game of solitare". The performances in this film are phenomenal. Lawrence Harvey is outstanding as Raymond Shaw. We see two sides to the character. The first being Raymond himself who can prove to be a great guy, a jerk, and a nervous wreck all in one. The second is the cold, calculated assasin. Both are done equally well. Frank Sinatra is without a doubt one of the true American legends. Major Bennet Marco is without a doubt the best role that he ever played. I love the struggle of one man against many to prove the truth. This is Sinatra's fight for the whole film. Janet Leigh did a nice job as Sinatra's love interest. John Gregory gives the film's funniest role with Senator John Iselin. He is the puppet and Angela Lansbury is the puppeteer. He does whatever she says. It is hilarious. The best performance of the film, and one of the best I have ever seen period, was given by Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Iselin. One of the most evil and coniving women that I have ever seen in a movie. A truly unforgettable performance. What makes the role so good, is that she is Raymond's mother. "The Manchurian Candidate" is the most suspenseful film that I have ever seen. I think the thing that impresses me the most is the fact that the film still holds up extremely well, despite the fact that it was made over 40 years ago. The story itself is amazing. The topic of mind control provides for paranoia, conspiracy, and overall terror and suspense. One of the most chilling phrases that I have ever heard was "How about a nice game of solitare." The film also provides for tons of action as well. If you are a person who loves suspense, you cannot go wrong with this film. Mind control, government conspiracy, and the fight of one man against many are all woven together to create a well rounded story, and the actors all give the performances of their careers. The DVD is very affordable and offers an interview with Frank Sinatra, and the director John Frankenheimer.
Rating:
Summary: Chilling Cold-War Thriller
Review: 1962's THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE is a story of cold-war politics and intrigue that is every bit as engaging today as it was before the purported end of THE cold war. Based on the novel by Richard Condon (author of PRIZZI'S HONOR), the film is usually categorized as a political thriller, though it is often more intense and frightening than many contemporary slasher or horror films due to a depiction of drug-induced brainwashing and subliminal mind control that is not all that improbable (especially now, in light of the vast and astonishing strides that have since been made in medicine and other technologies). Indeed, after the shooting of President Kennedy in late 1963, many suspected that that THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE may have actually served as a blueprint for the "conspiracy" behind the assassination, and the film's plot seemingly hit so close to home that longtime Kennedy supporter and associate Frank Sinatra, one of the film's stars, used his influence to keep the movie out of reach of the moviegoing public for several years thereafter. The acting in this movie is simply superb. Frank Sinatra's portrayal of a troubled Korean War veteran is arguably the best of his career, and as the titular character, Laurence Harvey creates a sympathetic yet unnerving portrait of a man whose mind and fate are no longer under his own control. Angela Lansbury--seen in recent years on TV's popular MURDER, SHE WROTE--gives an outstanding and convincing performance as the conniving and egoistic mother of brainwashed "war-hero" Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey). There are also good performances from a strong supporting cast, including the beautiful Janet Leigh (of PSYCHO fame) and character actor James Gregory (probably better known as Inspector Luger on TV's BARNEY MILLER). The DVD release from MGM offers a few nice extras, including an interesting and sometimes insightful feature commentary from director John Frankenheimer. The digital transfer is good, though it could have used some clean-up of scratches and artifacts. In short, the overall DVD quality and the very reasonable price make purchase of this classic psychological thriller a no-brainer (no pun intended).
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Classic Thriller
Review: The Manchurian Candidate, starring Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, and Angela Lansbury, is a well-acted film based on the novel about a mind-controlled assassin created to facilitate a political coup. Sinatra is the former army colleague of the man programmed for the deed, and he begins to have nightmares about the experience where his unit was captured in Korea and then brainwashed by Russian & Chinese personnel. Laurence Harvey plays the programmed killer, who is promoted as a war hero (and the other unit members programmed to praise him even though his real personality was unpleasant). Sinatra's character begins to work with military intelligence to uncover the Harvey character's memories and uncover the full plot, which involves the mother of the programmed assassin, played by Lansbury as the wife of a U.S. Senator seeking the Presidential nomination on the heels of his McCarthy-esque tirades against communists in the government. This clever plot unfolds with a smooth pace, and Janet Leigh provides a stylish role as Sinatra's romantic interest as he pursues the main mystery. The DVD has some extra commentary on the film, with Sinatra & the director providing their insights, although there could have been more bonus material and improved picture quality for the DVD transfer.
Rating:
Summary: Candidate for the Best Political Satire of its Time
Review: Have you ever seen Frank Sinatra kicking a Korean man and shouting: What was Raymond doing with his hands? No? Well, here is your chance. Quite seriously though, this is one of the better movies out there. It turns out Raymond was brainwashed into becoming an unconscionable killing machine, and his hand movements were imitating a game of solitaire--the trigger for thoughtless actions, including the taking of human life. The movie is a dark political satire that exposes politics as a game in which the lust for power is the dominant motive. Angela Lansbury is here in one of her best roles as a traitorous witch behind a bluffing, blustering, Joseph McCarthy-ite Senator. This is also one of Sinatra's better roles, as he displays quite a range of acting: from depressed aloofness to irrepressible violence. The movie has real characters, even though there was a danger it would end up with stick figures and straw men. But no, everything is done superbly, including the McCarthy-ite thug of the Senate and the liberal senator with a milk cartons. Even the Russian operative from the Pavlov Institute in Moscow is a real character.... "always with a touch of humor."
Rating:
Summary: A Cold War Chiller
Review: Regrettably, this film was inaccessible for many years because of concerns about its subject matter following the killing of President Kennedy within a year after the film's release. There were also legal disputes which delayed its re-release until 1987. Directed by John Frankenheimer, it examines a hypothetical but plausible plot to assassinate a Presidential candidate so that his running mate, Senator John Iselin (James Gregory), will then be elected and thereby under total control of a foreign power (presumably China). It would be unfair to those who have not as yet seen this film to say more about the narrative. Sinatra plays Captain Ben Marco who is given primary responsibility for identifying and then stopping the assassin. The plot resembles a jigsaw puzzle in certain respects as both Marco and we struggle to fit the various pieces together. The sub plot involves Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Harvey), stepson of Senator Iselin, who retires from military service after being awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor. Amidst several strong performances, Angela Lansbury's is most impressive as the dimwitted Senator Iselin's shrewd and assertive wife. Under Frankenheimer's crisp and sure direction, the tension slowly but relentlessly builds as the nominating convention approaches. I am among those who think the inclusion of Rosie (Janet Leigh) is unnecessary, if not a distraction. Two performances are noteworthy: Gregory as Iselin and John McGiver as his staunch adversary, Senator Thomas Jordan. After more than 40 years, the film still has a sharp edge. When I first saw the film, I did not expect the climax, one which still retains its emotional impact. Memories of certain scenes, especially of dominant images, are indelible. This is probably Frankenheimer's greatest achievement as a director.
Rating:
Summary: John Frankenheimer's Masterpiece!!
Review: Frank Sinatra proved time and time again that we was an all around entertainer with his powerful acting job. Laurence Harvey is outstanding as the doomed brainwashed victim. But Angela Landsbury steals the show as the power hungry mother. This movie still sends chills up my spine. It's director John Frankenheimer's greatest movie he ever made.
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