Rating: 
Summary: The best political thriller ever made
Review: In my opinion The Manchurian Candidate is probably the best thriller (political) ever made. The film is cunning, suspensful and is a good example of cold war fear. Communism in the white house? That premise probably would have scared many people during the cold war. But what's most ironic about this movie is that it was not only one of JFK's favorite movies, but JFK pushed United Artists to release it back in 1961. Again though, the performances in this movie are spectacular with stunning performances from Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansburry. So, I hope one will be able to appreciate this movie as much as I did.
Rating: 
Summary: Highly original, chilling political thriller
Review: This is a great DVD with many excellent bonus features, including the Director's commentary that adds so much to the understanding of how the film was made. The film was shot primarily with wide angle lenses which heightens the effect of some very frightening screens. For example is there anything more incredible than the scene where the captured, brainwashed prisoners believe they are attending a ladies' garden party, while actually on stage as human guinea pigs in a meeting of communist cadres. Just an amazing juxtaposition of images! The storyline is well developed and never loses the taut feeling of suspense from start to finish. Laurence Harvey, Frank Sinatra, and Angela Lansbury are particularly fine in their roles. If there is only one criticism, it is that Harvey lapses at times into his original British accent, which is disconcerting. But given the power of his performance in this role, this is a minor detail that can easily be overlooked. The film is shot in black and white, which is far better suited to its cold war images. Just puzzled why MGM issued the cover for this DVD in color? Anyway, highly recommend this DVD!
Rating:
Summary: The First and Finest Political Thriller!
Review: This is said to be one of president John F. Kennedy's favorite films, and you can see he had good taste in movies. This film succeeds in being a good suspense film and a great psychological drama. Great for smart and sophisticated viewers, even though it will entertain anyone. Laurence Harvey and Frank Sinatra are great, but Angela Lansbury is Dynamite as the cold-hearted mother of Laurence Harvey. Great movie, definitely a Must-See!
Rating:
Summary: Finest American movie of the 60's
Review: John Frankenheimer could do little wrong in the early 60's and this film, one of the most sophisticated political satires ever made, ranks as probably his greatest achievement. Beautifully shot, acted, scripted and edited it's a film that demands multiple viewings. The highest compliment that I can pay it is that Hitchcock himself couldn't have done it any better.
Rating:
Summary: A Smart, Suspenseful Film that Most Adults Can Understand!
Review: Here is a very intelligent film that is written so well that you don't need a background in history or political science to be able to enjoy it!Most films this smart manage to alienate a wider audience because they expect the audience to already know too much real world trivia, or expect the audience to be so interested in the subject matter that they'll overlook a poorly paced story. Not so with this highly entertaining thriller! In fact, its biggest weakness it that it requires the audience to accept the simplistic way that brainwashing and hypnosis seem to work, in this film (even though they don't really work like that at all). So in this respect, knowing too much about the topic actually makes it harder to accept the events in this film as being believable. Go ahead and suspend you disbelief. This is a very entertaining film, no matter how much you know, or don't know about the real world parallels.
Rating:
Summary: Spell Binding until the End
Review: After viewing this movie and taking into consideration the time in which it was made, I can understand why the film was pulled from the theaters. This work plays on many of the Cold War fears associated with the assasination of President Kennedy. History aside, this movie is a real pyschological thriller. The plot moves quickly and Frank Sinatra gives a great performance as Bennett Marco. For those who are fans of "Murder She Wrote", you will be somewhat surprised with Angela Lansbury's role as a communist operative, scheming political wife and wicked mother. Lansbury's role is a far cry from Jessica Fletcher. Finally, Laurence Harvey's character, Raymond Shaw, generates much sympathy as the alienated son who has been brainwashed into being a hitman for the Soviet Union.This movie will engross you from beginning to end.
Rating:
Summary: A thriller and an incisive study of an incredible Evil
Review: While not a historical film in the true sense of the word(the film does not deal with any particular true incident), Manchurian is the best explication of what Communism truly is. Through the form of a thriller, the film shows the murders typical of Communism but also, through the character of Raymond Shaw, demonstrates its horrible contempt even hatred of the individual and the family. Without giving away the plot, Shaw is destroyed. He is dehumanized and turned into a tool and a murderer by the Communists. His family is a corrupt horror and, he is continually forced to kill the ones that he loves--much like many who were forced to do likwise in Russia, China, and Cambodia. And why? Because the Party dictates that it must be so. Ben Marko has also been similarly abused by the Reds but he manages to overcome it and must struggle to prevent a vile attempt to take over the American Presidency with a secret Communist agent ala Bill Clinton. The acting and direction is superb. Sinatra and Harvey have never been better. The soundtrack is a poignant, constant reminder that this is really not a thriller but a tragedy, the tragedy of the abject destruction of a human life and a human soul by an idealogy that treats both as disposable garbage. Communism in America? The film's last line is a powerful answer. Hell. Hell. As one of the few AntiCommunist films of that period that has escaped censorship by the Hollywood thought police, this film is important and should be seen.
Rating:
Summary: This DVD is a keeper
Review: This review is for those who don't need to be told how great this movie is. But, whether the first or the fiftieth viewing, you owe it to yourself to see "Candidate" on dvd. Frankenheimer's comments on how he shot the "garden club" scene are alone worth the price of the dvd. And I defy anyone to guess who Sinatra's choice to play Angela Lansbury's character was. This is a wonderful, suspenseful, surprising movie which has only benefited from the added content available on dvd. I recommend it totally.
Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: This is Frankenheimers masterpiece. Some of the greatest and most unappreciated moments in cinema are found in this movie. Watch the McCarthy like acusation during the press conference and the way Frankenheimer creates a historical connection with his use of TV monitors. The "flower club" scene is still something that has never been equaled. A cinema classic.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful for another generation
Review: While born decades after the time period in which the movie takes place, and even decades after the movie was initial released (and I was six when it was rereleased)--I found this movie to be highly enjoyable. It is the kind of movie rarely made these days with a plot that takes more than five minutes to develop. I believe many in my generation are missing out by skipping over this film because it's "old" and in black-and-white. However, don't let such things keep you away from great movies. If you want to see something disturbing and with a good plot, this is a good movie to watch.
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