Review of The Manchurian Candidate (1962) by Jerry K — 05 Oct 2011

One of the greatest films of all time, "The Manchurian Candidate" follows the paths of two soldiers who fought in the same infantry during the Korean War. One, Raymond (Laurence Harvey), is put under a bizarre, hypnotic spell that causes him to re-act to the red queen within a standard deck of cards and to re-act in a way of violence to those who are possibly communist. His evil, EVIL mother (Angela Lansbury) uses him to kill those that are pinpointed as communists so that his stepfather (James Gregory) can be in the running for presidency. The other soldier, Marco (Frank Sinatra), becomes haunted by these bizarre, sickening, disturbing dreams of a hostage taking event that may or may not have taked place with him and Raymond back in Korea. Soldiers in the infantry are being murdered by Raymond, one by one. In addition, he becomes courted the most mysterious Rosie (Janet Leigh).

In the year in which two of the most respected films of all time, "Lawrence of Arabia" and "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Manchurian Candidate" stands in another league compared to these famous movies. A second viewing yields more mysteries, more involvement, more understanding, more beauty. The sequences are harsh and frightening. The assassinations are cold and calculated with such realism. The ending sequence of events are thrilling and cannot be forgotten (and remember this was released the year before the JFK assassination!). The opening score is one of the best attached to any film. The performances are superb from all cast members. A political thriller masterpiece!