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Rating of
3.5/4
Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/07/2019
While the thrills sometimes feel underwhelming, its message is not remotely subtle.
Rating of
3.5/4
Indyfreak - wrote on 02/12/2018
One of the greatest political thriller movies ever made!
Rating of
2.5/4
Unknown - wrote on 02/18/2014
I'll admit, I watched the remake first. Both versions are vastly different. I'm not going to compare them. However, I will say that I felt the remake was much more 'thrilling' in a typical sense. It had me on edge for the whole runtime, whereas this 1962 version took a long while to get tense. There's an awesome brainwashing scene in the start (the shared dream) that's cold and unsettling. Then things get convoluted, story wise, for a big portion. It doesn't retain the vibe of the brainwashing scene until the last half hour, but by then I had already lost some interest. I can't really explain my non-enthusiatic nature towards this film. It's good in all aspects, from a filmmaking standpoint, I just didn't care much for it.
Rating of
3.5/4
mitchellyoung - wrote on 10/22/2011
Let's forget the wooden remake. Frankenheimer's original film is a slow burn suspense thriller that manages to tap into disturbing psychological elements, which adds to the heightened tension. The film is at its best when it sidesteps the temptation to enter explicit political commentary and remains a pure, adrenaline-fueled war thriller.
Rating of
4/4
Snake Sugarbaker - wrote on 12/12/2009
It's hard to believe, but Angela Lansbury used to be tolerable. In this—likely the finest Cold War thriller ever—Lansbury's (dare I say it?) stunning as she plays one of cinema's iciest villainesses. Released right before (and shelved immediately after) JFK's assassination, 1962's The Manchurian Candidate demonstrates how war veterans can return ****ed up not by battle, but by their own government. Frank Sinatra's dream sequences involving a Garden Club meeting attended by an entire corps of soldiers are among filmdom's most memorable
Rating of
4/4
sodapop - wrote on 03/01/2008
Oh this was soo good. I was thrilled recently to see my purchased copy arrive in the mail. Sinatra's film equivalent to his singing.
Rating of
3.5/4
Chris Kavan - wrote on 07/31/2007
Skip the remake, go for this original. Political intrigue, deceptions, sinister plans - and an incredibly evil Angela Lansbury make this one of the greatest political thrillers of all time.
Rating of
3.5/4
Alex - wrote on 12/18/2006
A great drama involving an incredible performance by Angela Lansbury. This movie diggs deep into war and those who are a part of it. See this over the remake, and you will see a much better film!
