The Ultimate Political Thriller

Last night, in the wee morning hours (I know, I contradicted myself there...)...

I watched the 1962 original The Manchurian Candidate, starring Frank Sinatra.

I heard all the ruckus about the newest theatrical release starring good old Denzel Washington...and for some reason I decided to be daring and watch what I thought very well might turn out to be a very boring old black and white movie.

The original turned out to be far more than I expected.

In fact, it's one of the best movies I've ever seen.

Brief synopsis:
1950's Korean War. Squad or soldiers is captured then brainwashed by Communist troops. They are programed to go back to America and give a false story of what happens to them: they are under the illusion that they are at a meeting of a Ladies' Gardening Club, when it's actually a mess of Communist officers. At this meeting, these captured American men are in a hypnotic, brainwashed state and do whatever they are asked. The Commuinst leader presiding has one soldier strangle a fellow man to death then shoot another in the forehead. Another major is then programed to return to America and recommend this soldier who has just committed 2 murders for being a Medal of Honor recipient.

Years later, where the story picks up, this same major and other soldiers from this once captured squad of soldiers have a recurring nightmare. The dream is an odd mixture of being at a ladies' garden club meeting and back and forth to a communist leaders' summit. Those who have the dream keep remembering a medal of honor recipient, Raymond Shaw, as having murdered 2 fellow soldiers at the meeting. Whenever this point in the dream is reached, whoever has it wakes up in a cold sweat.

From this point on, unbeknowst to the other characters, Raymond, the "Manchurian candidate," who has been in fact programed by the Communists as their own assassin, is coerced into committing several other murders by Soviet contacts in the United States.

Meanwhile, the Major who has had this nightmare invovling Shaw begins to put the pieces together and eventually confronts Raymond about his recurring nightmare. It's only a matter of time before Raymond commits the final assassination he was programed for when captured years ago in Korea: the President of the United States. The Major has only a short time to try and interact with Raymond, de-program him, and figure out who all is involved with this ghastly plot...

That is a very sketchy plot description...all I can say is that the movie is phenomenal and can only be experienced. The things that happen in the movie are truly haunting...the psychological aspects of the movie are what make it thrilling...rather than modern movies' mindless quick camera turns and bullet explosions. This is a thriller for the thinking man/woman. I guarantee you, as you watch the movie and start to put the pieces together, you'll probably hear yourself saying things like, "NO, it can't be!"

Generally, it's more than just a look at Cold War history or the power of being able to brainwash people. It's a movie that captures some of the finest acting talents in Hollywood's history and puts them together in one film.

Just remember...I'm not an old fogie or anything. I don't watch black-and-white movies all the time...but this one is too good to pass up.

In terms of offensive content: I was a bit shocked seeing as this is an older movie. Cursing is minimal, but there are some quite violent scenes, notably murders, the worst being blood splatters. And there's a scene where Raymond's love interest takes her shirt off to wrap a wound, revealing her brassiere. So it's not a family movie.

But the plot depth, the acting talent, the drama...makes me wonder if we're missing out with our mindless movies these days.

If anyone sees the new version of this movie in theaters...tell me how it was. I have an interest in viewing it.

Peace,