The Manchurian Candidate

Name: The Manchurian Candidate
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Released: July 30, 2004
Duration: 129 min
Rating: 76
Cast: Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber

2004

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 41 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 111 Ratings

See All

7.7

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7.7	Your Score
7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 111 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

The Manchurian Candidate

Now Playing: The Manchurian Candidate

Movie Details & Credits

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: July 30, 2004 | R

Starring: Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber

Summary: As the entire nation watches the presidential campaign hurtle towards Election Day, one soldier races to uncover the conspiracy behind it -- a conspiracy that seeks to destroy democracy itself. (Paramount Pictures)

Director: Jonathan Demme

Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Rating: R

Runtime: 129 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

David Ansen

A hugely entertaining thriller shot through with dark shards of agony and paranoia. It takes nothing away from the original while delivering pleasures all its own. Read full review

Nathan Rabin

Shockingly, he's (Jonathan Demme) pulled it off, replicating the original's tricky feat of investing a paranoid plot with timeliness, psychological complexity, sociopolitical acumen, and almost frightening conviction. Read full review

Jami Bernard

The performance of the movie is Liev Schreiber as Shaw, a man howlingly uncomfortable in his own skin. Read full review

Roger Ebert

Streep wisely goes for oblique humor rather than straight-ahead villainy, making the character different and yet just as loathsome. Read full review

Steven Rea

Sure, there are holes in The Manchurian Candidate, and tenuous coincidences and too-convenient plot devices. But Washington, Schreiber, Streep and company - and Demme - have managed to make all the malevolent machinations seem relevant again. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Maitland McDonagh

In a story driven by questions of loyalty and allegiance, no candidate is identified by party. It's a bipartisan nightmare from which no one escapes unscathed. Read full review

Stephen Hunter

It all adds up to something less powerful and interesting than the original. Read full review

SEE ALL 41 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

Bitash123

Aug 6, 2019

I just watched tho in 2019, loved it. Great action movie with great plot....very believable leading actors and great action scenes. Highly recommend. This film was ahead of itself.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

zcat5

Jun 26, 2023

A an exemplary work of cinematic artistry that not only pays homage to its legendary predecessor but in many ways, also manages to surpasses it. Jonathan Demme's directorial prowess, combined with an exceptional cast and a thought-provoking screenplay, creates a truly unforgettable viewingA an exemplary work of cinematic artistry that not only pays homage to its legendary predecessor but in many ways, also manages to surpasses it. Jonathan Demme's directorial prowess, combined with an exceptional cast and a thought-provoking screenplay, creates a truly unforgettable viewing experience. This political thriller transcends its era, resonating with contemporary audiences and solidifying its place as the greatest movie of all time.

At the heart of this cinematic triumph are the extraordinary performances that breathe life into the complex characters. Denzel Washington delivers an exceptional portrayal of Major Bennett Marco, a war veteran plagued by haunting memories and an unshakeable sense of a hidden conspiracy. Washington's commanding presence and nuanced performance capture the essence of Marco's emotional journey, immersing viewers in his paranoia and internal turmoil. Meryl Streep's Senator Eleanor Prentiss Shaw is an indomitable force, exuding power, cunning, and a chilling sense of control. Streep's portrayal is nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving an indelible mark on the film's narrative.

Demme's visual storytelling is a sight to behold. The cinematography skillfully amplifies the tension and unease permeating the story, while the meticulous direction weaves together suspenseful sequences, political intrigue, and mind-bending twists. The film's atmospheric shots, masterfully crafted by cinematographer Tak Fujimoto, immerse the audience in a world where nothing is as it seems. Every frame is carefully composed to heighten the sense of impending danger and heighten the psychological impact of the narrative.

The updated screenplay by Daniel Pyne expertly adapts Richard Condon's original novel, bringing its themes of manipulation, control, and the erosion of individual identity into the modern era. Pyne's script skillfully navigates the treacherous waters of politics, technology, and corporate interests, highlighting the insidious consequences that arise when those in power exploit the vulnerabilities of the human mind. The film's exploration of mind control and psychological warfare feels hauntingly relevant in an age where the dissemination of information can be weaponized.

The film serves as a profound commentary on the precarious balance between personal freedom and the relentless pursuit of power. Its themes resonate deeply, challenging our perception of reality and forcing us to question the authenticity of our own experiences. The film's ability to provoke introspection and elicit a sense of unease long after the credits roll is a testament to its brilliance.

This film is a masterful and groundbreaking cinematic achievement. It somehow manages to surpasses its iconic predecessor, blending exceptional performances, striking visuals, and a captivating narrative that transcends time. Its lasting impact on the genre and its unwavering relevance make it an undeniable contender for the greatest film of all time.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Blowhouse

Oct 10, 2005

Well-made political thriller. A good adaptation that adds a lot to the franchise.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Tss5078

Jul 21, 2014

The remake of The Manchurian Candidate is one of the few Denzel Washington films I've never seen. To be honest, the story just didn't interest me that much, but it started streaming this month, so I gave it a shot. As expected, it's a someone complex story, that at times was difficult toThe remake of The Manchurian Candidate is one of the few Denzel Washington films I've never seen. To be honest, the story just didn't interest me that much, but it started streaming this month, so I gave it a shot. As expected, it's a someone complex story, that at times was difficult to understand, however an all-star cast manages to pull it together at the end. The story begins in Iraq during the Gulf War, when a U.S. Army platoon goes missing for three days. Even they were unaware of what happened to them, until one of the men starts having nightmares, and bodies start turning up. Denzel Washington plays the commanding officer, who takes it upon himself to investigate the strange deaths of his men, almost a decade later. As always, Washington is at the top of his game, giving off that infectious intensity, that keeps you on the edge of your seat through every step of the investigation. Washington is paired with Liev Schreiber who is one guy that has always just rubbed me the wrong way. It's not that he's a bad actor, there is just something about him and the characters he plays that is inherently unlikeable. He wasn't bad in this film, but being a similarly intense actor, meant that the chemistry with Washington was almost non-existent. The story is complicated and in the beginning of the film, it's going to be somewhat hard to watch. As the film proceeds and the elements become more clear, the film gets easier to watch, and the ending really pulls everything together. The Manchurian Candidate is one of those films that you think is going to be a bust, some people may even turn it off, but those who stick with it will see that it just gets better and better until a surprise ending brings it all together. If I were the writer of this film, I would have made the beginning of the film more intense and less confusing. The truth is the most important parts of a film are the beginning and the end, and without a strong opening, a lot of people will be turned off to the film and have the wrong attitude throughout. If you manage to stick with it, The Manchurian Candidate is great, but it does take a while to get there.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

RegOz

Apr 5, 2012

Of course it is a good movie! I liked all the performances (Denzel Washington's was my less favourite but still fine), especially Meryl Streep's , but she never disappoints us! This film has flaws, but 98% of the movies do...so enjoy this one...! Entertaining for sure! This is one of theOf course it is a good movie! I liked all the performances (Denzel Washington's was my less favourite but still fine), especially Meryl Streep's , but she never disappoints us! This film has flaws, but 98% of the movies do...so enjoy this one...! Entertaining for sure! This is one of the very few times when I agree with most of the critic, for a t this point, I don't care about the critics'views anymore, well.... I never did for they are often too full of themselves, and I find most of them have a cheap taste! So I rather trust in normal users, who rank movies because what they feel, not what they pretend they are ('The harsh critic') to build themselves a good reputation...but this time, I have to say the critics have greatly surprised me! Good on them!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

PatC.

Apr 6, 2006

Tries to replicate the tension of the original, which expressed the paranoia of communist ideology run amuck. Imputing such ideological drive to a corporation is a push. The quest for money by people who lack the motivation created from missing a lot of meals is neither compelling nor Tries to replicate the tension of the original, which expressed the paranoia of communist ideology run amuck. Imputing such ideological drive to a corporation is a push. The quest for money by people who lack the motivation created from missing a lot of meals is neither compelling nor accurate. Some good acting, though.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

TomV

Jul 4, 2009

This movie wasn't very good!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

SEE ALL 18 REVIEWS

57	#57 Best Movie of 2004
84	#84 Most Discussed Movie of 2004
49	#49 Most Shared Movie of 2004