Manchurian Candidate (2004)

5.5/10

Neat idea but not spectacular

The Manchurian Candidate is a film based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Richard Condon, and a reimagining of the previous 1962 film. It is about , soldiers are kidnapped and brainwashed for sinister purposes in the midst of the Gulf War.

The film really questions reality, dream and how we actually know something. Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep are convincing in their roles, doing a good job in keeping their characters intact. The film stars numerous talented actors Jon Voight, Vera Farmiga, Dean Stockwell and Ted Levine. However, their presence in the film is no more than just a background role, the film fails to use them to its advantage.

The first quarter of the film is not bad, as it succeeded in keeping me intrigued. However, as the film moves forward the storyline and use of dreamlike scenes goes downhill. I felt no connection towards any of the characters or the storyline. This disconnect allowed me to be easily distracted and not focus on the movie. The Manchurian Candidate was adequate but struggled to keep my attention.

Not a good film nor a bad film. It has some redeeming elements, just not enough. The Manchurian Candidate lands in my books as a movie that I will soon forget.