# The Manchurian Candidate

> 2004 film directed by Jonathan Demme

**Wikidata**: [Q3589](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3589)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Manchurian_Candidate_(2004_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-manchurian-candidate-q3589

## Summary
*The Manchurian Candidate* is a 2004 political thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme, based on the 1959 novel by Richard Condon. The film stars Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, and Liev Schreiber, and explores themes of political manipulation and brainwashing. It was produced by Universal Pictures and released on November 11, 2004.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: November 11, 2004
- **Director**: Jonathan Demme
- **Production Company**: Universal Pictures
- **Starring**: Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber
- **Genre**: Political thriller, drama
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **IMDb ID**: tt0368008
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 79%
- **Metacritic Score**: 76/100
- **Box Office**: $125.0 million
- **Runtime**: 2 hours 15 minutes
- **Based On**: *The Manchurian Candidate* novel by Richard Condon (1959)
- **Wikidata Description**: 2004 film directed by Jonathan Demme
- **Instance Of**: Film
- **Genre (Wikidata)**: Political thriller, thriller film, drama film
- **Publication Date**: January 1, 2004 (premiere), November 11, 2004 (release)
- **Sitelink Count**: 37 (Wikipedia links)

## FAQs
**What is the plot of *The Manchurian Candidate* (2004)?**
The film follows a former U.S. Marine, Ben Marco (Denzel Washington), who is recruited by a mysterious organization to assassinate a political figure. As he undergoes psychological manipulation, he becomes convinced that his actions are justified, blurring the line between brainwashing and free will. The story explores themes of political control and the ethics of persuasion.

**Who directed *The Manchurian Candidate* (2004)?**
The film was directed by Jonathan Demme, a renowned filmmaker known for works like *The Silence of the Lambs* and *Philadelphia*. Demme’s direction emphasizes psychological tension and political intrigue.

**What is the relationship between the 2004 film and the original novel?**
The 2004 film is a loose adaptation of Richard Condon’s 1959 novel, *The Manchurian Candidate*. While the core premise remains the same—political manipulation and brainwashing—Demme’s version expands on the character dynamics and explores deeper themes of free will and morality.

**What awards did *The Manchurian Candidate* (2004) receive?**
The film was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama. It also received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Ben Marco.

**How was the film received by critics?**
*The Manchurian Candidate* received generally positive reviews, with praise for its direction, performances, and exploration of political themes. Critics noted its tension and moral ambiguity, though some found the pacing uneven.

## Why It Matters
*The Manchurian Candidate* (2004) is significant as a political thriller that examines the ethics of persuasion and the dangers of unchecked influence. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film builds on the original novel’s themes of brainwashing and political manipulation, offering a modern take on Cold War-era paranoia. Its exploration of free will versus coercion resonates in contemporary discussions about propaganda, media influence, and the limits of human agency. The film’s production by Universal Pictures and its box office success ($125 million) demonstrate its cultural impact, while its critical reception highlights its role in shaping discussions about political storytelling in cinema.

## Notable For
- **Political Thriller**: A modern adaptation of the 1959 novel, exploring themes of brainwashing and political manipulation.
- **Denzel Washington’s Performance**: His portrayal of Ben Marco earned critical acclaim and showcased his range as an actor.
- **Jonathan Demme’s Direction**: Demme’s signature style of tension and psychological depth is evident in the film’s pacing and themes.
- **Universal Pictures Production**: The film was produced by Universal Pictures, a major studio known for its blockbuster thrillers.
- **Golden Globe Nomination**: The film was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 79%, indicating strong audience reception.
- **Metacritic Score**: 76/100, reflecting generally favorable critical reception.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed $125 million worldwide, demonstrating its commercial appeal.
- **Exploration of Free Will**: The film’s central question—whether Ben Marco is a victim or a willing participant—makes it a thought-provoking work of cinema.
- **Cold War Paranoia**: Its themes of political control and manipulation resonate with Cold War-era anxieties about propaganda and influence.

## Body
### Core Definition and Context
*The Manchurian Candidate* (2004) is a political thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme, based on Richard Condon’s 1959 novel. The film stars Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, and Liev Schreiber, and follows a former Marine who is manipulated into assassinating a political figure. Released on November 11, 2004, by Universal Pictures, the film explores themes of brainwashing, free will, and the ethics of persuasion.

### Production and Release
- **Production Company**: Universal Pictures
- **Director**: Jonathan Demme
- **Starring**: Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber
- **Release Date**: November 11, 2004
- **Runtime**: 2 hours 15 minutes
- **Box Office**: $125 million

### Critical Reception
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 79%
- **Metacritic Score**: 76/100
- **Awards**: Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama

### Themes and Analysis
- **Political Manipulation**: The film examines the dangers of unchecked influence and propaganda.
- **Brainwashing**: The central premise involves psychological manipulation, raising questions about free will and coercion.
- **Cold War Paranoia**: Themes of political control and assassination resonate with Cold War-era anxieties.

### Related Works
- **Based On**: *The Manchurian Candidate* novel by Richard Condon (1959)
- **Genre**: Political thriller, drama film, thriller film

### Technical Details
- **IMDb ID**: tt0368008
- **Wikidata Description**: 2004 film directed by Jonathan Demme
- **Instance Of**: Film
- **Genre (Wikidata)**: Political thriller, thriller film, drama film
- **Publication Date**: January 1, 2004 (premiere), November 11, 2004 (release)
- **Sitelink Count**: 37 (Wikipedia links)

### Cultural Impact
- **Box Office Success**: The film grossed $125 million, indicating its commercial appeal.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Received generally positive reviews, with praise for performances and direction.
- **Legacy**: The film’s exploration of political manipulation continues to resonate in discussions about propaganda and media influence.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. MusicBrainz
4. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368008/releaseinfo)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Source
7. Kinopoisk
8. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/manchurian-candidate-the/)
9. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/manchurian-candidate-the-1/)
10. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
11. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=49774.html)
12. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
13. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/111287)
14. Online-Filmdatenbank
15. mymovies.it
16. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/4280-59DC-9814-8E75-876E-X)
17. Danish Film Database
18. Kanopy
19. Trakt.tv
20. FilmVandaag.nl