The Manchurian Candidate

"The Manchurian Candidate" refers to a novel by Richard Condon, published in 1959, and its film adaptations. It centers on a soldier who is brainwashed by enemy forces during the Korean War, leading him to become an unwitting assassin. The term has come to symbolize the idea of individuals being manipulated for political purposes without their awareness. Themes of mind control, nationalism, and the impact of Cold War tensions are central to the story, highlighting how external influences can subvert personal loyalties and provoke ethical dilemmas. It serves as a cautionary tale about manipulation in politics and society.