How Captain America Led Me to Rediscover a Frank Sinatra Classic!

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Caution is advised as discussions ahead may contain plot details from both “Captain America: Brave New World” and “The Manchurian Candidate”. These spoilers are irremovable, even by the power of mind control.

At long last, I managed to watch “Captain America: Brave New World” since it’s now available on Disney+. I had missed seeing it in theaters, and with mixed reviews floating around, I chose to exercise some restraint and not rent it. Now that I’ve seen it, I’m both pleased and a bit taken aback by how much I enjoyed it. A significant aspect of the plot that really caught my attention was the ongoing tale of super soldier and Korean War veteran Isaiah Bradley (played by Carl Lumbly), which reminded me of “The Manchurian Candidate” in many ways.

In “Brave New World”, it’s revealed that Bradley, a character we were initially introduced to in Disney+’s “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”, was manipulated by the antagonist, Samuel Sterns. During a visit to the White House, he is triggered and attempts to kill President Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford. This plotline reminded me of the 1962 film “The Manchurian Candidate” starring Frank Sinatra, where brainwashing was also a central theme.

Brainwashed Soldiers In The Korean War

If you’ve had the chance to watch “The Manchurian Candidate” (specifically, the 1962 film adaptation based on the stage play), you’re familiar with the plot involving a group of soldiers who get captured during an attack and are subjected to torture and mind control by the Chinese and North Koreans. After their release, they can’t recall the brainwashing sessions, but they’ve been led to believe that they were heroes under the influence of hypnosis.

In this rephrased version: John Sinatra portrays Major Bennett Marco, once a soldier from the doomed squadron, now serving as an army intelligence officer. On the other hand, Lawrence Harvey takes on the role of Raymond Shaw, initially acclaimed for a fabricated heroism that won him a Medal of Honor. However, unbeknownst to everyone, Shaw is actually a secret agent who can be set off by spotting the Queen of Hearts in a deck of cards. Later, he’s activated and assigned to assassinate a presidential nominee.

I Loved The Manchurian Candidate

As I sat there watching, I came to the realization that I had never watched the entire film before. Although I thought I’d seen it and have undoubtedly caught glimpses here and there throughout the years, I had never truly sat down to watch it from start to finish. It’s amazing, and even in 2025, many aspects of the movie still seem remarkably pertinent when considering politics. Additionally, the Cold War elements satisfy my curiosity about mid-century history.

As a devoted film enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on this captivating production. It’s headed by the legendary Frank Sinatra, but Angela Lansbury, who was even nominated for an Oscar, leaves an indelible impression as the truly sinister antagonist. Harvey, portrayed masterfully by [actor’s name], is spine-tinglingly creepy, terrifying, and evokes sympathy in his role as the brainwashed Shaw. Janet Leigh shines bright as Shaw’s enchanting love interest, bringing bubbly charm and delight to every scene. The dialogue is potent and rhythmically paced, making for a riveting watch. With an MGM+ addition to your Amazon Prime subscription, you can immerse yourself in this cinematic marvel that truly lives up to the acclaim it has earned throughout the years.

The Connection Is Obvious

There’s little need for extensive discussion about the similarities between “Brave New World” and “The Manchurian Candidate”. In both stories, soldiers who have been brainwashed become assassins, intent on eliminating a political figure. While Captain America is given a mission (and a purpose) in the modern version to advance the plot, the soldier’s helplessness without support from friends to understand the situation is a recurring theme in both works. The outcome is tragic in the 1960s classic, while less so in the contemporary superhero film.

2004 saw a different take on the “Manchurian Candidate” story, with Liev Schreiber portraying Shaw and Denzel Washington as Marco. I’m looking forward to rewatching this adaptation soon.

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2025-05-31 00:07