The Candidate
The Candidate

Movie spotlight

The Candidate

1980
Movie
129 min
German

Made with an eye to the autumn of 1980 when the German parliamentary elections took place, The Candidate examines Germany’s history past and present and Franz Josef Strauß, the man who, as the CDU/CSU candidate, aspires to be elected to the most important political office in the land.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users78%
Director: Thomas SchlammeGenres: Drama, Political Thriller

Plot Summary

A charismatic lawyer, seeking justice for his father's death, is drawn into a conspiracy involving a powerful senator and a corrupt land developer. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a dangerous plot that threatens to expose corruption at the highest levels of government.

Critical Reception

The film was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and timely themes. Audiences also responded well to the film's exploration of political corruption and the pursuit of justice.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tight pacing and suspenseful narrative.

  • Robert Redford's performance as the titular candidate was a highlight.

  • The film effectively captured the intrigue and moral ambiguity of politics.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's engaging plot and Redford's compelling portrayal of a man fighting against corruption. Some found the ending slightly predictable, but overall it was considered a solid political thriller.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was released during a period of significant political upheaval and public distrust in government, which may have contributed to its resonance with audiences.

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