Is The Candidate Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Candidate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Candidate Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1968, The Candidate emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of This multi-faceted drama, which depicts a group of intellectual Afrikaners struggling with pertinent moral, ethical and racial issues in apartheid South Africa, is widely acknowledged as one of Jans Rautenbach’s finest films. Unlike standard genre fare, The Candidate attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Candidate features a noteworthy lineup led by Gert van der Bergh . Supported by the likes of Marie du Toit and Cobus Rossouw , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Candidate (1968) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Candidate Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Candidate is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Candidate Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Candidate concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Candidate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Candidate?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of The Candidate
- Gert van der Bergh – Lourens Niemand
- Marie du Toit – Paula Neethling
- Cobus Rossouw – Anton du Toit
- Hermien Dommisse – Anna Volschenk
- Roelf Jacobs – Dr. Jan le Roux
Top Highlights
Gert van der BerghLourens Niemand
Marie du ToitPaula Neethling
Cobus RossouwAnton du Toit
Hermien DommisseAnna Volschenk
Roelf JacobsDr. Jan le Roux
Bernadette da SilvaJackie Smith
Tromp Terre'blancheProf. Hannes van Biljon
Don LeonardKrisjan
Regardt van den BerghKallie
Jacques LootsDominee Perold
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Candidate has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Candidate stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1968 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Candidate movie hit or flop?
The Candidate has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Candidate worth watching?
The Candidate is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Candidate online?
The Candidate may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.