Changeling

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Changeling

R

Released Oct 31, 2008

2h 21m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

62%

Tomatometer

206 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

In 1928 Los Angeles, single mother Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) arrives home to find her son, Walter, gone. Five months later her prayers are answered when Walter is found in Illinois. But to Christine's horror, the boy who steps off the train is not her son. Authorities vehemently dispute Christine's claim, and her one ally is a clergyman (John Malkovich) who sees the case as his chance to expose corruption in the Los Angeles Police Department and government.

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Critics Consensus

Beautifully shot and well-acted, Changeling is a compelling story that unfortunately gives in to convention too often.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

It feels empty, monotonous, bloated... This is old-fashioned story-telling that often feels unsophisticated and familiar.

Aug 23, 2018

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Angelina's performance was powerful and at times agonizing.

Rated: A+

Sep 12, 2017

Full Review

Philippa Hawker

The Age (Australia)

There are moments when it seems as if it wants to be an inspirational story about a person who refuses to be beaten by a corrupt system -- but it doesn't, in the end, settle for the uplifting narrative.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 13, 2009

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

An expertly made human drama featuring a stirring combination of Eastwood’s signature low-key tone and some surprising shocks.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 9, 2024

Full Review

Jason Best

What's On TV

We don't only feel outrage at Christine's treatment, but outrage at the treatment of women in general in 1920s America.

Nov 15, 2020

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Is Hollywood even allowed to have an awards season without Clint Eastwood around?

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Sep 5, 2020

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Nick S

I thought Angelina acted well, there were some standout acts from other members of the cast too. But overall the movie felt basic and boring at times. The ending was bleak and uninspiring too.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/15/24

Full Review

Gareth v

A bloated melodrama, that lacks any real gut punch considering the subject matter. One of Eastwood's poorer efforts as a director.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/03/24

Full Review

Connor A

This is a great film. Angelina Jolie gives a heartbreaking performance as Christine Collins, the rest of the cast is great too. It's shocking and sad to witness what Christine and her son had to go through. This film is definitely worth a watch of you enjoy true crime.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/28/23

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joe p

This movie made me cry as it was so sad. Angelina played this role so good!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I just loved it. Very well filmed and with a straightforward script. You won't be disappointed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

dave c

I was quite horrified by the mistreatment/abuse by the 1920's police/LAPD. Tragically this is still happening today. They primarily protect and serve themselves, the rich and their capital, so they're allowed the get away with abuse/brutality. ** Power corrupts, and Must be kept in check at All times! ** Police the police ** End qualified immunity ** End civil asset forfeiture ** Civilian oversight ** Mandatory body cams ** National database of criminal cops

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Clint Eastwood

Director

Angelina Jolie

Christine Collins

John Malkovich

Rev. Gustav Briegleb

Jeffrey Donovan

Capt. J.J. Jones

Michael Kelly

Det. Lester Ybarra

Colm Feore

Chief James E. Davis

Changeling: Official Clip - That's Not My Son

2:12

Changeling: Official Clip - Corrupt Doctor

3:12

Changeling: Official Clip - We Killed Some Kids

1:50

Changeling: Official Clip - I Am Not Your Mother

2:06

Changeling: Official Clip - Hope

1:19

Changeling: Official Clip - Sanford Digs

2:00

Changeling: Official Clip - Davy's Escape

2:12

Changeling: Official Clip - Forced Sedation

1:58

Changeling: Official Clip - Committed to the Psych Ward

1:48

Changeling: Official Clip - Sanford Identifies Murdered Kids

2:00

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Synopsis

In 1928 Los Angeles, single mother Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) arrives home to find her son, Walter, gone. Five months later her prayers are answered when Walter is found in Illinois. But to Christine's horror, the boy who steps off the train is not her son. Authorities vehemently dispute Christine's claim, and her one ally is a clergyman (John Malkovich) who sees the case as his chance to expose corruption in the Los Angeles Police Department and government.

Director: Clint Eastwood
Producer: Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Robert Lorenz
Screenwriter: J. Michael Straczynski
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Malpaso Company
Rating: R (Language|Disturbing Content|Violent Content)
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 31, 2008, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $35.7M
Runtime: 2h 21m

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