Chinatown

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Chinatown

R

Released Jun 20, 1974

2h 11m

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

143 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

When Los Angeles private eye J.J. Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is hired by Evelyn Mulwray to investigate her husband's activities, he believes it's a routine infidelity case. Jake's investigation soon becomes anything but routine when he meets the real Mrs. Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) and realizes he was hired by an imposter. Mr. Mulwray's sudden death sets Gittes on a tangled trail of corruption, deceit and sinister family secrets as Evelyn's father (John Huston) becomes a suspect in the case.

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Critics Consensus

As bruised and cynical as the decade that produced it, this noir classic benefits from Robert Towne's brilliant screenplay, director Roman Polanski's steady hand, and wonderful performances from Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

Among its myriad alluring – and lurid – contradictions, Chinatown is overtly stylish yet understated, depicting inveterate moral decay and corruption so matter-of-factly that Huston’s emphatic refusal to accept any blame... makes your skin crawl.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 12, 2024

Full Review

Charles Champlin

Los Angeles Times

In its total recapturing of a past, in its plot, its vivid characterizations, its carefully calculated and accelerating pace, its whole demonstration of a medium mastered, Chinatown reminds you again that motion pictures are larger, not smaller than life.

Mar 8, 2024

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Penelope Gilliatt

New Yorker

The film, set in the thirties, from a script by Robert Towne, is wickedly skillful, funny, and socially alert.

Mar 8, 2024

Full Review

Martin Carr

martincarr.co.uk

Chinatown hits 50 this year and this Jack Nicholson film noir has lost none of its potency. Featuring the legendary John Huston alongside Faye Dunaway, this Oscar winning story from Robert Towne is still essential viewing.

Jul 29, 2024

Full Review

Adrian Turner

Radio Times

The result was acrimony behind the scenes and genius on the screen in a masterpiece that repays any number of viewings.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 1, 2024

Full Review

Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

One of the greatest movies of the 20th century was Roman Polanski’s 1974 film noir with the darkest twist imaginable (50th anniversary)

Rated: 5/5

Jun 27, 2024

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Garrett B

Great mystery drama with solid performances

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/20/24

Full Review

Arwen A

Faye Dunaway looks amazing in this film as Evelyn. Jack Nicholson has been touted by some academics as portraying a psychopath in his role as J.J. I think that this film was possibly an inspiration for "The Water Knife" written by Bacigalupi.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/16/24

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Glen H

Truly is one of the greatest films ever made. Has the classic Hollywood feel with a darker edge.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/14/24

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Eric B

The best noir movie of all time... much less self-indulgent and more thrilling than many noir films made after "Golden Era" Hollywood noir

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/05/24

Full Review

Shobhit B

Undoubtely one of the greatest movies of all time, very brillient screenplay and plot that keep you on edge of the seat and make you think what will happened next. Both Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway did a wonderfull performance , last 15 minutes are very tragic. Furthermore cinemetography make this movie more beautiful

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/24

Full Review

Jonathan K

I'm glad to have finally watched this classic noir to see Nicholson's performance and the screenplay is deserving of its recognition as well. It's a convoluted plot but in a rich way, not a confusing way, rather in that it's intricate and woven. The backdrop of LA and the water/land grab that is a dark part of LA's history is a very intriguing setting, even today 50 years later. A tragic arc of a tale, it can drag a little at times, but there's no question this is a movie every film lover should see.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/25/24

Full Review

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Roman Polanski

Director

Jack Nicholson

J. J. (Jake) Gittes

Faye Dunaway

Evelyn Cross Mulwray

John Huston

Noah Cross

Perry Lopez

Lt. Lou Escobar

John Hillerman

Russ Yelburton

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Chinatown: Official Clip - It's Chinatown

1:14

Chinatown: Official Clip - My Sister, My Daughter

2:12

Chinatown: Official Clip - A Respectable Man

2:12

Chinatown: Official Clip - Capable of Anything

1:23

Chinatown: Official Clip - Jake Likes His Nose

1:01

Chinatown: Official Clip - Nosy Fella

0:43

Chinatown: Official Clip - Evelyn's Last Stand

2:12

Chinatown: Official Clip - Find the Girl

1:53

Chinatown: Official Clip - Screwing Like a Chinaman

1:27

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Synopsis

When Los Angeles private eye J.J. Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is hired by Evelyn Mulwray to investigate her husband's activities, he believes it's a routine infidelity case. Jake's investigation soon becomes anything but routine when he meets the real Mrs. Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) and realizes he was hired by an imposter. Mr. Mulwray's sudden death sets Gittes on a tangled trail of corruption, deceit and sinister family secrets as Evelyn's father (John Huston) becomes a suspect in the case.

Director: Roman Polanski
Producer: Robert Evans
Screenwriter: Robert Towne, Roman Polanski
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 20, 1974, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Runtime: 2h 11m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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