Chinatown Reviews and Ratings


  • Yelverton
    November 13, 2009
    Yelverton
    Not nearly as good as everyone claims it is.
  • dipa89
    November 4, 2009
    dipa89

  • lopcar1993
    November 3, 2009
    lopcar1993
    When noir was first created in the 40's, it was the biggest thing to hit films ever. It created a new style of film making the likes of which no one had ever seen before. it broke new ground in cinematography and set the benchmark for crime films of that era. Well the 4...( read more)0's and 50's ended and the noir genre fell off the earth, until 1974 when a director named Roman Polanski decided he wanted to make a period piece mystery film centered in and around Los Angeles. And his film happened to just be named, Chinatown.





    When I was younger I never heard of Roman Polanski's Chinatown, I didn't hear of it until I was fifteen and even then it took me a year to see it. And now that I have I'm glad I did, Chinatown was everything a noir fan or a fan of movies could hope for;It's brilliant, extremely well acted, complex and at sometimes dark. It's one of the most well made and most brilliant Neo-Noir I've ever seen since L.A. Confidential, this film get's everything right and it plays out well but the only thing that it get's wrong is the pace. The pace is so slow in the first two acts nut after the third kicks in you've got some serious intrigue and mystery. But all in all this film is nothing short of breathtaking and intriguing, It's the kind of movie that once your in. Your in.




    Jack Nicholson turns in a fantastic performance as the jaded P.I. hired to crack this case, he is amazing to watch onscreen and he gives such a mysterious and dark presence to an otherwise standard character. Faye Dunaway is also fantastic in this, she plays the mysterious lover of J.J. Gitties and in the film you don't know who she really is and what she really wants. Or even if she can be trusted. But none the less the cast does utterly fantastic here they bring a standard Noir film out of oblivion and turn it into a a movie experience that will blow you away.





    While Chinatown did set the bar for Neo-Noir's it also had the bad misfortune of being far too boring for it's own good. But It makes that up with it's inguinal storyline and amazing performances which will more than satisfy any fan of Noir or Nicholson, or film for that matter. All in all Chinatown is one case you want in on.
  • rajiv23gooners
    November 1, 2009
    rajiv23gooners
    very intense film noir with a nice and smart dialogues, painful twist, and disappointing yet satisfactory ending.,
    what i love about polanski's film is that they can drag us to the story without realizing the film is going to an end..
  • mrpopcorn
    October 22, 2009
    mrpopcorn
    "Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown!"

    A private detective investigating an adultery case stumbles on to a scheme of murder that has something to do with water.

    REVIEW

    "Chinatown" is an excellent ...( read more)film that has become a true American classic since it was initially released in 1974. Jack Nicholson (Oscar-nominated) stars as a private investigator who unwittingly becomes entangled in a strange case that is so complex and deep that his involvement could be fatal. Robert Towne's Oscar-winning screenplay is multi-layered and smart, as is Roman Polanski's amazing direction. A great achievement in the cinema that stands very tall against other films from the 1970s and from any decade for that matter.
  • ElCochran90
    October 20, 2009
    ElCochran90
    "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown."



    Chinatown (1974)


    Director: Roman Polanski
    Country: United States of America
    Genre: Mystery / Thriller
    Length: 131 minutes

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    Chinatown is the last film that master Roman Polanski filmed in the U.S., a fact that would surely mean he would divide audiences once more with his upcoming French thriller Le Locataire (1976), the last chapter of the loose trilogy concerning the horrors faced by apartment duelers. More than being one of the most brilliant, brutal, realistic and undeniably stylish crime films ever made in cinema history, it is an intentional direct homage to the film-noir genre that was the filmmaking branch originator of several masterpieces mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 40's and 50's. This is the first time Polanski attempts to direct a strictly crime film with no surrealistic elements and psychological horror involved, which is a very daring ambition to achieve. Besides directing one of the best films of the year, Chinatown is a masterpiece which title is able to speak for itself thanks to its originality and powerful brilliance, becoming a timeless work of art that has effectively stood the test of time.

    Private detective J.J. Gittes is about to unravel a giant and complex conspiracy web full of violence, lies, deceit, murder, municipal corruption and deceptions throughout related to the watter supply when a woman who is pretending to be Evelyn Mulwray, the wife of the city's water supply system builder named Hollis, hires him under the suspicion of Hollis having an affair. Later on, the real Evelyn Mulwray appears in Gittes' office threatening him to sue him if he doesn't drop the case, but when Mr. Mulwray is found dead, he refuses to drop it and inevitably gets deeper into an endless plot of madness. The film received 11 Academy Award nominations for Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Music, Original Dramatic Score, Best Sound, Best Director and Best Picture, winning only the first award.

    The sole brilliance of Chinatown is naturally originated from the extraordinarily developed screenplay by Robert Towne and Roman Polanski, and the shocking power of the several unparalleled performances this film proudly posseses. What the direction achieved is to make the story relentless and memorable. Interestingly enough, Jack Nicholson's character is not very different from the usual cold-blooded characters he has portrayed throughout his filmic career, consequently giving away what would be his best leading performance if it wouldn't be because of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). Thanks to the tone of his voice, his scary and cold facial expressions and his overall reactions, the private detective J.J. Gittes gains cinematic life and a very strong presence when being on screen, making his one-liners as sarcastic as possible and transforming a lame joke into a hilarious one thanks to the way he tells it. Faye Dunaway plays a physically weak, yet morally strong woman that is directly affected by the unstoppable outcomes of the surrounding events, finding partial comfort and protection through Gittes, but at the same time not knowing how and when should she confess several truths she hides under her persona or not.

    The rest of the characters play the role of a motor for the plot's unexpected and mysterious development. Polanski had in mind both the darkness of a classic film-noir and what a new and more modern audience of the 70's demanded. The result is a brilliant crime film with enough character development and an adequate pace so it can provide much more than just two hours of plain entertainment, excluding the opening and the closing credits. Therefore, it isn't shy at portraying neither graphic violence nor sexual content, including its beautifully stereotypical cliches.

    I want to be free at expressing my amazement concerning the technical aspects. The cinematography, the sound and the editing are extraordinary; they actually play a very particular role at strengthening the whole style and power of Chinatown. No matter how small the city is, it actually feels like if the streets and the very water supply system were living characters, when they actually are inert. The aforementioned details are deliciously sweetened by a good soundtrack and a classic musical theme.

    Chinatown goes beyond the definition of its own genre. It is a merciless and relentless brilliant masterwork and one of the best definitions of cinema available, without exaggerating. With unforgettable quotes, a hard-to-top story and definitely an extraordinary ending, a scene that caused controversy for some people and disappointment for others, it is a film that has surpassed the expectations of even the actuality audience. In case you cannot see the brilliance of the film or are not interested in seeing it, believe me when I say that you're dumber than you think I think you are.

    95/100
  • xobabygreekox
    October 19, 2009
    xobabygreekox
    Good movie :) One thing I liked was the area and Jack Nicholson was hot :O lol
  • jamesm1068
    October 3, 2009
    jamesm1068
    classic, slow moving though
  • gmale9000
    September 29, 2009
    gmale9000
    Certainly the best neo noir film ever made, whenever that magic mark began. Color? Wiki knows, I'm sure. Chinatown gives all noir a run for its money.
  • neowerewolf
    September 23, 2009
    neowerewolf
    Good one with a story when the things are different that anyone could imagine, but in the end "Doesn't matter, is Chinatown..."
  • SirPant
    September 18, 2009
    SirPant
    I'm not Roman Polanski's biggest fan but Chinatown is an amazing film. Dunaway and Nicholson's performances are brilliant and they have a unique and electric on screen chemistry. This is an absolute masterpiece, highly recommended!
  • afbuelvasp
    September 4, 2009
    afbuelvasp
    Podría haber sido mejor, pero no puedo hacer nada... olvídalo Jack, es Chinatown
  • jgabriel92
    August 25, 2009
    jgabriel92
    A great plot, an explosive cast and an excellent director... that's Chinatown!
  • Abzurdoh
    August 24, 2009
    Abzurdoh
    Jack Nicholson, genial. Personalmente, la pelicula no me encanto y prefiero no hacer mucho comentario... pero es bastante buena.
  • Tetsuo8
    August 17, 2009
    Tetsuo8
    a smart, mystery movie
  • rambo360
    August 11, 2009
    rambo360
    THE STORY WAS VERY DEEEEEP BUT IT WAS THE BEST STORY JACK NICHOLSON WAS THE BEST ROLE TO HIM
  • phbasketball6
    August 5, 2009
    phbasketball6
    Second best film of 1974. Easily a classic film that had perfection in each aspect of the film. The acting of Nicholson, Dunaway, and Huston were great. John Huston's oscar worthy performance as an actor was probably one of best in his career. The story and direction was very goo...( read more)d. Probably Polanski's best film in his career. The film had great mystery, a couple of thrills, and a great twist.
  • dadlucas
    July 20, 2009
    dadlucas
    nicholson is great as a seedy detective who gets more then he expects.gritty fun. good lesson on why tou shouldn't pick your nose.
  • samanthaseaotter
    July 15, 2009
    samanthaseaotter
    The story is murky but the performances are terrific. Mixed bag for this classic.
  • cavemanlawyer91
    June 30, 2009
    cavemanlawyer91
    Great script and over all pace. Loved the neo-noir edge. The ending just seemed way too rushed for my taste.
  • TH00008
    June 29, 2009
    TH00008
    Nice Story-line with great visuals.
  • fernandorafael
    June 28, 2009
    fernandorafael
    Strong, twisted, dramatic, stylish; CHINATOWN is a great film in every sense of the word.

    Visually striking, very well-written and directed; expertly acted by Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston.
  • ukcags
    June 26, 2009
    ukcags
    Seen it one of my favourite films. I love this and LA confidential
  • strach09061
    June 22, 2009
    strach09061
    another fab. performance.....jack kicks ass.................
  • closedmouth
    June 21, 2009
    closedmouth
    One of those accidental almost masterpieces.
  • nowaknowak
    June 8, 2009
    nowaknowak
    Z roku na rok coraz bardziej lubie ten film.
  • alessandro0100
    June 8, 2009
    alessandro0100
    Noir o Hard-Boiled? Ma soprattutto che diavolo era successo a Gittes a Chinatown? Ad ogni modo Nicholson è un mostro di bravura e la parte del detective gli calza come un guanto. Gran film e buona atmosfera. Sto cominciando ad appassionarmi al genere..
  • susanriley
    June 4, 2009
    susanriley
    Most interesting when you consider the context of this film historically. This film added a new depth and intrigue to the film noir genre leading the way for such greats as LA Confidential.
  • Ivan6655321
    June 3, 2009
    Ivan6655321
    "Chinatown" contains the exact formulas to create a perfect "film-noir"(or neo-noir, as some would call films like this). First, it has a very intricate and deceptively complex plot, second, a very seedy location, third, an awkward romance, and fourth, a very flamboyant anti-hero...( read more) in the form of Jake Gittes (Perfectly played by Jack Nicholson). The story, at first is very simple, but as it progress, it slowly thickens and blows you away with startling revelations after another. Faye Dunaway is brilliant as the disturbed Evelyn Mulwray, while legendary filmmaker John Huston owned the character Noah Cross. Everything is perfect about this film, yes, it was slow at times, but giving it enough attention, as I've always said about slow-moving films, it is indeed, very rewarding. The tragic climax in Chinatown itself is very unforgettable, departing from Hollywood standards and ended the film just like how it will happen in the real world. All the emotions are poured in that 5-minute sequence, and it became, in my point of view, one of the most well-crafted climaxes I've ever witnessed. Chinatown is a place for tragedy in the cinematic universe, just like an obscure film entitled "Manila: In the Claws of Neon, it ended almost the same way as this film did, and in the same place. A very ironic thing to do, placing enormous tragedies in a bright part of a city with great folks, but however great the irony is, Polanski's "Chinatown" is a triumph in cinematic history.
  • cep5101
    May 29, 2009
    cep5101
    Takes a while to get going but the final act is worth it.
  • theodossian52
    May 18, 2009
    theodossian52
    Amazing evokation of L.A. in the 1930s plus intriguing, twisting plot. Polanski's finest.
  • groderick
    May 14, 2009
    groderick
    This is such a good movie in every way. John Huston plays pure melevolent evil here. Nicholson is wonderful as the rakish Giddes - even Dunaway is beautiful and vulnerable.And the music that plays thruout the movie is so haunting that when I hear it today it puts me right back i...( read more)n the movie. Chinatown was made in the seventies but in my opinion could easily fall into the NOIR catagory.
  • Arlecchino
    May 13, 2009
    Arlecchino
    Jack Nicholson as the private eye J.J. Gittes is a very catching concept.
  • winterwycliffster
    April 28, 2009
    winterwycliffster
    One of the best films to come out of Hollywood.
  • robfearon
    April 22, 2009
    robfearon
    Not a masterpiece, as some would call it, but it had an involved plot, interesting characters, steely direction, and on-the-mark acting.
  • devlincade
    April 13, 2009
    devlincade
    The best post-noir noir movie. Like The Big Sleep, the plot is very serpentine, but a pleasure to follow, with Nicholson and Dunaway leading a stellar cast.
  • Anansie
    April 10, 2009
    Anansie
    Klasika noirovek. Pro milovniky zanru povinnost a kult v jednom.
  • MondoJay
    April 9, 2009
    MondoJay
    really good movie, I liked it alot... a classic from Jack Nicholson. A must watch.
  • calicobabe123
    April 8, 2009
    calicobabe123
    wud give it 10 stars if they had them.
  • RThornhill
    April 2, 2009
    RThornhill
    Polanski, Dunaway and Nicholson team up in a definitive classic.
  • abharika
    March 26, 2009
    abharika
    this movie is wonderful.
  • ahhh1989
    March 22, 2009
    ahhh1989
    Unforgettable and messed up, but intelligent and involving.
  • oneupdie
    March 14, 2009
    oneupdie
    At easily over 2 hours long, this is definitely a long movie which demands a degree of attention. The ending was fantastic, albeit depressing and reminded me of No Country For Old Men. The most important thing I learned from this movie was that you need to be cool-headed and shar...( read more)p, in life, and not stomp around carelessly as if you can take on the world (as much as I adore action heroes and happy endings).
  • berigan
    March 7, 2009
    berigan
    That which modern film making strives toward, at least in the mystery - drama department. On My 45 Perfect Movies list.

Summary

Chinatown Summary