Chinatown

Watch Chinatown

"You get tough. You get tender. You get close to each other. Maybe you even get close to the truth."
  • R
  • 1974
  • 2 hr 11 min
  • 8.2  (343,132)
  • 92

Chinatown is a movie released in 1974, directed by Roman Polanski and starred by Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston. The film, set in 1930s Los Angeles, tells the story of a private detective named J.J. Gittes (Nicholson) who gets involved in a complicated case of family secrets, political corruption and murder. The movie opens with Gittes being hired by a wealthy businessman, Noah Cross (Huston), to investigate his wife's infidelity. Gittes takes some photographs that soon end up in the front page of the newspaper. However, it soon turns out that the whole affair was a set-up, and Gittes was used as a pawn in a much larger game.

As Gittes starts to dig deeper into the case, he discovers that the real reason behind Cross's interest in his wife's affair is that they are both hiding a dark secret from their past. Gittes learns that the couple had a daughter years ago, that was taken away from them and that they have been looking for her ever since. This leads him to investigate deeper into the powerful individuals behind the conspiracy, and the truth of the Chinatown area of Los Angeles.

As the mystery unfolds, Gittes becomes entangled in a web of corruption and deceit, with the constant feeling that he is getting closer to the truth. But every time he thinks he has found the answer, another layer of the mystery is revealed, leading him to confront some of the most powerful figures in the city, including a corrupt police force.

Throughout the movie, the audience is given a glimpse into the world of 1930s Los Angeles, and its underbelly of organized crime and political machinations. It also highlights the problem of corruption, not only in the political sphere but also in law enforcement, and the way that it can be used to manipulate and control those who are supposed to be working for the greater good.

Chinatown is a brilliantly crafted movie, with a complex plot that keeps the audience hooked until the very end. The performances of the three main actors are incredible, with Jack Nicholson being particularly noteworthy for his portrayal of a stubborn and determined detective. The film also features a great soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith, which emphasizes the mood of each scene and helps to create a sense of tension and suspense.

The movie's tone is moody and atmospheric, with a blend of film noir and melodrama. It offers a darkly compelling view of the underbelly of Los Angeles and the corrupt forces that run it, highlighting the conflict between greed and justice. Ultimately, Chinatown is a crime thriller that explores issues like power, corruption, and the morality of those who wield it.

In conclusion, Chinatown is a true masterpiece, a thrilling movie with outstanding performances, and an engaging plot that holds the audience's attention until the very end. It has solidified its place in cinematic history through its iconic characters, mesmerizing soundtrack, and gripping storyline. It is a must-see for any fan of the genre and an exceptional work that still holds up almost 50 years after its release.

Chinatown is a 1974 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2 and a MetaScore of 92.

Chinatown
Description
Where to Watch Chinatown
Chinatown is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Apple TV Channels, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Chinatown for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1974
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    2 hr 11 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.2  (343,132)
  • Metascore
    92