Chinatown

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Chinatown

R

1974

2h 11m

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

144 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

Jul 12, 2024

5/5

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.

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Charles Champlin

Los Angeles Times

Mar 8, 2024

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.

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Penelope Gilliatt

The New Yorker

Mar 8, 2024

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

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Jul 12, 2026

4/4

...a progressively enthralling piece of work that admittedly takes its time in wholeheartedly grabbing the viewer’s attention...

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Nov 2, 2025

4/4

An enduring masterpiece.

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Morgan Shaunette

Willamette Week

Aug 12, 2025

Feelings of pessimism, powerlessness and futility in the face of overwhelming odds lie at the film noir genre’s core. Chinatown boasts these in spades.

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Jack

Sep 30, 2025

Greatest noir ever filmed

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Michael

Sep 30, 2025

51 years on still one of the most arresting American films ever made. Its a masterpiece.

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Will L

@Will05 Jul 16, 2026

Although I love noir and Chinatown is supposed to be the crown jewel of film noir, this wasn't my favorite. It's still an incredible movie and I'm sure there's something deep I'm missing.

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Michael R

@Michael2003 Jun 28, 2026

A beautiful film with a heartbreaking ending. The acting, direction, story, and mystery are all outstanding. The twist completely caught me off guard, and the ending is devastating. It's rare to see a film where the villain truly wins. Brilliant.

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Ed S

@jamesonbueno May 2, 2026

From beginning to end, a breathtakingly beautiful film.

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Ronnie M

@spuncake Mar 28, 2026

I can't say enough about Chinatown...Powerful cast and great script. Roman Polanski hit a homerun with this one.

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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

Chinatown: Official Clip - It's Chinatown

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Chinatown: Official Clip - My Sister, My Daughter

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Chinatown: Official Clip - Jake Likes His Nose

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Chinatown: Official Clip - Nosy Fella

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Chinatown: Official Clip - Evelyn's Last Stand

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Chinatown: Official Clip - Find the Girl

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Chinatown: Official Clip - Screwing Like a Chinaman

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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
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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