Changeling
Universal Pictures | Release Date: October 24, 2008
7.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 233 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
191
Mixed:
29
Negative:
13
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
MaggieL.Oct 24, 2008
Excellent and very well made. Angelina Jolie definitely deserves and Oscar nomination, and the screenplay and set design are very authentic. There are several excellent acting performances.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
TommyBoyNov 2, 2008
Finally, a movie worth seeing. Jolie should be a contender for best actress for her performance in this excellent Clint Eastwood directed thriller. Also John Malkovich would be my choice, hands down, for best supporting actor. He is so great Finally, a movie worth seeing. Jolie should be a contender for best actress for her performance in this excellent Clint Eastwood directed thriller. Also John Malkovich would be my choice, hands down, for best supporting actor. He is so great in every movie he has been in. The movie runs 2 hours 20 minutes and holds your interest from beginning to end. A thriller/drama based on a true story from a happening in L.A. California in 1929-30. (Where do they find so many of the automobiles from that period). The directing, the flash backs, the dialog...the story holds your total interest for the entire length of this movie. Time and money well worth spent.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
BlakeR.Nov 9, 2008
Ignore the bad reviews by critics just pulling at the strings to try and critique Eastwood's masterful direction. I'd like any one of them to get behind the camera and direct this film as well as he did. Angelina's performance Ignore the bad reviews by critics just pulling at the strings to try and critique Eastwood's masterful direction. I'd like any one of them to get behind the camera and direct this film as well as he did. Angelina's performance is unforgettable, and the film itself is as well. You will be drawn in, you will walk away astonished that anything like what you've just witnessed could possibly even happen... And you will think about the film, and talk about the film days after you see it.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
JessD.Nov 10, 2008
A Marvelous engrossing film with exceptional performances and a beautiful quiet soundtrack composed by Clint Eastwood. Some second grade critics have given this film mixed reviews but it is a solid film that will have you from the first to A Marvelous engrossing film with exceptional performances and a beautiful quiet soundtrack composed by Clint Eastwood. Some second grade critics have given this film mixed reviews but it is a solid film that will have you from the first to the last scene. Highly recommend it for adult viewing. A don't miss.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
6
rotkuApr 28, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. Well directed, as you would expect from Eastwood, but I was mostly endeared by Jolies performance. Not quite Oscar standard but impressive none the less. The rest of the cast are adequate but, JohnI was pleasantly surprised by this movie. Well directed, as you would expect from Eastwood, but I was mostly endeared by Jolies performance. Not quite Oscar standard but impressive none the less. The rest of the cast are adequate but, John Malkovich aside, there are no strong characters.

Overall, weak in parts but well worth a watch.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
spadenxJan 16, 2012
Solid performances by the cast but the thing about the movie is that it never really gets interesting. It doesnt capture you the way it should have and that is disapointing.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
Night_Hawk_2012May 18, 2012
A heart wrenching movie based off a true story. Angelina Jolie was excellent in her role as Christine Collins a distraught mother who's son is missing. Changeling is truly a heartbreaking film.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
9
maaden_sweApr 13, 2020
Kind of hilarious to read the 0 point reviews. One complain about the dialogue, which mostly was taken 100 % from reality. Others complain about the name, without looking up what it actually mean. Just wow, the last retard is yet to be born.Kind of hilarious to read the 0 point reviews. One complain about the dialogue, which mostly was taken 100 % from reality. Others complain about the name, without looking up what it actually mean. Just wow, the last retard is yet to be born. Of course this movie dont work for everyone, some people cant watch a movie without someone being shot every 3 minute. Its a slow movie and I love every second of it. Its so hard to watch because the story is heartbreaking.

Clint directed this to perfection, Ron Howard suggested a perfect cast and the cast were amazing.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
MovieGoer14Jul 16, 2013
Changeling is directed by Clint Eastwood (Great Director) and Angelina Jolie (Great Actress) which follows the story of Christine Collins (Great Story) whose son went missing on March 10th 1928, she reported her missing son to the policeChangeling is directed by Clint Eastwood (Great Director) and Angelina Jolie (Great Actress) which follows the story of Christine Collins (Great Story) whose son went missing on March 10th 1928, she reported her missing son to the police department (Great Department that is corrupt and would do whatever to keep their heads up, even by being corrupt) and the went searching for him. Three months later, they thought that they "found him" but as it turns out it is not her son, so the police department won't handle the truth (will give them great shame) so they decide to send to a The movie is actually very realistic and moving in a riveting way, with the first rate art direction (Great Direction) and great performances but heartbreaking story. When you watch Changeling, it sends you to the 1928, as if you feel that you are really someone in the movie, you get involved in everything Christine is involved in, it is truly amazing who you feel in the movie, you get disturbed and sad, but you would never want it to end, you still wanna live in the town to see what will happen next, it is really amusing and spectacular with photography and soundtrack that you will never ever forget. Everything above is greatness, which shows that Changeling is a true masterpiece and one of the best movies of all time.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
6
TFMar 10, 2009
Not as good as I thought it would be. The story is very compelling, but there is no way Jolie's performance should have been nominated for an Oscar.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
9
MetalMan95Sep 23, 2010
A very strong drama with little to complain about. It combines two of my favorite genres of film: Drama and Thriller. I adore it to every minute. Never a boring part. Yes, some useless parts, but people with a heart will enjoy it.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
0
PaulCMar 14, 2009
I feel compelled to cast my first ever viewer vote here at metacritic.com because this is absolutely one of the worst movies I've seen in my entire life. Interestingly, I knew little about the film and did not know who had directed it I feel compelled to cast my first ever viewer vote here at metacritic.com because this is absolutely one of the worst movies I've seen in my entire life. Interestingly, I knew little about the film and did not know who had directed it while watching, and was mildly shocked at the end to see Clint Eastwood's name roll through the credit as director. As much as I loved "Unforgiven", you, Clint, are unforgiven for this horrible mess of a film. Grossly overwritten, every line tries it's damnedest to impart extreme gravitas or pith. And every one of these horribly cheesy lines is delivered by a walking piece of cardboard character. Jolie, cue the tears, nominated for best actress? Please, maybe a nomination for best weight-loss not required by a role. The only engaging character of the movie was the killer himself, who imbued his part with the appropriate creepiness that this movie fully deserved. I honestly, honestly have never seen a movie with this level of budget, actors and director be so miserably overwritten, consequently overacted, with an enraging attempt at sentimentality as it desperately tries to salvage itself through emotional manipulation strangely in bed with pure shock value.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful
3
FranceL.Dec 2, 2008
This is a movie that cannot make up its mind. One minute it focuses on the distraught mother of a missing child, the next it turns its befuddled eye onto a corrupt police system and a crusading priest, then shifts to the horrors of a mental This is a movie that cannot make up its mind. One minute it focuses on the distraught mother of a missing child, the next it turns its befuddled eye onto a corrupt police system and a crusading priest, then shifts to the horrors of a mental institution where the main character is hailed a conquering hero for her stand against the injustices imposed on its patients, and finally the movie becomes a courtroom drama. The story is adapted from a true story, but the film awkwardly changes the chronology so that civil and criminal case are tried simultaneously. Obviously this was done for dramatic emphasis but it just doesn't work. In fact, very little in this movie does, which may be a good thing because I left feeling totally detached from the horrors of the narrative. Save your money. This is not one of Clint Eastwood's better movies.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful
1
DirtyCashJan 28, 2011
Where to start? Jolie was miscast, but maybe they wanted to make an action flick when the project started, had her sign up, and by mistake started working of a script for a totally different movie. It might explain the title. Or what aboutWhere to start? Jolie was miscast, but maybe they wanted to make an action flick when the project started, had her sign up, and by mistake started working of a script for a totally different movie. It might explain the title. Or what about the irritating self awareness of John Malkovich who'd you, at any point in the movie, expect to break the rule of the 'fourth wall', look smugly into a camera and tell the audience that he's really pleased with his performance so far. Story wise: horrible, unbelievable plot turns, starting right of the bat when a seemingly intelligent woman is given the wrong boy back, her supposed son, who disappeared a few months earlier. The boy is not her son, she takes him home anyway...
¤¤ Really? ¤¤ The story continuous with Jolie trying to explain to the world that the boy is an impostor who doesn't even match her son's height to which a dentist and a school teacher are willing to testify. Why family members, neighbors, school chums, the family physician, the baby sitter and E.T. the Extraterrestrial weren't asked to help resolve the obvious misconception on the part of the police, was conveniently left out of the tale completely. No, in stead of taking the boy into custody and resuming the search for the real son, the police keep pushing her into believing it actually is her son after which the woman finds herself in a poorly copied tale by Kafka. From this point on the movie reveals itself for what it was intended to be. An endless string of manipulative scenes drenched in an Oscar vinaigrette in both the melodramatic writing and the obnoxiously polished cinematography with a fetish-like attention to props. Some movies get Oscar nods, but this one actually nods back.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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0
CritiqueGirlMar 1, 2011
I'm talking bad. If Angelina Jolie is in a movie I would think people expect her to be naked. She was nominated, thrown a bone if you ask me, for her breathy method acting. Jeffrey Donovan is unable to do a Southern accent, among others. HisI'm talking bad. If Angelina Jolie is in a movie I would think people expect her to be naked. She was nominated, thrown a bone if you ask me, for her breathy method acting. Jeffrey Donovan is unable to do a Southern accent, among others. His acting is sub-par. Although I knew prior to seeing the movie what it was about the title "Changeling" led me to believe it was about aliens. The economy had tanked or was tanking and the real estate plunged so no one wanted to see a depressing movie. If it were not for all the aforementioned...it still would have bombed.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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4
SkipY.Feb 18, 2009
Eastwood doesn't know the meaning of the word "subtle". He always makes sure the dimmest person in the audience is never in doubt of which characters are 100% good and which ones are 100% evil. Every single employee at the psych Eastwood doesn't know the meaning of the word "subtle". He always makes sure the dimmest person in the audience is never in doubt of which characters are 100% good and which ones are 100% evil. Every single employee at the psych hospital acts like they're villians in a Superman comic book. With the exception of Jolie, the film was filled with MOVIE characters, not real people. The irony is that this is a true story, yet I never believed a minute of Eastwood's film. He had a fascinating story to work with, and I'm glad to know the story, but as a film it was little better than a made-for-TV movie. He seems to be afraid of challenging his audience, so he ends up insulting our intelligence. At the end he spoon-feeds us even our emotional response, making it clear that we're supposed to feel good about the outcome, even though, when you think about it, it's really not a happy ending.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
[Anonymous]Nov 7, 2008
Clint Eastwood could crap on something and it would get rave reviews so it should come as no surprise that a lot of critics eat this up. Its not as big a disaster as 1 Dollar Baby which dragged and dragged, but then again this hasn't Clint Eastwood could crap on something and it would get rave reviews so it should come as no surprise that a lot of critics eat this up. Its not as big a disaster as 1 Dollar Baby which dragged and dragged, but then again this hasn't received as good of reviews. Well I give credit to Jolie its a different role so thats a positive.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
OscarM.Oct 24, 2008
Awful and boring.
0 of 2 users found this helpful
10
tutankhamun22Mar 27, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the story was more emotional....the are movies what you don't sleep ... because you wait an answer... the best of best..............................................................… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
LeonardoTelesJul 4, 2012
The movie start great very great , and after the middle the things just get more and more worst , to a disappointing final , but even when its not so great there is one women that handle us Angelina Jolie with his almost perfect actuation andThe movie start great very great , and after the middle the things just get more and more worst , to a disappointing final , but even when its not so great there is one women that handle us Angelina Jolie with his almost perfect actuation and his beaut… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
Hollyp.Nov 7, 2008
I felt like Eastwood missed an opportunity to emotionally include viewers. Albeit an unbelievable story, I never felt convinced that Jolie's character was distraught over losing her son, beyond the occasional outburst, "I WANT MY SON I felt like Eastwood missed an opportunity to emotionally include viewers. Albeit an unbelievable story, I never felt convinced that Jolie's character was distraught over losing her son, beyond the occasional outburst, "I WANT MY SON BACK!" I never felt like I understood what it must have felt like to lose a child. The film spent too much time on the details of mother vs LAPD and lacked development of the emotionality of the situation. For example, in Million Dollar Baby, when Hilary Swank's character gets sucker-punched, we all felt sucker-punched.I felt like I was watching this story take place from the bleachers, which was unexpected coming from Eastwood. And BTW John Malcovich gave the only award-deserving performance.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DanFFeb 23, 2009
A very good movie. Jolie and Jason Butler Harner knock it out of the park. The plot that starts simple, and then branches out in numerous directions - because the true story that it is based on did the same. Although a long movie, I was A very good movie. Jolie and Jason Butler Harner knock it out of the park. The plot that starts simple, and then branches out in numerous directions - because the true story that it is based on did the same. Although a long movie, I was intrigued throughout it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
ScottQJul 10, 2009
So when I sat down to this movie, I was expecting something great since it was directed by Clint Eastwood, even though I really wasn't that impressed by Gran Torino(aside from Clint, bad acting surrounded him). So as I start Changeling, So when I sat down to this movie, I was expecting something great since it was directed by Clint Eastwood, even though I really wasn't that impressed by Gran Torino(aside from Clint, bad acting surrounded him). So as I start Changeling, I found myseld getting frustrated and very annoyed by the movie. I was just waiting for Angelina to start yelling at the police, but she talks so softly, I couldn't relate to how she was acting, so passive and non insistent, OH that annoyed me. Her performance is so overrated in this film. Interesting story, but I was frustrated throughout the film so I have to give it a 6, I would give Gran Torino a 5.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
BillyS.Nov 1, 2008
Changeling is everything you'd expect from a director as meticulous as Clint Eastwood. His eye has captured the look and feel of Los Angeles circa 1930 perfectly and his score sets the mood beautifully. Angelina Jolie proves that she Changeling is everything you'd expect from a director as meticulous as Clint Eastwood. His eye has captured the look and feel of Los Angeles circa 1930 perfectly and his score sets the mood beautifully. Angelina Jolie proves that she was indeed robbed of an Oscar nomination last year for her performance in A Mighty Heart, because here, while she is again very good, she really just has to deliver about 12 versions of a line with "My Son" in it, but because of the prestige of Mr. Eastwood, she's more likely to get her nod this year for Changeling as a pay back for last year. The rest of the cast are all good but the story turns it focus a few times too many to make this the next Eastwood Oscar juggernaut, but what do I know, I still believe A Perfect World was Clint's Best!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
GaryNov 10, 2008
Clint Eastwood has become one of Hollywood's best directors. He takes a subject matter that he could have knocked out of the park and somehow manages to bog it down with sterotyping. 30 minutes into the film we know where this movie is Clint Eastwood has become one of Hollywood's best directors. He takes a subject matter that he could have knocked out of the park and somehow manages to bog it down with sterotyping. 30 minutes into the film we know where this movie is going. He captures the late 1920's on camera perfectly but yet does not take us into the character's development for doing what they did. It is almost surreal as the audience craves more depth but yet it is sorely lacking. AJ meanders along searching for her lost son but yet we know nothing about the woman. The LA Police are corrupt but we don't understand why they take the stance they did in the Court of Public Opinion. At the very end of the move (spoilers omitted) the one eyewitness who could place closure on the matter by simply asking was anyone recaptured is never asked. You leave the theater wanting more.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
NanciS.Nov 3, 2008
Angelina being sooooooooo skinny, took away from the film for me. Her boney legs, arms and hands. God, and the makeup. None of the other women characters looked like vampires. Even after a week in a psych ward, she had vampire eyes. Not one Angelina being sooooooooo skinny, took away from the film for me. Her boney legs, arms and hands. God, and the makeup. None of the other women characters looked like vampires. Even after a week in a psych ward, she had vampire eyes. Not one of his best movies. John M was amazing in his small roll. The kids were truly great to watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
CarolSDec 28, 2008
I think Eastwood's direction and pace was marvelous. Spot on details about early 20th century life. I simply cannot get excited about Jolie's performance. I was not moved. Malcovich was tremendous, and the villain was oh so eerie. I think Eastwood's direction and pace was marvelous. Spot on details about early 20th century life. I simply cannot get excited about Jolie's performance. I was not moved. Malcovich was tremendous, and the villain was oh so eerie. Ending didn't wrap up for me - and the story was not true...based on truth. Lastly, Clint - all of your music sounds the same...and it's old.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LuisOct 25, 2008
Changeling is the best film of the year and one of the best films of all times.Changeling is a piece of arte and a truly masterpiece.Angelina Jolie is suberb and in my opinion Changeling must win the best film, best director and best actress Changeling is the best film of the year and one of the best films of all times.Changeling is a piece of arte and a truly masterpiece.Angelina Jolie is suberb and in my opinion Changeling must win the best film, best director and best actress academy awards.Clint Eastwood Is the best director and Changeling one of his best films.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RichardP.Oct 25, 2008
Excellent movie,best picture, director,actors Angelina jolie,John Malkovich,jeffrey donovan and other actors.All drama movie is boring, but are good.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JamesS.Oct 26, 2008
Brilliant. It was great seeing AJ acting instead of shooting weapons while she's wearing a bikini. She really can act.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
RobertI.Mar 1, 2009
Real life trumps fiction, and Eastwood's film serves us a cautionary tale drawn from actual events. When, it asks, can we ever be safe, when human malice (or evil) lurks around us? Surprisingly good.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
RandyAMay 15, 2009
A rating of 0 belongs to movies like Cabin Boy, Meet the Spartans and Battlefield Earth. But I am quite comfortable giving this agonizing film a 1. God forbid that Clint could be blamed for poor directing (and I love that guy!) but this film A rating of 0 belongs to movies like Cabin Boy, Meet the Spartans and Battlefield Earth. But I am quite comfortable giving this agonizing film a 1. God forbid that Clint could be blamed for poor directing (and I love that guy!) but this film just seems to struggle and make the viewer inject fluidity by proxy (for those willing to do so). Changeling seems to not so much drown in sorrow but feel dazed and confused in its storytelling. What a sad, sorrowful and agonizing bit of filmmaking.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DanaM.Nov 10, 2008
Well worth seeing on the big screen. Remarkable how Clint was able to recreate 1920's Los Angeles. Superb acting by all ( well maybe average acting by the LA Police Captain with the forced Irish brogue). Angelina was excellent although Well worth seeing on the big screen. Remarkable how Clint was able to recreate 1920's Los Angeles. Superb acting by all ( well maybe average acting by the LA Police Captain with the forced Irish brogue). Angelina was excellent although the red lipstick on her oversized lips was a little much. Go see it... the story is worth experiencing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BobK.Nov 15, 2008
I can overlook the few minor flaws in this. It is a good example of bureaucracy run amok.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
FantasyNov 5, 2008
One of the best movies of the year. It will have you sitting on the edge of your seat right until the very end. Based on a true story. Excellent acting, writing and directing by the master Mr. Clint Eastwood. Worthy of an Oscar.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ChadSNov 6, 2008
This is a movie about perseverance, and it nails the concept on the head. [***SPOILER WARNING***] In the end, Jolie gains hope, and so did I. I stayed until the last credit rolled hoping to see in subtitles that the boy was found. However, This is a movie about perseverance, and it nails the concept on the head. [***SPOILER WARNING***] In the end, Jolie gains hope, and so did I. I stayed until the last credit rolled hoping to see in subtitles that the boy was found. However, there was none. [***END OF SPOILERS***] I haven't been that connected to a movie since Schindler's List. Truthfully, i would put this movie second to only Schindler's List. Changelings should be seen by everyone regardless.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
KeithJNov 9, 2008
Excellent movie that works as a drama and also as a period piece. As The New Yorker says, it "congratulates you for feeling what you already felt." But that's not a bad thing. This movie will not change your life, but it will leave you Excellent movie that works as a drama and also as a period piece. As The New Yorker says, it "congratulates you for feeling what you already felt." But that's not a bad thing. This movie will not change your life, but it will leave you impressed in every way. Jolie was perfectly cast and played the role ideally. The only real flaw, in my opinion, is that one of the child actors was allowed/asked to grossly overact.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MMCCOct 21, 2008
Good drama movie ! Oscar for Jolie !
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
DeanA.Dec 14, 2008
I enjoyed the film, but it really could stand to be 15 minutes shorter. The look of the film was great, as was the overall sense of the period. However, I didn't need to see another shot of Jolie crying, and Jeffrey Donovan played his I enjoyed the film, but it really could stand to be 15 minutes shorter. The look of the film was great, as was the overall sense of the period. However, I didn't need to see another shot of Jolie crying, and Jeffrey Donovan played his character with no humor & no redeeming qualities. As Eastwood is a better director than that, I have to put that fault directly on the actor.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ElisabethR.Dec 23, 2008
An amazing movie with a lot of spirit and amazing acting from Angelina Jolie
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MartinP.Oct 24, 2008
Excelent! This real life drama is stranger than fiction and shakes you from the beginning to the end.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PeterK.Dec 7, 2008
Jolie is stunning as a distraught mother, and Eastwood has given an authenticity to the story by meticulous costuming and sets that bring the viewers back to 1928/1935. The story may be difficult for some viewers.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JudyTOct 31, 2008
Better than the critics say though it did feel long. In the end you understand why Eastwood wanted to finish the story.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
TonyB.Oct 31, 2008
Easily the best film I've seen this year, Changeling is Eastwood at the top of his game.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JayH.Feb 15, 2009
Beautifully made, a real effort was made towards the period detail. Angelina Jolie is indeed great. It's biggest flaw was it being too long, there were a few stretches that dragged a bit that should have been edited out. Fine costumes Beautifully made, a real effort was made towards the period detail. Angelina Jolie is indeed great. It's biggest flaw was it being too long, there were a few stretches that dragged a bit that should have been edited out. Fine costumes and art direction.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
stevenrMar 15, 2009
Call me naive, but If it wasn't true, I would not have believed that people could be so inconsiderate, so uncaring, so ruthless, and that LA could have been that corrupt. This film belongs to Ms. Jolie who was magnificent, Mr. Eastwood, Call me naive, but If it wasn't true, I would not have believed that people could be so inconsiderate, so uncaring, so ruthless, and that LA could have been that corrupt. This film belongs to Ms. Jolie who was magnificent, Mr. Eastwood, I was engrossed from the beginning, and all those behind the scenes who made me feel like I was in the 20's and 30's. It is important for all to see: men to realize how their forefathers treated women and for women to know how brave those who paved the way were. I reserve a 10 for the greatest of all time, this is a 9.9!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
JoeB.Nov 16, 2008
Well its a sad story, but I was subjective to the length of it. 2 and a half hours is a little unreasonable. One of the child actors grossly overacted one of the roles. The real crime of this movie though is that it was allowed to slip Well its a sad story, but I was subjective to the length of it. 2 and a half hours is a little unreasonable. One of the child actors grossly overacted one of the roles. The real crime of this movie though is that it was allowed to slip through the cracks and into a theatre instead of remaining in an afternoon spot on the lifetime channel. I am not sure who labeled this movie as a suspense/thriller, but maybe they should actually watch the movie instead of falling asleep within the first 20 minutes of the movie, and label it a drama. And where did the title "the changling" come into play? In short, I would wait till it comes out on bravo.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
TimmyHJun 23, 2021
The fact that most characters in this movie are purely and completely evil or good, without almost anyone being more complicated than that seems unrealistic. But Angelina Jolie's performance stands out so profoundly that she alone moreThe fact that most characters in this movie are purely and completely evil or good, without almost anyone being more complicated than that seems unrealistic. But Angelina Jolie's performance stands out so profoundly that she alone more suffices to carry the audience on an emotional roller coaster ride.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
perenoSep 19, 2010
Big budget predictable Hollywood seen it all before average distraction. Recommended for those who want obvious cinema that presses all the buttons for you. Good old fashioned over the top professional pizza and a movie on a Sunday nightBig budget predictable Hollywood seen it all before average distraction. Recommended for those who want obvious cinema that presses all the buttons for you. Good old fashioned over the top professional pizza and a movie on a Sunday night entertainment. I give it a six out of ten cos I am a generous chap. The wife enjoyed it more than I did.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
iamtrent424Dec 6, 2010
Pretty good. A touching story. I like the the heart in this movie. I like movies with a nice story. They did a good job with the screen writing for this movie. This movie could have been a bad movie just as easy as it was a good one. JoliePretty good. A touching story. I like the the heart in this movie. I like movies with a nice story. They did a good job with the screen writing for this movie. This movie could have been a bad movie just as easy as it was a good one. Jolie did a fine job in this movie. One of her best performance ever. Jolie is an excellent actress.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
beingryanjudeSep 3, 2014
A curious subject as true then as it is today. Clint Eastwood creates another grim circumstance in which a Mother has lost a child. This time, the government has seemingly taken him away from her.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
gracjanskiApr 4, 2021
Hard for me not to give a 10, although there is one thing I didnt like: Sometimes the movie is a bit feminist, what I hate and even didnt fit to the movie. But... the story is incredible, it took me immediately. Also I liked how they createdHard for me not to give a 10, although there is one thing I didnt like: Sometimes the movie is a bit feminist, what I hate and even didnt fit to the movie. But... the story is incredible, it took me immediately. Also I liked how they created the 20s . Great acting also, especially Angelina Jolie was a surprise for me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
lukechristianscAug 30, 2014
when you see the credit " Directed By Clint Eastwood". Your gonna know its powerful by the prediction and your right it is. Changeling is shocking an a film that we never saw from director , producer Eastwood and a performance that Jolie haswhen you see the credit " Directed By Clint Eastwood". Your gonna know its powerful by the prediction and your right it is. Changeling is shocking an a film that we never saw from director , producer Eastwood and a performance that Jolie has never done before. The Fact is this movie is about a mother ( Angelina Jolie) an her son is missing. but then the police find the assumed boy Walter Collins then is not him. Mr. Eastwood tells stories that are sort over ratted like (Million Dollar Baby) also Eastwood knows the exactly how to create amazing movie he may not know if people or critics may like it or not but he does have an earn a film makers eye thats something that talent director earns. Grade A+. MY ADVISE TO MR. EAST WOOD IS KEEP DIRECTING MORE EXCITING MOVIES DO NOT LET ME DOWN !… Expand
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7
diogomendesMar 1, 2015
An extraordinarily acted, well-written and breathtakingly filmed piece of cinema that is partly underrated. This movie kept my attention from start to finish, and I think you will feel the same.
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8
RalfbergsFeb 27, 2021
Great movie, interesting plot, great acting, I thoroughly enjoyed it and considered to put 9 but I guess since not my style of movie 8 more appropriate but I still highly recommend it, it is a very interesting movie and much more interestingGreat movie, interesting plot, great acting, I thoroughly enjoyed it and considered to put 9 but I guess since not my style of movie 8 more appropriate but I still highly recommend it, it is a very interesting movie and much more interesting than I expected.… Expand
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8
jelenabiebs31Jan 13, 2016
This is one of my favorite films. It's very sad but tells a great story about just how corrupt this world really is.

Watch it online for free: https://www.primewire.ag/watch-162-Changeling-online-free
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5
eva3si0nJun 25, 2019
Changeling - average quality the movie. The plot is very simple and is very tightened. If not well recreated era, would even not begin to look. Once it is possible to look, no more.
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0
BroyaxApr 5, 2021
Soit-disant inspiré d’une histoire vraie, ce film est aussi abracadabrant qu’il est chiant et poussif, à l’image d’ailleurs d’une certaine Angelina toujours aussi jolie mais toujours aussi… peu convaincante ! on n’y croit donc pas une seuleSoit-disant inspiré d’une histoire vraie, ce film est aussi abracadabrant qu’il est chiant et poussif, à l’image d’ailleurs d’une certaine Angelina toujours aussi jolie mais toujours aussi… peu convaincante ! on n’y croit donc pas une seule seconde à cet « échange » alors que les minutes comptent triple et que le marasme des deux heures vingt s’installe !

Les tentatives successives de guimauve échouent lamentablement, l’ambiance est assommante tandis qu’à mi-parcours, le film prend un tournant procédurier encore plus barbant que d’habitude, puis quelques rebondissements improbables et aberrants achèvent de précipiter ce gros film de merde lancinant tout au fond de la poubelle : c’est là sa place à dire vrai, là où il a toujours voulu être.

Papy Clint nous les casse ainsi très sévèrement avec ses conneries pseudo-dramatiques, sa prétention démonstrative, ses effets de manches surannés et sa mise en scène qui ne dépasse pas ici les deux de tension.… Expand
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9
bdjudeDec 30, 2018
Unthinkable how corruption was up to the hilt of LAPD and Eastwood ' made no nonsense with elaborating that. Pity as usual Oscars evaded this movie with mare nominations.
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9
FilipeNetoJun 24, 2021
I confess that I was not expecting this film to be so interesting. It's truly awesome. Partly based on a true case that took place about a hundred years ago, the film is loaded with feelings that are difficult to digest and absorb. SkillfullyI confess that I was not expecting this film to be so interesting. It's truly awesome. Partly based on a true case that took place about a hundred years ago, the film is loaded with feelings that are difficult to digest and absorb. Skillfully directed by Clint Eastwood, who once again presents us with a piece of great technical quality and good dramatic sense, the film is absolutely memorable.

The script is the main strength of the film, and it's really worth highlighting. I think it is really difficult to remain indifferent to a story so fraught with suffering and where the police are so deserving of censorship. The whole story revolves around the disappearance of a child and the incessant search for its mother, against all expectations and against the will of the authorities themselves, who presented a child to her as their child and never took it seriously when the mother said not to be the right child. It is a well-written and skillfully developed script.

Another aspect that deserves positive mention is the colossal and talented work of Angelina Jolie in the main role. She has, on several occasions, already shown us her talent, this is nothing new, but it is always pleasant to see a great actress giving us another excellent performance. Here, the actress was perfectly able to clearly express that mother's mental anguish and psychological torture. In addition, the film also has an excellent contribution from John Malkovich, in the role of a religious pastor who is determined to help that mother by seeing her as a victim of arrogant and cruel police, and Colm Feore, in the role of the Police commander, ultimately responsible for their mistakes and negligence.

Technically, it's a film that has excellent production values. The film is not long and the pace is excellent, allowing each point of the plot to get its best development. Being a period film, the sets and costumes take on greater relevance, and were excellent in the task of contextualizing the audience and the story in time and space. Finally, a word of appreciation for the great soundtrack.… Expand
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 21, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Angelina Jolie gives a good performance in this movie as the rightfully upset and very frustrated Christine Collins, who is determined to find her son and highlight how crooked the LAPD is/was. This movie is apparently based on a true story set in the late 1920s and it certainly puts a chill down your spine to see the sorts of things that went on, with the LAPDs treatment of women. Its a reflection of the times in terms of sexism in a more general way as well, I feel, not just in relation to the LAPD specifically but obviously back then women had less rights and men would probably think less of them than now, things weren't as equal for the sexes as they are now. Its quite disturbing to see the scenes set in the psych ward and to learn what we learn - certainly the term abuse of power is valid and indeed its the main theme present in this movie. I think Christine is, in a way, a hero figure, certainly to other women, who will likely be able to identify with her, especially mothers and single mothers - to go through the trauma of losing your only child is clearly a very upsetting and worrying ordeal but to be presented, months after the disappearance, with a child who your sure isn't your own flesh and blood, although the authorities won't take this and do everything in their power to persuade you otherwise - well, you can only imagine what that must be like - very troubling and frustrating. I found myself quite engrossed in this movie, sharing many of Christine's emotions, willing her to get to the bottom of what happened to her beloved son Walter while also learning with her about whats going on behind the scenes, so to speak and it was quite satisfying to see how some members of the community reacted to her plight, agreeing to help her on her mission to prove the child she'd been assured is hers, is in no way related to her. This is no mean feat and as the plot unravels, is quite shocking, disturbing even to see how far those in authority go to prove to Christine that she's wrong and given the fact that this movie claims to be based on a true story, its sad to think that such things may have happened. This is, of course, quite a dark movie and there are some scenes which make for uncomfortable viewing, including one of a person being hanged which was quite disturbing (I always thought that death was immediate from hanging but apparently not - yes, its not nice to watch) and one or two sudden flashback scenes as well. To be honest, the themes present are probably more disturbing than said scenes but I thought its worth mentioning all the same.

The movie is quite long, at around about 2 hours and 20 minutes and I think it was perhaps a bit long drawn out, although on the other hand if it were cut back more than by perhaps 15 minutes or so, it may seem a bit convenient and rushed - still the story moves fairly slowly and if you rely on action and visual effects to keep you from being distracted then this might be an issue for you, not that you should expect such things from a movie like this but again, its perhaps worth mentioning. I also felt that the story was a bit unclear in one or two parts, though things became clearer later on, however I should probably admit that I had an issue with the DVD being scratched and a few times it would refuse to play and I'd have to skip the affected part on the disk so that was probably part to blame, I missed probably 10 mins max. of the movie but then in a way it was good for me as the movie ended a bit earlier than I expected overall - I still saw the majority of it and I feel I can still review it well enough. I haven't mentioned the ending yet, so I'll mention it now. I imagine that the ending divided opinon - I suppose its not dreadfully bleak yet its not fully a Hollywood ending either, in that the viewer is left with unanswered questions - even though there's an update of sorts written across the scene just before the credits roll. Ultimately, its up to you as the viewer to come to your own conclusions about certain aspects but I thought it was nice that the ending mentions what became of some characters (I suppose thats the more 'Hollywood' aspect of it).

I'd recommend this movie, as I found myself quite engrossed in the story and I thought that the main character, Christine, was well portrayed and the fact that it is, apparently, based on a true story, in a way the themes present are really quite important, the messages at play are ones that people should be aware of even in the present day and for other women, it definitely makes you think about how women were perhaps perceived in the past, almost 100 years ago and the progress thats been made - although Christine was perhaps doing well as a successful businesswomen in the late 1920s which was quite possibly not often the case for women back then, the way that her actions were downplayed and perceived, it is disturbing.… Expand
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8
r96skFeb 10, 2022
Dark!

'Changeling' is a cracking release from 2008. Angelina Jolie gives a superb performance in the lead role, in a plot that is rather harrowing whilst also being actually incredibly infuriating - as in, the film does a great job at makingDark!

'Changeling' is a cracking release from 2008. Angelina Jolie gives a superb performance in the lead role, in a plot that is rather harrowing whilst also being actually incredibly infuriating - as in, the film does a great job at making the antagonists the antagonists.

The cast, spearheaded by Jolie, are excellent. No-one is on her level per se, but there are very good performances from the likes of John Malkovich, Michael Kelly, Jeffrey Donovan and Geoff Pierson; kid actor Eddie Alderson also impresses.

I will say that the story wraps up in a quicker manner than I thought it would, though the pacing of the 142 minute run time is in fact one of its positives - even at that length, I feel it could've drawn out the court trial stuff longer; though that may have hindered the pacing, so it's not really a noteworthy criticism of mine at all.

One worth recommending, no doubt!… Expand
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7
RekiazJan 3, 2023
Me gustó salvo que hay muchas dudas sobre el cómo desapareció el niño, como llegó y que alargaron 3 veces más la trama del niño. Además de los motivos del niño sustituto.
Sin embargo, la actuación de Angelina y el asesino en serie, sumado alMe gustó salvo que hay muchas dudas sobre el cómo desapareció el niño, como llegó y que alargaron 3 veces más la trama del niño. Además de los motivos del niño sustituto.
Sin embargo, la actuación de Angelina y el asesino en serie, sumado al entorno, es un gran acierto de Clint Eastwood. 0
Además hay personas sin desarrollo.… Expand
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