Changeling (2008)
Mature themes
| Director: | Clint Eastwood |
| Actors: | Angelina Jolie, Jeffrey Donovan, Michael Kelly, Amy Ryan, Denis O'hare, John Malkovich |
Los Angeles, 1928: On a Saturday morning in a working-class suburb, Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) said goodbye to her son, Walter (Gattlin Griffith), and left for work. When she came home, she discovered he had vanished. A fruitless search ensues, and months later, a boy claiming to be the 9-year-old is returned. Dazed by the swirl of cops, reporters and her conflicted emotions, Christine allows him to stay overnight. But in her heart, she knows he is not Walter.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 141mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (129)
129 Member
Reviews
Autumn Sadie
says
A somewhat creepy, but engaging film! Changeling was unexpected and very clever. I like the fact it was at true story (although that did make it sad too). Well acted, beautiful use of colour and costumes. 4 stars.
chfarm@netc.net.au
says
A long and disturbing movie since it is based on a true story. Well acted but Jolie is pobably not right for the main character, who is meant to be a normal compliant 'nice' woman of her time who rises against a powerful corrupt police force to find the truth about her missing son.
Angela
says
Really enjoyed this film - went beyond my expectations moreso given the fact it's based on a true story and portrayed by high calibre actors Jolie and Malkovich (who for a change is not a menacing character in this role) plus bonus is it's produced/directed by Eastwood.
says
Very good movie , very entertaining. Always good to see true stories dramatised well.
Guy
says
Changeling presents the story of a distraught mother who has lost her son, unthinking and uncaring local officials, a psychiatrist who equates normality with conformity, and a deranged paedophile.
It is more enlightening than entertaining and those who might be shocked by scenes of an axe murder, the use of the human head as a light bulb, and the hanging execution of a mindless fiend should perhaps not watch.
I found the film to be very realistic in all respects and it did provide an insight into the treatment given to people who threatened those in positions of authority in the twenties and beyond.
David Williams
says
Totally engrossing and even harder to take when you know the story is true.Heartbreaking.
DJason
says
brilliant!!!
Suzie
says
Angelina is not great as an actress - the film would have been better with another star. Nonetheless, the story is good.
ML
says
Heartbreaking story. Superb acting.
Jenny
says
Really heart renching movie at the fact is was a true story
Angelina played the role brialliantly and I am not really fussed on her at all
j.krol
says
very good suspenseful movie,angelina jolie great.clint eastwood has delivered another masterpiece as a director
Ben
says
Excellent movie. As parents of young children we found parts quite hard to watch.
Sam
says
Good movie about a boy who goes missing and when he supposedly comes homes his mother knows this is not her son, however the police do not want to look stupid and insist this has to be her boy. A mother knows and this is the story of how she prevailed over the police department and finally made them look stupid.
Pomvict
says
Excellent well acted. Kept captivated until the end
Catherine
says
A brilliant, thought provoking movie. The outrage is heightened because it is based on a true story. The courage and strength of the real Christine Collins is something to be admired. Highly recommend it.
Lyn
says
I enjoy True stories. Women were certainly treated as "dumb" in those days. The cops were crooked,but their word was supposed to be above question and
everyone else was telling the lies according to them.
Angela Joline I think it was played the lead role and she did an excellent job.
Must have been really hard to be told that you didn't know your own son. Recommend watching it.
Maz
says
If you are not moved by this story there is seriously something wrong with you. Great perfornance by Angelina Jolie.
Pauline
says
I thought this was a great film - even more so because it is based on facts, which means that there isn't always a happy ending!
Tanya
says
This was a true story so it made it seem more harrowing. The poor mother. Angelina Jolie did a good job I thought.
lyn
says
I normally dont like Angelina Jolie, however this movie is the best i have ever seen her act. Along with the story line and other actors. Great movie
Laura R
says
Great movie. Enthralled the whole way through. Clint Eastwood directing, Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich say no more!!!
Daza
says
Awesome, one of the best movies I have seen in the past 10 years. Angelena is spectacular. A moving and emotional true story, filmed beautifully
Alex H
says
Is the USA really the land of the free? This film shows the tribulation of a single mother's fight against the LA police for her abducted child. Great acting of this true story.
Fillskit
says
Yes another great film directed by the legend that is Clint Eastwood.
This film is utterly absorbing right from the start, taking you on a journey of corruption and manipulation that one would hope you would not see or hear of in today's police forces (?!) It's made all the more emotional to know that the film is based on fact and that the poor souls portrayed in this film actually had to endure that in their lives.
It's not often I give 5/5 but this film definately deserves it
Susan
says
not usually a fan of Angelina Jolly but she was very good in this movie. Great story, great movie. Found out afterwards that Clint Eastwood directed it so no wonder it was so good.
Kerry
says
Really enjoyed this movie. A true story - WOW. such strength for that woman - reminded me of the Morcombs! Never give up!
Gabrielle
says
A very sad, disturbing and powerful movie. I certainly wouldn't watch it again because it really upset me. But well worth watching if you haven't seen it before.
Lavinia
says
A good movie, I enjoyed this film, but found some issues / scenes including the mental health institution scenes a bit disturbing... is a powerful film.
Azzardleigh
says
Powerful and horrible film, with a sensitive performance from Jolie and Malkovich. The exploration of a number of issues were excellent, however I would not have expected anything less from an Eastwood film.
tlb
says
Brilliant and captivating from start to finish.. Absolutely loved it. Flawless acting and realistic .
Vinh Le
says
i am an action movie person but i love this movie in many ways.
Kath
says
Great movie, very sad
Terry
says
Surprisingly good true story. Womans individual battle against authoritarian cops who refuse to listen.
kerriebeck
says
really interesting show enjoyed it was a bit of a tear jerker
Sue Bury
says
Another beautifully ptoduced movie by Clint Eastwood. Well acted, believable and fabulously set in earlier times. A mother's nightmare based on a true story.
Heather
says
Loved this movie, being based on a true story to see how women where treated and how the authorities just did as they liked
trish
says
the ending was not what i expected ,its sad to think the police could have so much
power and do what they want to people and think they can get away with it.
sue
says
very good movie, enjoyed it!
Laudabubble
says
Tale of two movies one interesting and the other gross and unnecessary
tsarina
says
Good movie.
LaydeeJ
says
If I hear "He's not my son" anymore I think I will scream. The script writer obviously couldn't find more painful dialogue in which for Angelina Jolie could explain the loss of her son and so repeatedly wrote "He's not my son".
Behind all the sobbing, is interesting plot about the Los Angeles police departments corruption and cover-up to resolve cold cases, without investigating beyond what is obvious.
Anna
says
Powerfull movie. Exceptional performances especially by Angelina Jolie. Quite moving, made me sad and angry and horrified at her characters treatment. Another Clint Eastwood winner.
marytea13
says
excellent film good acting woth seeing
McLovin
says
An excellent story of determination and bravery against "the system", and a strong case for the passion of a mother for her son. Ange was great, but the treatment of her character left me angry for justice. Well done.
Simone O'M
says
A rather slow and slow paced movie, but well acted and with such integrity. Angalie Jolie shines in this as does the most of the actors including the annoying one who was in the Series Burn Notice.
Shady82
says
I don't like movies that don't end, and leave things open. I especially don't like movies that have unhappy surprises. Good acting and all, but I didn't feel good afterwards, so I didn't like it.
Clare
says
Interesting, especially as it was based on a real story. Some scenes I will never get out of my head!
Heath
says
Brilliant. Moving. Emotional. You will find yourself absorbed, angry and frustrated riding with Jolie and her struggle fighting 'The Machine'. A must see! Five Stars.
eashleighv9
says
Excellent. I love it. Too good.
Morgan
says
Wonderful, wonderful movie. I've never ben an Angelina fan, but I have to admit that her performance in this was absolutely amazing and actually had me looking to check out some of her other movies.
The premise is dark and overall it's moving and sad; not the kind to watch if you want to walk away feeling happy.
Bree
says
Am not an Angelina fan - but this movie was a brilliant effort by her.
Based on a true and very sad story, a great movie. Highly recommended viewing.
AMR
says
Fantastic movie. Very powerful (and harrowing so be ready for it) storyline with outstanding performances by Jolie and supporting cast. Having both Clint Eastwood and Ron Howard working on this as Director and Producer worked really well.
Yuki
says
Clint Eastwood can do no wrong!
Tracy scerri
says
Loved it powerful firm would recommend
jeanette
says
Chilling that it was based on a true story.
Enthralling but sad.
Ross
says
Amazing movie will touch your heart, great performances by all.
Rosie
says
Really good! Most impressed. I'm not a Jolie fan at all but admit she was very good in this. Great storyline, based on a true story. Definately recommend!
Keaton
says
Wow. This story is heart-wrenching. Seriously, make sure you're up for it. The content is somewhat different to actual historical events, but the crux of the story is there and it is just as bone chilling as the reality. Jolie was solid, but some outstanding child performances really stole the show. Not an easy one to watch, but definitely worthwhile.
Jim T
says
It was a good story,but the film went on for too long.It was dragged out and I was glad when it finished.
stafford
says
Angleina Jolie moved up a notch or two in my estimation. Sad story but very well told with excellent supporting cast. Another Malpaso winner! 4 stars
E
says
Good movie, story told thoroughly which is a nice change.
Ange
says
I REALLY enjoyed this movie. Very well pieced together police conspiracy. Easy to follow, simple but gripping storyline. Tear-jerker but not soppy. If you don't like Angelina like me it doesn't matter at all, you forget who she is and enjoy her character. Once again Clint Eastwood is a movie legend!
Quentin R
says
This movie was gripping from the beginning, and you felt yourself getting tense, anxious and angry at the Police commissioner for being a pompous, arrogant man who thought he knew better. Angelina was surprisingly great in this movie. Well worth watching!!
Jack
says
I knew the general plotline going into the movie, however once I started watching it, there were a few iffy moments, but overall a great movie. I was pleasanltly surprised with Angelina Jolie's performance. All the more surprising that this was a true story. Perhaps too long, but sitting there is endurable to see how the movie ends. 5 Stars
Steven C
says
The improbability of the story keeps on getting in the way of this being a believable drama - all the more weird given that it is apparently a true story. Clint has a nice touch as ever but the movie goes on way too long and explores, in gratuitous detail, a gruesome side story that serves no real purpose except to showcase American crime and punishment.
OATESEY
says
Every film Clint Eastwood touches turns to gold! Another magnificent film, beautifully shot & acted. Is there anything this man cannot do....act, direct & now compose music!!
Ange
says
Based on a true story. There were a few Kleenex moments. Never seem Angelina Jolie in a roll quite like this one before and she was exceptional. The movie was a little on the long side, but it had no trouble keeping interest and suspense. Loved it. So did my husband.
jumbuck
says
Good film but a bit overlong and overstated
Elspeth
says
A great movie - though it is confronting and awful story. The attitude of the day was so terrible towards women (and children). Angelina plays the part very convincingly. Excellent.
RDC
says
Astonishing true story of a woman ahead of her time.
Tracey H.
says
Quite an interesting story - I thought Angelina Jolie was excellent. Was not what I expected but really enjoyed it.
Nigel W
says
Superior missing child drama that has a factual basis. Further depth is added by the whole corrupt LAPD story. Jolie is convincing as the mother.
Megan
says
"He is not my son". Got a bit sick of hearing the same phrase over and over again. But not a bad movie for a rainy night in...
STEWART
says
Captivating story that apparently is also true story. Los Angeles in the 1920s was depicted as being very affluent, but also with a police force out of control. If half of the police actions shown in the film were accurate then no wonder the current police have a credibility issue.
Powerful acting and masterful directing.
David
says
An interesting if somewhat chilling movie. Itdrags you in even though the subject issrepulsive
Patty
says
This movie was highly enjoyed!!! My boyfriend and I enjoyed the movie together !! A quality performance by Angelina Jolie! She really suited the role and did a fabulous job in performing it! I would recommend this movie to anyone wanting a movie that has a strong storyline!
Pauline
says
very good movie.
Irena
says
Angelina can act, a startling believable performance. The fact that this is a true story was hard to watch and realize the horror of those poor children. I didn't realize there were those sicko's around way back then
Meg G.
says
Great
Lance H.
says
Hmmm well acted
Margaret F.
says
Another Clint Eastwood Masterpiece. , True in that is how women were treated in those days. Very confronting in places and the fact it was based on a true story was frightening. Angelina is a very good actress , great cast. ,Highly recommend.
Les
says
Fantastic performance by Jolie. Outstanding. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is it was too polished. A grittier/grainier finish in keeping with Jolie's powerfully believable emotional range would have nailed it.
Matthew B.
says
Great film with a great performance from Jolie!
Michelle
says
Really like this film. Well made and great acting.
Pulls at your heart strings.
Melissa
says
This movie went too slow and could have possibly been cut down to a more decent length of time. Angelina Jolie was a great actress, but dissappointing how the ending was just left open.
Elke
says
True stories are hard to beat especially when you'll find out about corruptness in the system around you........excellent.
Romay
says
good movie love Anjelina
Stefan
says
Great movie , everyone on their game for a tough true story.
RoyF
says
Amazing film by everyone even the kids which i really dont like into films. directed so awesome by Clint Eastwood and shows he is going to have a great future till he retires with directing since he isnt acting anymore.. what a great story and some clint eastwood done so great with just loved and the ending amazing/
Fulcrum
says
A fascinating story that was less enjoyable because it was way too long by at least 30 mins. What started as an interesting mother and son story moved away to be about corrupt police and a criminal. Strangely unemotional too even when she's put in an insane asylum. Not one of Clint Eastwood's best movies by far. He must have been having an off day.
Tracey
says
very sad, good movie
Toni F.
says
Beautifully directed, acting was superb. Even actors that I had previously seen in minor roles were outstanding. True, it is hard to believe that this event actually happened.Music by Clint Eastwood was lilting and enhanced what was an amzingly told story. The best movie I have seen for a long time.
Chloe
says
Wow... what a film. So much more than I expected. Jolie was enthralling, Ive never realised her talent before. The story was breathtaking, if it wasn't a true story, I would say it was too far fetched. I delayed watching this, as I thought it would be an emotionally draining sort of sob-story, but it was inspiring and exciting and I couldnt recommend it enough.
Ben
says
Very slow to start, but definitely worth waiting for. A very touching movie.
John
says
excellent movie well worth the watch,
Alan N.
says
What a great piece of period drama.Although I'm not a huge fan of Angelina Jolie, she was brilliant in this giving a very gritty and creditable performance. Although the subject matter was chilling and somewhat disturbing, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was horrified to realised that it was based on a true story.
Kerri D.
says
Absolutely incredible that this is based on a true
story! Heaps of praise for acting, direction, cinematography and everything else that went
into the making of this fine film. Definitely one I will
rewatch.
David
says
Well done, thought provoking
Janet
says
An interesting movie showing how life was in America in the early 20th century.....Angelina Jolie really suits the 20's fashion, especially those hats! However as much as her acting is not bad, its those lips that always seem to get in the way of anything serious, forever pouting.
However, the story of how she managed to find the truth about her missing son (and it was a true story I believe) is fascinating. Why on earth would she leave her son alone anyway in the first place is to be questioned, then his disappearance for a number of months, then his sudden "reappearance" by the police who try to convince her that the boy they found is actually her son, but she knew in her heart that he was definitely not her son. How the police try to protect themselves from her protestations is frightening. Does this sort of thing happen in this day and age?
Jennie F.
says
An amazingly haunting and memorable movie with some unexpected twists and turns that only a true story can offer. Excellent actor /director combination and I hope Angelina and Clint work together again soon .With all the media hype about Angelinas private life it is easy to overlook the fact that she is a skilled and accompished actress.I can't help but think that her experience as a mother added depth to her performance in this role - excellent.
gol
says
Wife & I agree with all the positive comments, excellent movie BUT be prepared to feel angry for a few days after viewing. The injustices and terror inflicted on citizens by the politicians and police because they dare to disagree is disturbing and confronting. How could police make someone claim a child that was not hers, however it actually happened and is understandable once you see how they did it. The acting and overall direction is excellent by Eastwood, the violence/murder especially well directed and not over emphasised but still hard to take. Sweet dreams !!
Cassandra M.
says
I saw the movie last night. Very engaging. It prompts me to want to tell all my friends to see it first, then do a little internet surfing to read about the real events surrounding the movie's plot. Another case of "Truth is stranger than fiction".
Danuta
says
Interesting viewing. Overall I like Clint Eastwood's direction! I think because it's a true story, its worth viewing. Certainly a history lesson into the period of the late 20's to mid 30's. Won't disappoint. I found the character of Christine as portrayed by Angelina Jolie, ran a bit hot and cold. Her doeful eyes, beautiful as they are, a sort of distraction to her acting, along with the over emphasized makeup, that apart from the asylum scenes were over done for me. It detracted from the scenes where she really acted. Apart from that it deserves 4 stars as it's a very well crafted film.
0shannas31
says
better than i thought. Not a fan of angelina jolie but she was good. Maybe the reason i liked it was because it was an Eastwood film. Quality director
Stephanie H.
says
The editing in this is terrible, it completely destroys the story. Who are the people that come in and out, and why do they do these terrible and random things? There are no full character's and I didn't feel invested in the plight of ANY of them. I can't believe this was a Clint Eastwood movie. Also, I'm pretty sure the script for Angelina Jolie was about 5 pages long. Yell " Where's my boy". Yell louder " Where's my boy!" Again but with just a little more feeling "Where's my boy!"
Sarah
says
Angeline plays her role brilliantly. Really enjoyed this movie
Sarah
says
Clint Eastwood is a true story teller
Bianca I.
says
I am amazed at this film. For one, that such a story could exist and two for the amazing acting, sets, costume design etc. Everyone must see this - now to find out more about Christine Collins!
Louis M.
says
This movie is ok in parts, but how many Jolie closeups can a person stand? And it just goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on. After 2 hours ENOUGH ALREADY. You could wikipedia the story and get the same info in five minutes online. Yawn.
Leah
says
Excellent movie! Very emotional - Angelina Jolie done a great job. What made the movie even better was the fact that it was a true story. A must see!
Janine
says
Great drama, mystery, reality. Dont expect Lara Croft, this is a totally different Angelina. Amazingly it's based on a true story. Single woman must leave child alone while working, comes home one day and he is missing. Police dont seem to do anything to find him, except to produce another boy and claim he's her son. When she denies this she is committed to a mental home. Help comes, there is investigation, some boys are found, man accused etc etc. Watch it yourself to find out the ending.
girlster
says
Brillant movie..all aspects of it 1st rate..Angelina Jolie is a very under rated actress - she deserves a better deal..she CAN act! John Malcovich was great as well, nicce to see him in a 'straight' role for a change and not the baddie! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FILM
Tina
says
Amazing story - frustrating, upsetting and inspiring. Not for everyone, a little disturbing in places but all added to the depth of the film/story.
Bridget
says
Excellent plot
Paul S.
says
Great movie. Even more interesting because it's based on actual events. Brilliant performances from all cast.
Luisa E.
says
Angelina is fabulous in this but i felt like she was the only one showing any emotion. Even the scene where the kid is digging for the bodies. They find a shoe? It could have had so much more to make it a bit more dramatic.
Chae
says
clever, and entertaining
Raymond M.
says
Brilliant movie but how can a mother not be believed when she tells the authorities that the boy they are giving her is not her own. Not having any children of my own I cannot know what it feels like to loose a child but I figure it would be pretty horrifying. Angelina Jolie plays her part well and you just can't help but feel sorry for what they do to her. Well worth the watch.
Andrew
says
If you like to feel your blood boiling as one injustice after another is perpertrated on the victim, then the infruriating course of events in Changeling will get your hackles up. A very well made movie from Clint again - he has got to be the least self-indulgent of all the big name directors going around at the moment. The story is as unbelievable as it is frustrating, but to know from the very beginning it is based on true events makes it all the more amazing. I thought Angelina was better in A Mighty Heart but this was pretty well done.
zags
says
I thought it was well acted, and shot . It is an interesting story based on real life events. I just however have a problem with Clint Eastwood movies. He seems to persist in beating you around the head with sentiment. No subtlety of emotion. Similar in style to Million Dollar Baby- so if you liked that- you should like this and vise versa.
Gerd H.
says
Has Clint Eastwood ever made a bad movie? It certainly isn't this one. It is absorbing, harrowing, intense and rage-inducing. How could an honest ordinary woman be treated so dreadfully by the system? The collusion with the police that went on is sickening. Such a thing could no longer happen in civilised countries eight decades later - could it?
Kathryn
says
Wow what an amazing story. I loved everything about it. It is very sad, what this woman endured and fought for was just unbelievable. Clint Eastwood is an amazing director. You won't be sorry you rented this movie. It goes to show if you put your mind to it and stick to your convictions that you can stand up for what you believe and bring people to justice.
hawko
says
Fantastic movie. Hard to believe it's based on actual events. Brilliant performances from all, storyline full of suspense, top notch art direction and costume/set design and brilliantly directed by Eastwood. Plenty of unexpected twists which will keep you guessing even when the movie is over. Highly recommended!
Okto F.
says
Well acted by Angelina Jolie, but overall story doesn't do much for me.
I do love the high horse remarks though.
Cleopatra
says
Very sad story. This movie has high and low points.
kmooey
says
FANTASTIC MOVIE ! This was a very touching movie, to think that it is a true story is frightning , what some people endure in their lives. I am not an Angelina Jolie fan, but must admit she played the part really well ! If you have children have some tissues ready.
Laine G.
says
I had no idea this movie was so disturbing! I almost wish I had not seen it because I feel as if it is going to haunt me. On the other hand I thought it was a brilliant movie with an excellent cast and outstanding performances. Definitely worth watching - unless you are easily disturbed!
Sunet N.
says
From Clint Eastwood with an excellent Angelina Jolie, this gripping story will keep you watching. Despite the 141 minutes, the few twists will keep you glued to your seat. As good as Mystic River and better than Grand Torino, the end will remain a mistery and you will try figuring out if hope there is.
Excellent actors!
Jack K.
says
If TC weren’t based on actual events in the late 20’s, I’d have given a hardy guffaw to its storyline. How could a mother not be believed when she insists that someone else’s child isn’t her own? Instead the film rates a vociferous hurrah. We discover that the corrupt LAPD was behind the ruse and we’re soon drawn into an insightful, and sometimes suspenseful, Clint Eastwood crafted scenario. As a period piece set in late 20’s to the mid 30’s the superb attention to every detail of the times is meticulous, by itself making the film worth viewing. Angelina Jolie is very convincing as the distraught mother, ditto too for John Malkovich’s portrayal of a crime fighting minister, but Jason Butler Harner is absolutely brilliant as the crazed chicken ranch owner.