pleasantly surprised
Added 2/6/2010
We got this movie quite a while ago and just got around to watching it. I remember hearing mixed reviews when it was first released, so was reluctant to take the time to actually sit down for a few hours and watch it. It turned out to be a great movie! Very gripping and entertaining though also very sad at times, because you know it was based on a true story. Angelina Jolie does an excellent job in this role. One of the few negatives is that the movie is a tad too long. If it could have been condensed a little and shortened by about 20-30 minutes it would have been even better. Highly recommended!
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The hardpan is ever present in Wineville
Added 1/24/2010
Having once lived in Mira Loma, the renamed town of Wineville, I can attest that the impermeable sandstone or clay type of ground that lies just beneath the surface of the earth is almost impossible to penetrate without a pick-axe or a jackhammer. This would explain, when the boy digs to expose a boot and then some bones, why they were buried just inches below the surface. Also, the initial investigative scene had quite a breeze blowing, a common occurance in Mira Loma - we used to call the place "windy gulch". Those who made the movie sure got those aspects correctly.
I found this to be a superb movie, with a good story line and excellent actors all the way through. It left me with a sense that we had better guard against city politics and any police departments such as Los Angeles endured during the 1920's and 1930's. One should always be aware of and guard against what those in power are doing behind the scenes, and this movie illustrates it very well. Well done!
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Another Great Work from Clint Eastwood
Added 1/22/2010
Clint Eastwood's thriller/drama "Changeling" is a tough film to sit through at times because of the subject matter it deals with (portrayed with aptly simple and understated touch, though). The extraordinary story of Christine Collins, which involves horrifying violence and injustice, is a bit long for some, but it remains compelling throughout without relying on sensationalism.
One of the greatest assets of the film based on the true events is, not surprisingly, Angelina Jolie and her strong performance as Christine Collins, whose 9-year-old boy Walter disappeared in Los Angels, in 1928. Five months later police Captain J.J. Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) in charge of the case announces that the boy was found in DeKalb, Illinois. However, Christine Collins is shocked to know that the "Walter" who shows up before her is not her son although the police and "Walter" himself claim that he is. But what really happened to Walter Collins?
Angelina Jolie ditches her Lara Croft image for a new role as a grief-stricken woman who continues to fight for what she loves. Michael Kelly is equally memorable as Detective Ybarra, who plays an important role in uncovering the horrible truths behind the missing case. But perhaps the real star is the city of Los Angles and Tom Stern's cinematography that vividly describes the world where Christine Collins and her son Walter lived.
"Changeling is another impressive achievement from Clint Eastwood, a powerful character-driven drama, bolstered with gifted actors, beautifully-shot cinematography and sure-handed direction.
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Most difficult film I've seen in a while.
Added 1/11/2010
I haven't cried this much watching a movie in a long time. Maybe it's the mother part of me that just couldn't handle it, especially when what happened at the chicken coop begins to be revealed. Everything from then on was just heartwrenching. I almost didn't want to finish the movie, but I had to find out if she ever found her son. :(
Amazing movie--I'm shocked that it was based on a true story--but I sort of wish I hadn't put myself through this--it felt a bit like having my heart ripped out and stomped on. I had to go give my kids extra hugs and kisses when I finished watching it.
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Absolutely a great movie!
Added 1/10/2010
This was hands down a wonderful movie from the beginning to the end. Every single actor in this movie was superb! Without giving away the story, it saddens me to have seen how easily it was to place someone into a mental institution without a valid reason back then. Without the help of people around you back then or ones who really knew you, you were a target for anyone who had a point to make. In this story the easiest thing to do was to give up, give in and not believe in yourself. The fight was not in everyone back then. This lady fought. I mean ..REALLY FOUGHT HARD! She fought hard for everything she believed in until she got it. I admire the movie makers of this film for stepping out on faith to retell it. It is definitely inspiring and challenges people today to believe and never ever give up. Great movie...
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pleasantly surprised
Added 2/6/2010
We got this movie quite a while ago and just got around to watching it. I remember hearing mixed reviews when it was first released, so was reluctant to take the time to actually sit down for a few hours and watch it. It turned out to be a great movie! Very gripping and entertaining though also very sad at times, because you know it was based on a true story. Angelina Jolie does an excellent job in this role. One of the few negatives is that the movie is a tad too long. If it could have been condensed a little and shortened by about 20-30 minutes it would have been even better. Highly recommended!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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The hardpan is ever present in Wineville
Added 1/24/2010
Having once lived in Mira Loma, the renamed town of Wineville, I can attest that the impermeable sandstone or clay type of ground that lies just beneath the surface of the earth is almost impossible to penetrate without a pick-axe or a jackhammer. This would explain, when the boy digs to expose a boot and then some bones, why they were buried just inches below the surface. Also, the initial investigative scene had quite a breeze blowing, a common occurance in Mira Loma - we used to call the place "windy gulch". Those who made the movie sure got those aspects correctly.
I found this to be a superb movie, with a good story line and excellent actors all the way through. It left me with a sense that we had better guard against city politics and any police departments such as Los Angeles endured during the 1920's and 1930's. One should always be aware of and guard against what those in power are doing behind the scenes, and this movie illustrates it very well. Well done!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Another Great Work from Clint Eastwood
Added 1/22/2010
Clint Eastwood's thriller/drama "Changeling" is a tough film to sit through at times because of the subject matter it deals with (portrayed with aptly simple and understated touch, though). The extraordinary story of Christine Collins, which involves horrifying violence and injustice, is a bit long for some, but it remains compelling throughout without relying on sensationalism.
One of the greatest assets of the film based on the true events is, not surprisingly, Angelina Jolie and her strong performance as Christine Collins, whose 9-year-old boy Walter disappeared in Los Angels, in 1928. Five months later police Captain J.J. Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) in charge of the case announces that the boy was found in DeKalb, Illinois. However, Christine Collins is shocked to know that the "Walter" who shows up before her is not her son although the police and "Walter" himself claim that he is. But what really happened to Walter Collins?
Angelina Jolie ditches her Lara Croft image for a new role as a grief-stricken woman who continues to fight for what she loves. Michael Kelly is equally memorable as Detective Ybarra, who plays an important role in uncovering the horrible truths behind the missing case. But perhaps the real star is the city of Los Angles and Tom Stern's cinematography that vividly describes the world where Christine Collins and her son Walter lived.
"Changeling is another impressive achievement from Clint Eastwood, a powerful character-driven drama, bolstered with gifted actors, beautifully-shot cinematography and sure-handed direction.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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