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CHANGELING

With Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Colm Feore, Devon Conti, Gattlin Griffith, John Harrington Bland, Michael Kelly, Jason Butler Harner

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Clint Eastwood

Not to be confused with the George C. Scott starring ghost thriller from 1980, this absolutely gob-smacking true event pits a helpless mother (Christine Collins) against a ruthless Los Angeles police department. After her son disappears, the police department finds a kid professing to be hers, but she insists he's not hers. This unfolds an absolutely unbelievable David vs Goliath tale that will have anyone with as much as a fragment of a heart fuming with emotion and anger as her search for her missing son simply digs up more and more sorrow, even with the efforts of presbyterian reverend Gustav Briegleb. Out to expose the corrupt police force.
The fact that this is based on a true case is absolutely mind-blowing and reminds one of how the powers that be (and authority figures) can exploit and oppress the public, abuse their position and do as they please - unless they're challenged by brave people. Nothing should stop us from fighting for what we believe in.
While I'm hesitant to say too much to spoil the overall effect, be assured that this story unfolds in layers and heads in directions you would not have expected.
Jolie does a fine job in the lead role of a woman whose life was made a living hell, underplaying with great effect as opposed to pouting sexy act.
Two short making-of featurettes look at Eastwood's directing style, Jolie's approach to the role, and how the late-1920s period was reconstructed.

5 / B
- Paul Blom


0 1 2 3 4 5 6
- A - B
- C



6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multiple Viewing Potential
B: Deserves Another Look
C: Once Should Suffice

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