Changeling

Inspired by actual events that occurred in 1920s-era Los Angeles, Clint Eastwood's Changeling tells the story of a woman driven to confront a corrupted LAPD after her abducted son is retrieved and she begins to suspect that the boy returned to her is not the same boy she gave birth to. The year was 1928, and the setting a working-class suburb of Los Angeles. As Christine beautifully played by Angelina Jolie said goodbye to her son, Walter, and departed for work, she never anticipated that this was the day her life would be forever changed. Upon returning home, Christine was distressed to discover that Walter was nowhere to be found. Over the course of the following months, the desperate mother would launch a search that would ultimately prove fruitless. Yet just when it seemed that all hope was lost, a nine-year-old boy claiming to be Christine's son seemed to appear out of thin air. Overcome with emotions and uncertain how to face the authorities or the press, Christine invites the child to stay in her home despite knowing without a doubt that he is not her son. As much as Christine would like to accept the fact that her son has been returned to her, she cannot accept the injustice being pushed upon her and continues to challenge the Prohibition-era Los Angeles police force at every turn. As a result, Christine is slandered by the powers that be, and painted as an unfit mother. In this town, a woman who challenges the system is putting her life on the line, and as the situation grows desperate, the only person willing to aid her in her search is benevolent local activist Reverend Briegleb played by John Malkovich. Back then women just earned their right to vote a short few years ago and had almost no credibility anywhere. The forces against her are giant and strong, but she turns out to be stronger. This is maybe Jolie's best performance ever, she is so heartbreaking but strong in this film that it really is shocking. It seemed to me that this film was very personal for her, being as she is a loving mother herself, and she uses that and makes you feel every single emotion that she goes through in this film. With Clint Eastwood behind the camera I excepted nothing less than excellence, and I am truly surprised that Changeling didn't get the best picture nom. This is a challenging film being as we live in a time where everyone is equal and has their rights it is very hard to see what these woman had to go through in America, it is a sad reality that showcases a dark chapter of our past, but shows that no matter how dark the times may be, there is always a way to find strength and redemption.

5 out of 5

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one luv, Toinne