Year: 1974
Runtime: 130 min
Language: English
Director: Roman Polanski
In 1930s Los Angeles, private investigator Jake Gittes is hired to investigate a woman who assumes the identity of Evelyn Mulwray, suspecting her husband of infidelity. His investigation leads him into a complex case involving water rights, political corruption, and a family’s dark secrets. As he uncovers the truth, Gittes finds himself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy with devastating consequences, leading to a shocking climax in the city's historic Chinatown district.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Chinatown yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Explore the full timeline and setting of Chinatown (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:02
Meet the key characters of Chinatown (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:02
Explore the central themes of Chinatown (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:02
Don't stop at just watching — explore Chinatown in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Chinatown is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Chinatown, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Chinatown with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Chinatown that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Chinatown (1974) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
Chinatown (1974) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Chinatown (1974) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Chinatown – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
L.A. Confidential (1997) Film Overview & Timeline
The Two Jakes (1990) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Detective Chinatown 1900 (2025) Detailed Story Recap
Year of the Dragon (1985) Detailed Story Recap
The Corruptor (1999) Full Summary & Key Details
Rising Sun (1993) Film Overview & Timeline
Chan Is Missing (1982) Full Summary & Key Details
The Naked City (1948) Full Summary & Key Details
Infernal Affairs (2004) Story Summary & Characters
Gangster Squad (2013) Movie Recap & Themes
Shanghai Surprise (1986) Full Summary & Key Details
Gasoline Alley (2022) Story Summary & Characters
Internal Affairs (1990) Story Summary & Characters
Fallen Angels (1998) Movie Recap & Themes
Manhattan Night (2016) Plot Summary & Ending Explained