Chinatown

1974, Roman Polanski, 130 minutes, English with Chinese subtitles

This 1974 American neo-noir film directed by Roman Polanski is adapted from a screenplay by Robert Towne, starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. The film was inspired by theCalifornia Water Wars, a series of disputes over southern California water at the beginning of the 20th century through which Los Angeles interests secured water rights in the Owens Valley. Polanski’s last film in the United States, Chinatown features many elements of film noir, particularly a multilayered story that is part mystery and part psychological drama.