A thrilling homage to the classic Hollywood detective noir films.

Rating: 9/10 (5 September 2018)

(NOTE: Originally posted on 3rd September, 2018)

(P): Positives
(N): Negatives
(?): Other points/neither positive or negative

(P) Story is tightly plotted with great twists and turns
(P) Acting is superb (Jack Nicholson is a delight as always, playing the cocksure but kind & well-meaning P.I.)
(P) Cinematography across the board is good
(P) Lighting is also good or great in most scenes (with a few exceptions)
(?) Occasionally has cliche 'detective movie moments' (Although, that could be viewed as part of the homage to detective fiction - hence the '(?)' and not the '(N)')
(N) (Minor) Pacing can feel a bit iffy at times
(N) (Minor) While lighting can be excellent in some scenes and good in most, a few scenes have lighting issues e.g. a shot leading into an underexposed office room, a nighttime car tailing scene etc.

Overall: Whilst Chinatown occasionally has its issues, it's still an exceptionally well-crafted homage to the detective noir films of old - as well as, in many areas, introducing fresh (and oftentimes, disturbing and dark) ideas of its own.