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Things Change 1988

A shoeshine man's ordinary life is upended when the Chicago Mafia proposes a surprising deal: serve time for a crime he didn't commit and receive a fishing boat in Sicily. Thrust into this unfamiliar world, Gino reluctantly accepts and finds an unlikely mentor in a small-time mobster named Jerry. Together, they navigate the complexities of the criminal underworld, leading to unexpected events and a chaotic situation at Lake Tahoe.

A shoeshine man's ordinary life is upended when the Chicago Mafia proposes a surprising deal: serve time for a crime he didn't commit and receive a fishing boat in Sicily. Thrust into this unfamiliar world, Gino reluctantly accepts and finds an unlikely mentor in a small-time mobster named Jerry. Together, they navigate the complexities of the criminal underworld, leading to unexpected events and a chaotic situation at Lake Tahoe.

Does Things Change have end credit scenes?

No!

Things Change does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Things Change

Explore the complete cast of Things Change, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Things Change

See how Things Change is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Things Change stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

71

Metascore

8.3

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

IMDb

7.0 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

62

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Things Change Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Things Change with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Things Change Quiz: Test your knowledge of the 1988 film 'Things Change' and its intriguing plot twists and character dynamics.

What is Gino's profession?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Things Change

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Read the complete plot summary of Things Change, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Two gangsters from Chicago visit Gino’s shoe store, where they discreetly hand him a $100 bill and ask him to meet them later. During their meeting, one gangster reveals that a crucial individual has been “mistakenly identified” as a murderer, showing Gino a photo of someone who bears a striking resemblance to him. The gangsters’ leader, Mr. Green, proposes a deal: if Gino agrees to confess to the crime and spends 3 to 5 years in prison, they will offer him generous compensation, including a boat to live on in Sicily. Although hesitant, Gino eventually consents to the arrangement and receives an old Sicilian coin from Mr. Green as a token of appreciation.

Meanwhile, another gangster named Jerry is tasked with preparing Gino for his eventual confession. He takes Gino to a hotel for a few days of training, but then decides to treat him to a getaway in Lake Tahoe before the looming prison time. Jerry runs into an old acquaintance and exaggerates Gino’s importance in the mafia, which helps them secure an extravagant suite at a luxurious resort where they receive VIP treatment without any cost.

While at the casino, Jerry sets up a rigged roulette game designed to allow Gino to win a small sum; however, to everyone’s surprise, Gino wins $35,000 before losing it all in another game. Remarkably, he takes the loss in stride, remarking, > “Things change.” This unexpected luck garners significant attention, including the company of two showgirls.

The following morning, Jerry feels a wave of panic when he fears Gino has left with the showgirls, and his worry escalates when two unfamiliar gangsters invite them to lunch with a mafia boss, Don Giuseppe. Jerry advises Gino against discussing business during the meal. Initially, Don Giuseppe is suspicious, but when Gino shows him the Sicilian coin, a connection is forged. They stroll along the lake and continue to bond, leading Don Giuseppe to extend an invitation for Gino to stay the night.

Back at the resort, Jerry discovers that Mr. Green is involved in a major mafia meeting at Don Giuseppe’s house that evening. Worried about Gino’s safety, he devises a plan to get them out of there but has to steal a car when things go awry. After running out of gas, they find themselves without funds until they fortuitously encounter the two showgirls, who offer Gino cash for gas.

With funds for a refill, they finally make it back to Chicago. While contemplating their future fishing trips in Sicily, Jerry grapples with guilt and pleads with Gino to back out of their deal. Gino, however, stands firm, insisting that he must keep his word. Their situation worsens when another gangster arrives to escort them to court, revealing that their boss intends for Gino to be killed—by Jerry himself.

In a tense moment, Gino, feeling trapped, ventures out to Lake Michigan, while Jerry fights off the gangster in a desperate act of defense. Suddenly, Gino devises a plan and reaches out to Don Giuseppe for assistance. During the subsequent court hearing, the disguised gangster—representing their boss—is sentenced to life imprisonment.

Ultimately, Gino and Jerry return to the shoe shop to resume their work, sharing a knowing look as they reflect on the day’s events.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Things Change

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Things Change. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Things Change (1988) Original Trailer [FHD]

Cars Featured in Things Change

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Explore all cars featured in Things Change, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Buick

1978

Regal

Cadillac

1980

Fleetwood Brougham Stretched Limousine

Cadillac

1935

V-16

Chevrolet

1982

Celebrity

Chevrolet

1977

Chevy Van

Chevrolet

1986

Corvette C4

Chevrolet

1954

Sedan Delivery

Datsun

1980

510

Ferrari

1972

365 GTC/4

Ford

1966

Bronco

Things Change Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


motor vehicleu.s. carfordford motor vehicleford carford ltd crown victoriastretch limousinelincoln motor vehiclelincoln the carlincoln town car stretched limousinehotelhotel roomfrienditalian americangangstermafiachicago illinoiswheel of fortunetraveltoweltelephonetelephone numbertelephone callsuitshowshoesshoeshine standshavingsensualitysadnessrouletterevolverrespectphotographold manmustachemoneymobmobstermirrormessagelucklimousineletterkitchenhousehonorhitmanhiddengas station

Things Change Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for Things Change across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Las cosas cambian Le cose cambiano Things Change: Mehr Glück als Verstand Всё меняется As Coisas Mudam S mafií v patách 제3의 기회 Нещата се променят Fortuna kołem się toczy Parrain d'un jour 世事无常 Mafya Oyunu

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Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


Other Names for Things Change

Explore the alternate titles, translations, and working names for Things Change. Learn how the film is known in different regions, languages, and releases, and discover the variations that reflect its cultural reach and marketing choices.


Las cosas cambian Le cose cambiano Things Change: Mehr Glück als Verstand Всё меняется As Coisas Mudam S mafií v patách 제3의 기회 Нещата се променят Fortuna kołem się toczy Parrain d'un jour 世事无常 Mafya Oyunu

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