White Oleander

So-so drama, with good acting. A porcorn movie, nothing more

It's a grim view of the Foster Parent scheme that's offered up in this dark and often depressing story - of a young girl's nightmarish journey for loving ‘support'. From a selfish mother to multiple foster failures, we follow Astrid (perfectly played by Alison Lohman) as she experiences varying levels of the ‘careers' from hell - before finding her own place in the world. This cast is professional all the way with some of the best female stars of the day - showing us the way it should not be for a young girl to grow into young womanhood. The script is above average, complete with failed ‘Christians' (and we, unfortunately, know some are out there) but, also suggests maybe the writers could have a scant understanding of what constitutes a ‘true' Christian...as against the deluded. The ending is about compromise but also shows a maturing - that sets Astrid on her way to a balanced life. Direction seems a bit erratic to begin but settles down to a well-informed last half. The large degree of handheld Cinematography at times feels claustrophobic (good for some scenes) but while not as shaky as we all too often see - needed better visual style for a smoother feel to the broader, involving moments. Powerful entertainment, and strong indictment of a failed social structure within too many modern family units, and the welfare state that tries to save what it can - with limited resources leading to many failures for those who seek something to believe in, and a place to call home.

It was a good movie, but it just seemed to be trying too hard at times to be artsy. Some of the characters seemed too forced. Otherwise, it was an okay watch.

Michelle Pfeiffer's character is rather interesting in this movie. She plays such a toxic, controlling mother, who goes to prison because she poisoned her boyfriend with white orleander. Her poor child. This movie is discussed in the narcissism niche with Michelle Pfeiffer's character identified as a narcissistic mother.

Powerful performances make this a strong adaptation of a great book.

Very watchable with various famous names giving different performances in the movie. A Hallmark type movie with star names. Alison Lohman plays the sweet angelic girl who changes over time with the various women. Her cat eyed starring oddball mom played by Michelle Pfeiffer (She was great). Robin Wright who played a bunny boiler christian women, Renee Zellweger who plays a troubled failed actress with serious issues. Didn't understand the last women she stayed with ,the Russian, I am not sure what was going on there. Still good around and wow 16 years old the movie. Time flies.

Well acted and really good dialogue, it can be a bit slow at times but all over it's definitely worth a watch.

Absolutely marvelous story that's well performed by the many strong and leading actresses in this picture.

A very stunning and compelling story about a girl whose mother is accused of murder and how it affects both of their lives.

Touching, powerful drama about a girl struggling to find her own power in the world, in spite of being thrust into the lives of a plethora of dysfunctional women including her own charismatic, enigmatic, imprisoned birth mother played brilliantly by Michelle Pfeiffer.