White Oleander (2002)
Alison Lohman, Billy Connolly, Cole Hauser
A teenager journeys through a series of foster homes after her mother goes to prison for committing a crime of passion.
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Critics
PG-13, 110 min.
Directed by:
Peter Kosminsky
Release Date: Oct 11, 2002
DVD Release Date: Mar 11, 2003
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Flixster User Reviews
this was a work of cinematic art. i am so glad i discovered this movie! and alison lohman, who is a fabulous actress. of course it is based on the book by janet fitch, which is huge and i have never read, but the actors and actresses in this movie... (read more) this was a work of cinematic art. i am so glad i discovered this movie! and alison lohman, who is a fabulous actress. of course it is based on the book by janet fitch, which is huge and i have never read, but the actors and actresses in this movie all did spectacular jobs bringing the characters to life, and i never get sick of watching this gem of a film.
I read the book this was based on some time ago and I was very pleased with what they did with the film adaptation. Even though I had imagined some of the characters slightly different from the actors they used Alison Lohman's portrayal of Astrid was... (read more) I read the book this was based on some time ago and I was very pleased with what they did with the film adaptation. Even though I had imagined some of the characters slightly different from the actors they used Alison Lohman's portrayal of Astrid was fantastic! She portrayed the transformation of an innocent, incandescent young girl as she goes through a string of foster homes until she finds the strength within her to free herself of the haunting shadow of her mother.
This film has come great actress is in it, and it's a great looking film. But it's hard for this film to keep your interest. I find myself growing bored and not caring. I finished the movie, but did not feel any satisfaction from it. It was a disappo... (read more) This film has come great actress is in it, and it's a great looking film. But it's hard for this film to keep your interest. I find myself growing bored and not caring. I finished the movie, but did not feel any satisfaction from it. It was a disappointment.
This one was a pretty good drama that was well cast and the story well thought out. A bit dry at times, but the performances were first rate.
I thought this was a beautiful movie, very real and engaging. But I guess it's not for everyone since so many people dislike it.... the 'estrogen overload', perhaps? as one critic pointed out? Oh well, that was no overload at all for me!
The score ... (read more) I thought this was a beautiful movie, very real and engaging. But I guess it's not for everyone since so many people dislike it.... the 'estrogen overload', perhaps? as one critic pointed out? Oh well, that was no overload at all for me!
The score was sublime (by Thomas Newman). The performances were very convincing and touching at parts. I have no memory of Alison Lohman in any other movie except the recent "Drag me to hell," but I liked her Astrid. Renee's character was heartbreaking (and broken) while Michelle's was tough, bitchy, unstable, deludingly charming at times, but extraordinary.
now i know wat would happen 2 my daughter if i killed someone...so i guess im hiring a hitman! lol
I have mixed emotions about this movie. The first hour was brutal to watch and I kept thinking if this movie makes the mother out to be a good person I will puke, (luckily it changes tone towards the end). My issue is the fact that many of the proble... (read more) I have mixed emotions about this movie. The first hour was brutal to watch and I kept thinking if this movie makes the mother out to be a good person I will puke, (luckily it changes tone towards the end). My issue is the fact that many of the problems faced in this movie were so simple to correct. Everyone chooses their own paths and even though struggles may occur we choose what becomes of us. So maybe I am a bit harsh on my rating it could be a bit higher but I really didn't enjoy this movie much. The acting was way to over-the-top from Michelle Pfeiffer (she was so creepy it seemed fake). Girls will defintely enjoy this much more than guys.
Critic Reviews
Much of the pleasure to be had in White Oleander is in watching its female stars revel in their screen time.full review
This is a third-person story now, told by Hollywood, and much more ordinary for it.full review
The film takes the materials of human tragedy and dresses them in lovely costumes, Southern California locations and star power.full review
At its best it offers pleasures similar to those of 1940s women's melodramas.full review
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