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      White Oleander

      PG-13 Released Oct 11, 2002 1 hr. 50 min. Drama List
      69% 135 Reviews Tomatometer 81% 50,000+ Ratings Audience Score "White Oleander" chronicles the life of Astrid (Alison Lohman), a young teenager who journeys through a series of foster homes after her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) goes to prison for committing a crime of passion. Set adrift in the world, Astrid struggles to become her own person while coming to terms with the challenges of living life on her own. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Jan 16 Buy Now

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      White Oleander

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      Critics Consensus

      Strong performances by the lead actresses make White Oleander a compelling female melodrama.

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      Audience Reviews

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      Dani G So-so drama, with good acting. A porcorn movie, nothing more Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/19/24 Full Review maddie g The book is soooooo much better the movie leaves out so many details and doesn't fully encompass the way Ingrid really is, could just be the actress but also has to do with the writing and screen play. Obviously books are always more detailed but this movie would've been so much better with a little closer attention to detail. In my opinion it feels like the writer of the movie did a brief read through of spark notes on the book. I was really looking forward to watching it after reading the book multiple times but I was disappointed honestly. I wouldn't say it was a waste of my time but I feel like if I hadn't read the book I'd struggle to follow along and also would be bored Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/22/23 Full Review Ken R 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/26/21 Full Review andrea w 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. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review steve d Powerful performances make this a strong adaptation of a great book. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Critics Reviews

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      Nell Minow Common Sense Media Upsetting and dark, for older than PG-13. Rated: 4/5 Dec 29, 2010 Full Review BBC.com Rated: 3/5 Sep 16, 2003 Full Review Nick Schager Matinee Magazine Rated: C+ Nov 10, 2002 Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Director Peter Kosminsky ... is unfortunately not up to the task at hand, giving us a product one would expect to see on Lifetime, not one that requires payment for an admission ticket. Nov 6, 2019 Full Review Joel Siegel Good Morning America White Oleander is one of the those movies you watch and think, "Yeah, I bet the book was great." Rated: C+ Jan 4, 2018 Full Review Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Delivers in the range of cast and involving story. Apr 29, 2009 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis "White Oleander" chronicles the life of Astrid (Alison Lohman), a young teenager who journeys through a series of foster homes after her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) goes to prison for committing a crime of passion. Set adrift in the world, Astrid struggles to become her own person while coming to terms with the challenges of living life on her own.
      Director
      Peter Kosminsky
      Executive Producer
      Kristin Harms, Stacy Cohen, Patrick Markey, E.K. Gaylord II
      Screenwriter
      Mary Agnes Donoghue, Janet Fitch
      Distributor
      Warner Bros. Pictures
      Production Co
      Gaylord Films, John Wells Productions, Oleandor Productions
      Rating
      PG-13 (Language|Drug Content|Mature Thematic Elements|Sexuality|Violence)
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Oct 11, 2002, Wide
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Dec 1, 2010
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $16.3M
      Sound Mix
      Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
      Aspect Ratio
      Flat (1.85:1)
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