White Oleander

I have NOT read the book. That being said - I really, REALLY liked this movie. I’m always amazed when I find a movie like this and I wonder why I didn’t see or hear about it when it came out as it has an amazing cast. I love ‘coming of age’ stories. Obviously many other older people like them as well. Maybe it helps us feel better about the choices we made as teens and young adults. I’m going to read the book as soon as I can. I’m hoping I still like the movie when I’m done reading it. However, IMO this movie stands well on its own. It’s a beautiful, frightening, colorful story. It dramatically mirrors the story of very few people in the real world reminding most of us that our teen years weren’t so bad. I love how it seductively tells a truly hellish tale of a very young girl who is beautiful and complex yet still a lump of clay needing and wanting to be shaped and formed but not having a stable family life to do so. I think this movie is definitely worth a watch - even if you have to rent it. <3

Horrible in compare to the book. I typically enjoy the movie more and will often cancel plans to or even abort reading a novel if I hear a movie is coming out. Very disappointing throughout.

Great movie, haven't seen this in years, I really love the ending with the suitcases as she showcases her trauma through foster care! Though I myself have never been part of the foster system fortunately. The fact that nobody else but Claire asked once if she was okay and the fact she had no resources given to seek therapy. That made me mad and really rooting for her. When Ray says, "Those things happen" I thought wow... It's as if nobody cares about her or her wellbeing.