Review of Gardens of the Night (2008) by Michaelina D — 30 Mar 2009
Beautiful, in that dark, brutally realistic way. It was interesting to see how a horrible mutual experience could shape two people in completely different ways, how what is seen through a child's eyes can stay with them in adulthood, and how the family we choose can stay with us even in the darkest of places.
Wonderfully acted, with special props going to the child actors, who were not only adorable, but talented and able to deal with the subject matter. It never felt exploitative or gratuitous, although it would have been very easy for it to slip into being so at any moment; it danced that edge perfectly.
I agree with one of the reviews below, though, that I would have liked to see more of the aftermath, a bit less of the childhood, just balancewise. Other than that, brilliant, moving, and with a touching ending that leaves you walking away with a little bit of the faith in humanity it took away restored.
This review of Gardens of the Night (2008) was written by Michaelina D on 30 Mar 2009.
Gardens of the Night has generally received mixed reviews.
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