Review of Oranges and Sunshine (2010) by Troy K — 30 Mar 2014

Friday, March 28, 2014.

(2011) Oranges And Sunshine.

DRAMA.

Based on the book written by Margaret Humphreys called "Empty Cradles", which was based on fact. This movie is more about Margaret Humphreys, than it is about the victims. She's played by Emily Watson, and initially does what social workers do working in England. She also conducts those group therapy sessions, hearing about peoples childhood stories. One of them approaches her, and informs her that she can't seem to recollect anything about her actual parents, and hands her a file. While at home Margaret, decides to look at it, and finds out that sometime back in the 1950's , a number of British born children used to be shipped off to Australia, while bureaucracy inform the parent or parents that they were dead. Viewers are oblivious about the circumstances nor it's reasons why they used to do that, and Margaret doesn't go out of her way to find out, either. She does however, make it an attempt to reunite actual children(who're now adults) with their actual parents- considering if they're still living. Besides some British children being sent away to Australia, some were also abused by their caretakers, which the film also exposes including child exploitation. We always assumed that it doesn't happen to 'First World' countries, but here is an example that it can happen anywhere no matter where you live. Now, it's easy to make a movie about prosecuting people who were responsible, as well as showcase the reasons why it's being done in the first place, but that's usually a common occurrence which may not go anywhere. And the thing is, and as I've said before, the movie is much more about Margaret than it is about the victims, since she also had to make sacrifices too, such as spend less time with her husband and her two kids, threats regarding a certain monastery, and financial help. If viewers wanted some of those questions answered, then it should be up to the viewers to find out that information for themselves- perhaps it said something in the book. Maybe the victims can demand compensation.

3 out of 4 stars.