Review of White Oleander (2002) by Nina T — 22 Aug 2010

Very, very emotional.

This films moves forward with grace.

It's a well-told story of young teenager adjusting with her mother and adjusting without her.

Alison Lohman is very strong-willed in the main role as well as Pfeiffer bringing so much emotional weight.

The whole daughter-becomes-the-mother dynamic.

All the performers are wonderful and feel like real characters.

I especially admire the editing b/c each scene shifts from one to another advancing the plot in so many ways.

I really love the lighting and the cinematography, too.

The acting couldn't be more wonderful also.