Performed beautifully by Pfeiffer and Lohman, this movie is exquisite. It deals with very mature themes and is not recommended for children of any age. I think it should've been rated an R, or almost. It is one of the most depressing movies I've seen, in a good way. Michelle Pfeiffer should have won an oscar! Renee did an excellent job as well and served the most heart breaking part of the movie, which I cried. I give it a 5/5.
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White Oleander
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Upsetting and dark, for older than PG-13.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–16
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About White Oleander
Parents need to know that this movie includes brutality of a modern-era Dickensian quality. Astrid is seduced by one foster parent and shot by another. A third commits suicide. Astrid is subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Ingrid murders her lover. There are non-explicit sexual situations and references. Characters drink, smoke, and use drugs. Characters use strong language and mock religious faith.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how Astrid changes her appearance and manner to reflect each of her "homes," while Ingrid seems almost untouched by her surroundings.
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give it
Astounding performances!
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Excellent, but parents should tread with caution
I first saw this movie when I was eleven years old, and while it a very enlightening experience, I was disturbed by it. Now, three years and having since read the book by the same name, I admit that it's tamer than the book but still not appropriate for the average young adult. This film follows the journey of Astrid Magnussen as she is moved from foster home to foster home following the imprisonment of her murderous mother. Throughout, it interweaves such central emotions as jealousy, rage, grief, disappointment, and ultimately forgiveness; and it's all neatly tied together with astonishing performances and lovely cinematography.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
A good movie, but for older teens.
I saw this movie, and there are many issues in it that younger teens may find disturbing or not understand. This includes drugs, drinking, sex, a suicide, sexual references, a shooting and more things that I thought were very intense for a PG-13.
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