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.

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.