Little Children
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Movie Reviews of Little Children
Movie Review: Painfully beautiful film... one of the best of 2006
Summary: 5 Stars
Little Children is the type of movie that sets the bar high for other movies. It's the simply stated mixture of superb acting, tremendous directing, and solid story that makes for an in-depth look at normal people in extraordinary situations, and not-so-extraordinary situations.
Kate Winslett and Patrick Wilson are married, but not to each other. Both of them are feeling bored and unfulfilled in their lives. Wilson's wife, Jennifer Connelly, is always working, as is Winslet's husband. When they meet one day in a local park, amidst the gossiping housewives and the young children playing, a secret bond is formed between them.
As they go on outing after outing to the city pool, the sexual tension slowly builds until it explodes into a love affair that the two are carried away by like teenagers. This could be a simple story of deceit and selfishness, but director Todd Fields and writer (novel and screenplay) Tom Perrotta make it so much more.
With the background story of a pedophile (Jackie Earle Haley in his Oscar nominated performance) Little Children enters into darker territory with unrelenting power. Noah Emmerich also turns in a remarkable performance as a troubled ex-policeman obsessed with monitoring the pedophile's every move.
By the end, viewers will find themselves fully invested in every character choice made by these outstanding actors, which only allows the story itself to affect more deeply with every minute that passes. If you enjoy good acting, cinematography, and story-telling, don't miss Little Children.
In an age of overstated, overdone Hollywood films, Little Children is the opposite. There are no special features on the disc, and in fact the DVD is plain black and simply says "Little Children" on it. No frills necessary.
Movie Review: Stunning, Shocking, & Sexy
Summary: 5 Stars
"Little Children" has so many fascinating, flawed, multi-dimensional characters, that the viewer is bound to find one, which they can identify with. Nobody in the film gets away with being pure, content, unblemished or blameless. And that's what makes this film so beautifully authentic.
Kate Winslett is superb as the discontented housewife searching for meaning. One of my favorite scenes occurs at a book club meeting. The members are discussing Madam Bovary; how awful and disgraceful she was, how repulsed they were by her behavior. When the other members ask Kate what she thinks, she disagrees. "I think she was a really an unconventional feminist stuck in a role she couldn't escape from. She was searching for meaning and passion in her life." The other members stared at her, one member declaring, "Yea, I guess adultery is alright then." "No," she said. " It's not about adultery, it's about the hunger of wanting something more." Now--that is great dialogue!
This is a movie about the dark sides we all possess--the sins we all horde--the voids we all try to fill--the unquenchable reaching, reaching, reaching--and the in the end, settling for less.
Many scenes are surprising and shocking. I found myself forgetting to breathe. I found myself feeling empathy for characters most people would spit on. This--my dears, is the example of a movie that works on all levels--the writing, directing, producing, and acting.
We are, without realizing it, all Madam Bovary's to an extent----aren't we?
***Highly recommended--One of the best movies of 2007*****
Movie Review: Great film, terrific cast
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw "Little Children" in January and thought it was spectacular. When I viewed it again recently I was able to absorb some of the undercurrents I missed the first time. And undercurrents there are in droves. The story is complex and challenging but it is the film's cast that shines.
Kate Winslet gives her best performance yet as Sarah, the young suburban housewife and mother, desperate for love. She meets Brad (Patrick Wilson) who is in a similar emotional boat. The two form a bond and the rest is for the audience to witness. Winslet, with her longing, soul-searching eyes is a perfect match for Wilson (played with vacuous detachment). Wilson, who reminds me of a young Paul Newman, gives a wonderful performance. Added to the fine group of actors is Jackie Earle Haley, (Ronnie) the scary sexual pervert just out of prison. The scene where we meet him in the pool is reminiscent of a film from a generation ago. Real kudos go to Phyllis Somerville, who plays Ronnie's mom. Her small role is crucial to the plot and she plays it with aplomb. The deep-voiced narrator keeps the story line together and is a welcome, reassuring addition.
Everyone in this film seems to be trapped...as if they're on a faster and faster spinning carousel with no way off. In the end they all exit in tragic, but sensible ways. The title "Little Children" applies more to the adults, who can't seem to take responsiblity to a mature level and end up paying a huge price. The film is worth every minute of viewing and I highly recommend it.
Movie Review: Children with full grown inhibitions
Summary: 5 Stars
" Little Children " is one of the those rare gems of filmmaking that is a remisniscent of early 70's films. It takes it's time with the unfolding stories and character development. The narraration is outstanding and represents the talents of a phenominal script.
Between the infidelities of two married people , a pedophile , an ex cop , a tormented mother , a work focused wife , and a lonely husband , " Little Children " is weaved together perfectly. So perfect , that I felt compelled to recommend this film on cd now. And I haven't revied a worthwhile film on here , in over a year.
Moreover , all the acting is played superbly by a steller cast of solid actors. The standout performace , for me , was that of " Bad News Bears " actor , Jackie Earle Hayley as the pedophile who recently returned back to live with his mom after a prison stint. The chemistry between Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson is utterly believable and the supporting players , Jennifer Connley , Phillis Somerville , and Greg Edelman add the perfect support, providing a haunting platform for fully charged story telling. I highly recommend this film.
There are various adult situations and strong sexual content , so it's not one for the kids. This isn't a feel good story either , so it's not a good first date movie or something to watch when you're in a great mood. However, " Little Children " provides excellent cinematography , editing , script , directing and acting. Perfect is you like true characer driven films.
Movie Review: A stunning surprise
Summary: 5 Stars
Any time that I read a review for a film that seems interesting, I add it to an on-going list. It is not always possible to see all of the films when they come to the theatre, so I try to see as many on DVD as I can. But that list keeps getting longer and some films end up getting lost. Such would have been the case of Little Children--had I not picked it up because it had entered the $1 rack at my local Blockbuster. And what a stunning surprise it was. From the very opening to the extraordinary conclusion, I found myself watching it nearly spellbound. There is both a hypnotic and horrifying quality to this satire--an odd but successful combination. Kate Winslet has never been better and Patrick Wilson is nearly perfect as Brad, "The Prom-King." Jennifer Connelly, though she has limited screen time, is equally amazing to watch. And Jackie Earle Haley as the "lives in the neighborhood" sex offender is simply breathtaking. (It was another Amazon reviewer that helped me remember him from "Breaking Away" one of my favorite cycling films of all time.) Little Children haunted me long after the final note of the very powerful musical score had sounded. I would highly recommend that you not miss out on this film--as I nearly did.
One mildly negative note. This is one of those DVD's where I actually wanted a collection of " extras" but where there are none provided. Maybe that is for the better-- in the long run.