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Little Children [2006]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Kate Winslet operates at a galaxy-class level in Little Children, Todd Field's gratifyingly grown-up look at unhappy suburbia. Winslet is magnificent, in an Oscar-nominated performance, as a stroller-pushing mother who becomes attracted to a passive househusband (Patrick Wilson). Their slow-burning infidelity (Field wisely allows time to pass in this unhurried film) is contrasted with a more sensational subplot, about a convicted pedophile (Jackie Earle Haley, also Oscar nominated) returning to the neighborhood to live with his mother (Phyllis Somerville). Field, who brought his civilized approach to In the Bedroom, uses a deliberately literary style here, including a device with a narrator who sounds as though he's sitting at our side as he reads from Tom Perotta's novel. (The narrator is a superb touch--his cultivated voice distances us from the sloppy passions of the characters.) The film's biggest miscalculation is a self-appointed neighborhood vigilante (Noah Emmerich) determined to make life miserable for the paedophile. But Wilson is appropriately nebulous, Jennifer Connelly solid as his wife, and Haley (child star of the Bad News Bears movies), as the creepy, childlike molester, found himself rediscovered after a long career layoff. There's decent acting here, but Winslet is in a zone of her own, with so much emotional honesty and subtlety of expression that she transforms a good movie into a must-see. --Robert Horton


a peculiar experience
Review date: 2008-12-03 Rating: 6 out of 10

I had looked forward to seeing this and so was very surprised when the story turned out to be the most peculiar movie ever. I think Kate Winslet is a fantastic actress and was even happier when I found out how good Patrick Wilson also was. I had found his name familiar and only just realised that he had been an equally odd character in the recent film 'Hard Candy'. He is a good actor that I have overlooked. The story, although a little muddled centred upon the affair that Sarah and Brad (Winslet and Wilson) embark upon after finding their own married lives lacking in excitment and emotion. Added to that the convicted sex offender who makes regular appearances at the children's playground and you have a genuinely odd and morphed view of the world.

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Reviews


suffer the little children....... 3.5 stars
Review date: 2008-11-26 Rating: 6 out of 10

There are some excellent scenes in this film - an examination of children of various ages; the local paedophile snorkels in the town pool and clears it in moments, there is a the strange first date conversation of two damaged people, desperate housewife Kate Winslet makes a move on the playground's fantasy hearthrob and suburban aging housewives discuss Madame Bovary in their book group. If the whole film was as coherent as those scenes then this would be a five star movie.

The full time child carers Sarah (Kate Winslet) and Brad (Patrick Wilson) start an affair and while away the summer. It's as if they are 'playing house' while their adult partners do their jobs. Brad seeks his lost youth in football, skateboarding and leisurely adulterous afternoons and asks his wife for a cellphone. Scholarly Sarah - who seems to have settled for a man she didn't love - struggles towards the perfect life she doesn't seem to have felt she deserved before. The sex scenes are good - sensual and with the sense of living in the moment.

The mother of Ronnie, the 'local pervert' is robust in defense of her son who is the subject of a hate campaign by an emotionally damaged ex cop. Ronnie is sympathetic as somebody's child - their scenes are genuinely poignant and moving.

So what doesn't work? The narration is nicely done but I don't see the value of it when it's simply describing what is being more than adequately acted. The contrast between 'beautiful' Jennifer Connelly and 'frumpy' Kate Winslet isn't there and so doesn't make Sarah's insecurities about her looks, or why she married the two dimensionable Richard, that credible. For me, the end was a bit forced in all story lines.....but the film is well acted and paced and just misses being very good indeed.



Quite Simply A Remarkably Good Film Drama
Review date: 2008-11-23 Rating: 8 out of 10

This is a must see! Quite challenging and provocative, the narrative presents us with that post-modern cliche of dysfunctionality within our social mores, our families, relationships and with ourselves as individuals. However, this is an intelligent film which doesn't dwell without a sensitive excoriation of its subject. All of the cast provide us with stellar performances. There is much to be said for the sympathetic approach the writer-director takes with some 'hot potato' issues such as the child abuser, pornography and sexual desire. There are some quite humourous lilts which punctuate the sombreness of the piece and there are some quite raw depictions of sexuality which may be challenging to some. This, I feel, is a very fine movie indeed; one which will fire up the synapses and poke our prejudices.Highly recommended, like Todd Field's other work, particularly "In the Bedroom".

Be careful what you wish for........
Review date: 2008-04-16 Rating: 10 out of 10

I don't want to spoil your enjoyment by giving the plot away so will give just a broad outline.

The main plot is strong & develops at a good pace however there are also a couple of sub-plots which also roll along nicely. Central to them both is the theme that people find themselves in situations that they no longer enjoy but feel trapped until something happens to give them a sight of what could be.

The film has an interesting commentary feature, more prevalent at the beginning, which helps the development of the story & also makes me believe it could work very well as a play.

A slow burner but worth watching & gives food for thought about what people really want & settle for.

An unusual film..
Review date: 2008-04-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

I agree with the review that likens this film to ''Desperate Housewives''. There is something about the quality and some of the characters that does bear a resemblance. Having said that - I thought it was very good indeed and quite unusual. I ended up having sympathy for some of the characters in the film who were actually quite repulsive. I liked the ''story book'' quality of the film, the narrative. Kate Winslett is very good in the role of a bored and discontented housewife. It is easy to see why she ends up having an affair as her husband is a self centred idiot with some rather disturbing sexual habits (there is also a large dose of humour in this film). The ending is unusual and I give this film 9 out of 10.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Patrick Wilson
Gregg Edelman
Kate Winslet
Jane Adams
Jennifer Connelly

Creators:
Patrick Wilson (Primary Contributor)
Jennifer Connelly (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Entertainment in Video
Manufacturer: Entertainment in Video
EAN: 5017239194696
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2007-05-14
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 132 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Original Language)

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