keep in mind that the book and movie are essentially two different things and that both have their advantages.

So, to all the people who go hating a movie before they even see it, just because it's based on a book. After all, if you were witnessing these actions in real life, you wouldn't have a book to help you understand what thoughts caused them. and let's you witness it for what it'd be like if you lived out the story. The advantage of a movie is that it brings it all to life. The advantage of a book is that you can have a complete knowledge of what the characters are feeling inside their head, which of course you can't always get in a movie unless they make it obvious or tell you how they're feeling truly. If the directors were to follow the book word for word and detail for detail, we'd be left with a movie that would probably take days to watch. but the way I look at it, people need to judge the movie for the movie. Now, I never read the book to this movie. quite often when a movie comes out that's based on a book, the cliche seems to be for people to say 'it wont be/wasnt as good as the book'. I highly reccomend it to everyone! One last thing I should say though. Her relationship with Astrid is a beautiful but ultimately a tragedy one, mainly due to Clare's infatuation with her cheating husband Mark (Noah Wyle), but I won't give it away of course! ) All I really have to say is, if you want to see a movie with strong performances throughout and an excellent story that will leave you fully satisified (and personally touched) when you leave the theatre, this one's for you. Renee Zellweger, as Clare, also gives her best performance here.

The mother/daughter relationship her character has with Alison's is probably the most unconventional i've seen in a film, and that's what makes it so compelling. Michelle Pfeiffer (Ingrid), who I was never a big fan of, is also excellent.she has a character who's so beautiful, yet so repulsive at the same time. I'm not even sure most of the big names could pull off this role like she did. but she tackles this difficult role like she has the experience of an award-winning veteran. Alison Lohman (Astrid), I never even heard of her before going to see this. and it reminds me of why I love movies in the first place. It's been awhile since I found myself so touched by a movie. Personally, my mind has a tendancy to wander during movies, but with this one, I was glued to it right from the first frame to the last. It's the kind of film that hits you right in the pit of your stomach. What it is, is an extraordinarily moving piece of work. First of all, those guys out there who see the posters and advertising and assume this is some sappy chick flick, you couldn't be more wrong.

Oleander book