The Little Children; 2006

hmmm, haven't seen it yet. I didn't know the content was quite like that,
I'll have to see it when the boys aren't around. Thanks, Vanessa, and when
I do see it I'll send you an email.

I've read the novel on which the movie was based. I have the movie in my queue from Netflix, too, and am looking forward to seeing it - see if it does justice for the book.

I enjoyed the book - also three separate plot lines with the same scenarios played out - and, yes, Robbie was meant to be sympathetic it seemed to me. However, there was a limit to the sympathy, of course, due to his actions. The author Tom Perotta seems to make this abundantly clear, too. It's a great book - worth reading just to "get" the movie if nothing else!

I haven't seen it yet & just from the last line in your review, I won't be seeing it ever! Thank you for giving me the heads up on this movie!

Haven't seen it either but would likely read the book first!

thanks for the review Vanessa - what boggles me is that from what you have said and Kate's read on the book - that the writer inteded sypmathy for the pedofile - I have a hard time getting past that and now will not read the book or watch the movie.

I haven't seen this yet. I had just heard that it was "disturbing" with no other details given. Thanks for the insight as to what subject matter may be disturbing.

Sorry, I haven't seen yet! But sounds a little strong ah?

Correction: The "sympathetic" spin on the pedophile is really just a way to see him as a round character - not a one-dimensional bloke who only molests children. He's not written as such so that we FEEL or even feel sorry for him; he's there to offer proof that a person is the sum of his actions, not one single action.

I don't want anyone to NOT read the book (Lisa M.) simply because the author chose to show a humanistic antagonist. Thomas Harris does the same thing with Hannibal Lector. He's meant to be seen as more than a monster.

Lisa, and others, give the book a read. I think you'll find that, while disturbing because of the subject matter as well as some of the actions (and thoughts) of the other "good" characters, it is a good story with strong themes. I don't know that I'd advise watching the movie first, as Vanessa has done, because I'm not sure if the author's purpose really gets relayed. I'll have to check it out myself first.

I thought this was a great movie. The "afternoon delight" subplot was sexy and intriguing. The cop plot IS awfully dark and a bit scary. The pedophile is not treated "sympathetically" but IS presented as a human being, primarily through his relationship with his mother. Showing all sides of a person is not the same as siding with their actions.

This is a movie intended strictly for adults. If grownups are this confused over plot, how confusing would it be for kids? The material is completely inappropriate for kids but is challenging and intriguing for discriminating adults. I'm now reading the book as well.

Sorry, I haven't seen it either, and probably won't. Oh well.

Haven't seen it.

Saw this earlier this week and really liked it. I love it when a movie intertwines stories and characters. To me, it was a snap shot of every day life in the US. The things that preoccupy our minds, the pettiness of bored people, the harm of preconceived notions that destroy life's. Watch it with an open mind and a willingness to see what the movie is really trying to convey.