Little Children (2006)
Recommended for mature audiences 15 years and over
Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly and Patrick Wilson star in Little Children, the latest work from Oscar-nominated writer/director, Todd Field (In the Bedroom). Based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, Little Children centres on a handful of individuals whose lives intersect on the playgrounds, town pools and streets of their small community in surprising and potentially dangerous ways.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 136mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (157)
157 Member
Reviews
jenetta
says
what a wonderful film. not like most american movies where if there is no action it would be boring. this film has managed to keep violence to a minimum, be a little risque and have an amazing plot that links intricately all the characters. a really good film deserving of many awards. get the munchies out and prepare to enjoy every second. heart rendering, makes you smile and a little sexy to boot :)
Lawrence
says
A surprisingly engaging film which is made in an almost documentary style with a voice over explaining the thoughts and actions of those being observed. The story has sufficient twists to keep you surprised right up to the end. It is not just about a child sex offender but also about adultery, prejudice and errors of judgement which costs lives. This film was much better than i though it would be.
JB
says
Kate Winslet makes anything good! The script seemed to fail a bit towards the end, but it was enjoyable and intruiguing. "Horror suburbia"
stafford
says
I would say one of the more interesting movies I have seen in a while.
Robin
says
Good
Noel
says
A cut above Desparate Housewives with great character development in a story that has two threads running parallel and yet intertwined. Always enjoy Kate Winslett, her acting here is solid and the story line of why married people commit adultery is well developed.
jo
says
quite good
Ana
says
Just average and nothing special. Best watched on a sunday afternoon. The only praise I can give is towards Kate, great acting as always.
KM
says
Hot sex scene and disturbing plot
AussieKidd
says
Pretty good film. I loved how it was narrated with the background voice at times. Call me crazy, but Kate Winslet is hot!! Loved the naked sex scenes! hehe
DH
says
Good film
yeo44
says
an unusual movie,you start wondering where you are going, but the theme drags you in to make compelling interest, the mix of what one wants sexually and the commitment of the children, and also the torment of the pedafile, certanly a good one to watcjh
T.A
says
Some unexpected shocks in this movie and the storyline kept me enthralled, but it deals with some pretty heavy subject matter (ie: paedophilia) which I found draining. Only watch if you’re in the mood for something heavier – I wouldn’t call it a chick flick although there are sex scenes. And yes I agree that the voice-over narrator was annoying, very Desperate Housewives, which didn’t suit the tone of the movie at all.
Caz
says
At first I found this movie weird because of the sound of the narrator. He sounded strange and talked really fast. It took a while to get into but when I did it was quite interesting and entertaining. Kate Winslet was still beautiful with little makeup and dressed in frumpy clothes. She acted the part perfectly.
jane
says
I enjoyed this movie, great cast, good story line, nice ending, worth a watch, probably could say it's a bit of a chick flick.
Danielle
says
Definitely a great movie!! Kate Winslet was superb, and the lead male actor, Patrick Wilson, was just beautiful to look at as with Jennifer Connelly. Great storyline and I loved the narrated aspect. This movie gave me a mixture of emotions, it was funny, sad and serious. I would highly recommend this drama piece.
lizziemun
says
Brilliant suburban drama. Kate Winslet is a stand out. Loved the portrayal of her struggle with motherhood. Nicely tied up in the end which is always satisfaying.
dewdaisy
says
This is an oddly mesmeric film with a couple of great performances, especially the one from Jackie Earle Haley. I was glued to the screen, even though, finally, there's barely a character you can have any real respect for. The filmmaker has a cynical vision, and has delivered pretty unflinching look at the worst of the human character, so don't expect any heroics. The worst thing about the film is a redundant voice-over, but it's not there all the time, so you can live with it.
iwaswayoff
says
This was heading for a 5 star rating, the first half is quite exhilarating movie making. My guess is that the title isn't referring to the under 15's, but that is for you to decide. I was slightly let down by the ending which seemed a little contrived, but overall a very worthwhile experience.
Eve W.
says
A very unusual and quirky movie. I never knew what was going to happen next. Kate Winslet was great in it. Loved this movie.
JO.
says
Excellent! Great acting, interesting story, plenty of suspense.
Sarah
says
Little Children started very well, progressed slowly, and ended without an ending. Don't bother unless you have absolutely no alternatives.
Wendy F.
says
not enjoyable and not that thought provoking - find something better i
Sandra W.
says
I really enjoyed this movie, watch it.
Henry T.
says
Search for meaning in modern suburban life
Laraine S.
says
Didn't like it actually - wasn't expecting the sexually explicit scenes and I found the narrator boring - interesting themes though
Mark L.
says
I really enjoyed this one. If you are into people watching, analysing human behaviour, an amateur psychologist, this one could be for you. The movie focuses around a select goroup of people from very different genres of life, the beautiful to the tragic, but there is a common theme that binds them all together which is really the human condition. Very well done.
Kristian C.
says
love drama films, but this was a shocker...
sorry but no im not narrow minded as some people will say, everyone has an opinion and this film was just boring and had no escapism. which i understand is the point of the film, but still a little bit of light heartiness always helps even the best of dramas.
crap!!
C. R.
says
What a stupid movie! can't believe I wasted my time watching this!
Jane M.
says
Interesting but not memorable.
Carolyn A.
says
I was unexpectedly very moved by this movie. KW
Denise
says
Voiceover made this documentary style movie a little annoying for me.
Trish
says
A bit slow - average movie.
Owen H.
says
I didn't know how to take this movie at first. The narration seemed out of place at the beginning, but I was soon drawn in to the deep characters and choices they made. Very thought provoking. The ending was too quick.
Tina
says
Was an OK movie. I'm not a fan of nowhere endings. The main characters were a bit shallow and not explored enough for me. Entertaining enough though, kept me interested til the end.
Andrew T.
says
Awesome, might seem a bit slow and lengthy ( 120 min, I actually watched it in halves ) but it has a pace of its own. It's not about rights and wrongs but about what kind of animals ( as narration style suggests ? ) us people are.
Jeanne R.
says
Despite the wonderful acting and the thoughtful exploration of human frailties, I have to give this a very low score because it gave me nightmares! The sex offender character was SO CREEPY and now I can't get him out of my head. The makers of the movie are to be congratulated for showing him as a full character, not just a stereotype - very unusual for an American movie. So on one level I think this is a very good movie in that it really got to me, but I want to warn the squeamish that it may be extremely upsetting.
Pete
says
Anyone who rated this film poorly could not have grasped the basic premise of this well constructed movie. No offence intended - truly ! ;)
The narration provided viewers with extra detail and light relief from what is a very heavy mix of plots. It is very thought-provoking, and the title refers not to the children of the film as much, to me, as the adults, who themselves, are still learning life's lessons.
The film explores what is seemingly "normal" and well-adjusted on the surface, and uncovers the brutal truth, that we all hide insecurities, have deep secrets, dreams and wishes beyond what is "normal" for us. That what is behind closed doors, is something quite different to what others see.
All the characters are flawed, bar the actual innocent children that enterwine the adults' lives.
Great direction, excellent build-up of tension in the final scenes (I was on the edge of my seat !!) and the acting was brilliant, particularly from Winslet, Emmerich (ex-cop) and Earle Haley (sex offender).
Look, this is a very moving, emotional film- it won't be everyone's cup of tea because it is a bloody good character study, not a Hollywood action flick.....(thank God !). Give it a well-deserved chance...
Brendan C.
says
Excellent movie, gets right to the point of sensitive issues that is out there. Excellent acting and well worth watching
Marie H.
says
A fairly reasonable storyline, that with the right direction could have been a fantastic movie.
The narration was annoying pointless. A good cast but let down by mis-direction and weak holes in the storyline.
Deborah S.
says
Very enjoyable film. Great acting, very sensuous and arrousing.
Do recommend the rating cautions sex scenes though. It was a little too much for the other "girls", but appreciated by me.
Gillian
says
I loved this movie mostly because it shows deep humanity for all the characters despite their inadequacies and vulnerabilities which range from superficial to deeply disturbing. Nothing black and white about this film.
The overall style of the film is nuanced and thoughtful, the narrator device worked well for me. It kept me fully engaged the whole way, and ended with a strong denouement that confirmed our trust in the director. The acting was superb all round.
I'll look out for more of Todd's movies. And of course Winslett is proving to be very interesting in her choice of roles!
Rhiannon S.
says
Colin Y.
says
Dramatic, great acting, but can't say I really enjoy this type of deep, slightly depressing drama. Not particularly uplifting, but well recommend if you like deep, slice of life dramas.
Carol M.
says
A very watchable movie with wonderful performances from Winslet and Connelly. There was an element of soap opera about it but it had some very unexpected and unhollywood-like moments that have stayed with me since. Interesting.
Carol M.
says
A very watchable movie with wonderful performances from Winslow and Connelly. There was an element of soap opera about it but it had some very unexpected and unhollywood-like moments that have stayed with me since. Interesting.
Naomi M.
says
We loved this film. Good performances, thought provoking, absorbing, quirky.
Kym G.
says
A little strange in places but still enjoyable.
Quentin R.
says
This movie highlighted and challenged many stereotypes, and was extremely well written and performed.
Kristy S.
says
Not what i expected, intriguing
Dem
says
Great movie, definitely recommend.
Marc M.
says
One of the best movies I,ve seen for some time (and I watch a lot of them) reminicent of bad boy bubby, blue velvet etc - makes you dislike the good guys and feel sorry for the bad!
Sally M.
says
Marco D.
says
I read the reviews and expected a great film. I was bitterly disappointed!
Janine N.
says
Very, very ordinary
Kylie M.
says
Enjoyed this movie, its a bit slow moving. Its good to watch with the girls or perhaps a mums group
Michelle R.
says
Kyley M.
says
Isnt it funny how life is tangled in a web, where people mingle or people pass each other in the street, thinking they know you from a persona or a appearence or from stereo-typing, but they never really do... Appeatancces may look perfect but sometimes its not all that it seems.....
Little Children
This isnt something i thought id like BUT i did, it is an interesting twist on infedility & parenting. I love how it shows a fathers opinions & feelings of raising his child whilst his wife works & then also a mothers view of doing the same task.I can relate to mothers feeling unfulfilled in a personal aspect when they base their life on the kids & family. I wish the ending was a bit different though, i think it should of been more detailed or explained, and not just ' FULL STOP, THE END ' like it was. Worth watching though (for females or males raising kids whilt mum works).
Kyley M.
says
This isnt something i thought id like BUT i did, it is an interesting twist on infedility & parenting. I love how it shows a fathers opinions & feelings of raising his child whilst his wife works & then also a mothers view of doing the same task.I can relate to mothers feeling unfulfilled in a personal aspect when they base their life on the kids & family. I wish the ending was a bit different though, i think it should of been more detailed or explained, and not just ' FULL STOP, THE END ' like it was. Worth watching though (for females or males raising kids whilt mum works).
Meredith M.
says
Always enjoy Kate Winslet, but felt the story was a little'thin', left me slightly unsatisfied.
Vanessa R.
says
A very interesting and different movie. Makes you think after it finishes.
Carol K.
says
different, not for my husband though
Toni M.
says
This film took a little while for me to get into and find some scene hard to watch .
It was interesting to see how the characters fitted in with each other & the eventual outcome although no unexpected left me wanting just a little more
Vicky
says
Oliver T.
says
Worth watching, however, i would have rather rated it two and a half stars. It seemed aimless at times, and although it had a meaningful theme, it would have been good to see more from the characters struggles rather than just Kate Winslet naked. I enjoyed Jennifer Connonly's performance as the tough career housewife, and Ienjoyed the woven themes all surrounding lost youth, suburban boredom and lonliness.
Jodie T.
says
Quirky.
Desi P.
says
Not the most outstanding movie I have ever seen but it is worth watching.
Janet W.
says
An interesting portrayal of two couples in unhappy marriages and an affair sparked by that unhappiness, lonlieness and a dull existance - oh and probably because the husband of Kate Winslet's character had a penchant for wearing women's undies on his head. Who can blame her for straying?
Michele G.
says
John L.
says
Adam M.
says
Melanie S.
says
Excellent movie. Very enjoyable.
Trevor T.
says
Justin M.
says
Louise O.
says
i wish i had done something else with my 1 hr and 30 mins.
Elizabeth N.
says
Had promise but they wrecked it with strange narration and a shallow male lead.
Julie W.
says
very slow moving more like a documentary
Jodie T.
says
Terribly boring, surprised Kate Winslet chose to do this movie. No excitement or wow factor.
Charmaine R.
says
Good movie about family, kids and fathering. Good insight, an great voice over. True fatherhood can be very lonely.
Go all you great dads out there!
ramsay
says
an interesting film, wouldn't suit everyone's tastes but I was enthralled
Jody W.
says
Pam F.
says
Kate Winslet was great, enjoyed the movie, husband didn't. A little strange in parts, would have liked a better ending, left you a bit up in the air, not the best movie I have seen, but none the less quite enjoyable.
Kelly S.
says
A bit of a moral dilema movie, actors ans story were great. Possibly only for the adults.
Robyn K.
says
Cheryl T.
says
A bit strange but enjoyed it.
Kerry M.
says
Kevin B.
says
interesting story, clever use of the narrator
Kylie W.
says
it was an arthouse movie, it was kinda long but the kind of movie that you have to watch from beginning to end
Gilbert W.
says
Challenging themes of life in the suburbs. Just when it starts to get going it lapses into cliches.
Clare B.
says
Best film I've seen in ages. Well worth watching. Not your standard pulp, predictable nonsense. The anticipation was fantastic.
Clinton P.
says
Brilliant movie with wonderful acting. One of the best movies I have seen in ages. Patrick Wilson is gorgeous and Kate Winslet was superb! Thoroughly recommended!
Cathie
says
I liked this movie a lot, especially Kate Winslett's role as the slightly disillusioned housewife. Struggling with a lot of inner conflict regarding her body image. But also wanting to reclaim her sensuality, and become more desirous and less dowdy housewife. Most middle aged women can relate to this. A well put together movie. Got you thinking.
Gerd H.
says
What's it about? A reasonable question about a movie, but hard to answer for this one. It's about raising children. But not really. It's more about adults, their loves, anguishes and failings. A thoughtful movie and let down only by some of the loose ends of stories not being resolved.
Maureen C.
says
very watchable
W B O.
says
This is my kind of movie. Just a quiet 'slice oflife" piece. Great acting by the two leads who shared a terrific on screen chemistry. Very slow paced but worth the trip.
Rhoda J.
says
An interesting and thought provoking movie that is very well made. Only down side is that it's a little slow and drawn out at times.
Alison M.
says
Sean D.
says
A different role for Winslet but it works. The only downside to this movie is that its a little slow at times
Anita G.
says
Rachel C.
says
Oh my, In the begining it showed an usal life in suburbia, I found the nararator to be really a need in this movie because without it there was not much to see by,
The ending was quitde a shock in fact the whole movie was quite interesting Kate was amazing and different for her usal movies i found this to be quite a good movie.And a bit of a realaty check.
Aisling M.
says
Awful, really slow and boring - not a glint of any talent or script. Don't bother
Annette W.
says
Boring....bad story line...not worth the effort
Frank M.
says
Lorelle I.
says
Stuart D.
says
Non hollywood-ised drama, with a great story, off beat themes and great acting. Unecessary sex scene that could have been more subtle to align with the rest of the films themes, but apart from that an excellent viewing.
Kate S.
says
a fascinating film that examines the power of fear and dysfunction in people's lives. a surprise ending of redemption. great.
Tracey B.
says
Interesting, although i was not sure about the ending. Was there a moral to the story? If there was then i missed it!
Enjoyable movie that keeps you watching to the end.
Colin U.
says
Brilliant acting (again) from Kate Winslett makes for an intreging and absorbing movie that leaves you wanting to know more about the characters.
Helen L.
says
Lara M.
says
Joanne H.
says
a very interesting look at the characters lives. a bit too long and drawn out to hold my full attention. the ending is a bit to full on for my liking.
Matthew B.
says
Little Children is a beautiful exception to the rule that Hollywood is cranking out crap remake after crap TV-to-bigscreen adaption. Kate Winslet as an educated, and intelligent (never confuse the two), housewife, meets up at the local playground with the equally lonely and misunderstood househusband, Patrick Wilson, who is supposed to be studying to sit the Bar Exam, but lacks the initiative or desire to follow what is obviously somebody else's dream. While their married lives fall apart and their affair gets ever hotter (cue the several steamy sex scenes where Winslet shows she's not afraid to bare all for her craft), a "pervert" is released from prison into the area to add another layer to this cleverly crafted film. The character's stories are intricately interwoven between the others, arriving dramatically towards the end at the same point, with each character's fate affecting the outcome of the others'.
Little Children deserved its three Oscars and three Golden Globe nominations, with Winslet nominated both times for Best Actress. In this film, like many of her others, she proves, Like Meryl Streep, that she can play larger than life characters, and also the roles of women you'd probably meet anywhere in your day to day life. Wilson is strong, and gorgeous, and cements his capability in this film after a strong turn in the critically acclaimed Angels in America. Blood Diamond's Jennifer Connelly plays Wilson's documentary making wife (some might say a puppet to her wealthy and strong-willed mother).
This is a great film. It's well directed and, I for one, was never bored during the 120 minutes. It's evocative but never sentimental. A beautiful breath of fresh air from movieland.
Andrew H.
says
A very well acted and well crafted movie. Loved the non-intrusive narration and quality performances from all involved.
Charles T.
says
An excellent, well written and acted movie. The narration was excellent and just had that wonderful undercurrent of human tension.
Glenda D.
says
Kate Winslet made this a watchable movie. Interesting, but more about the adults than the children. Well worth watching.
Jodi M.
says
Gordon M.
says
Awful - Hard to believe anyone could waste their time on such an awful movie.
Patricia B.
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Maria S.
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Maria C.
says
Ivana B.
says
Pat M.
says
really enjoyed this one... please recommend me to more like this!
Rochelle H.
says
One of the best films I've seen in ages, it deals very sensitively with some controversial topics. Wonderful acting, and the voiceover is a real treat.
Marie C.
says
Interesting characters and story - I enjoed it heaps, but husband wasn't really into it...
Troy C.
says
it was ok only average comentary was a little diferent found it hard to get in to
Luke J.
says
Susan R.
says
Barbara S.
says
Janice W.
says
A bit odd, strange story line
Michelle R.
says
Doug R.
says
Margaret F.
says
On the edge of your seat material something is going to happen but what ? loved it
Julie S.
says
Susan R.
says
quite enjoyable
Jennie F.
says
Unusual take on a neighbourhood story.Well done.
Heide E.
says
As unusual as it is entertaining
Dale M.
says
A delightful and thought-provoking insight into life with toddlers and the impact that has on relationships. Charming!
Christine L.
says
It was different but interesting had a storyline in it once you got into movie.
Donelle T.
says
Pulls no punches movie, fully justifies the accolades.
Danny W.
says
Goes a tad off the rails towards the end but an interesting movie with v. good performances from everyone, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson and Kate Winslett are always worth watching.
Marco A.
says
Not very good. Tries to be clever but it doesnt really come off.
Brian M.
says
Fully deserving it's Best Picture Oscar nomination. Superb, atmospheric, moody drama with great performances. Up there with "American Beauty" which in some ways it resembles.
Gerry V.
says
Like a souped up Dangerours Housewives
Russell S.
says
Terribly slow. Didn't even bother watching the whole movie. Shame - because we like Kate Winslet normally.
Jan H.
says
The story line different to what I imagined it would be, but I enjyed it.
Barbara C.
says
Interesting subject matter
Niki
says
I found this a little slow and ended up falling asleep. Someone else may find it more interesting than I did.
If you've watched everything else go for it.
Sandra N.
says
The title does nothing for the movie... More about two people cheating on their partners!
Katherine C.
says
This was a really good movie. Kate Winslet was great. You actually start to feel sorry for the baddie.
Carolann W.
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Peter J.
says
Questioning and thought generating
Clare R.
says
More about parents than little children.
Debbie W.
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David J.
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Paola B.
says
Suspense, excellent acting and interesting narration makes this movie different to others and also looks at the norms in society.
Kai V.
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Helen O.
says