White Oleander

White Oleander 2002

"White Oleander" tells the unforgettable story of Astrid, whose arduous journey through a series of shelters in Los Angeles turns into a journey of self-discovery - each with its own laws, its own dangers, its hard lessons to learn. Based on Janet Finch's bestselling book White Oleander, the film tells the story of a young woman who moves from hardship and maturity to joy and true independence. After her uncompromising but seductive mother, Ingrid (MICHELLE PFEIFFER), kills her boyfriend for dumping her, 15-year-old Astrid (ALISON LOMAN) witnesses her mother's arrest. This event will change both of their lives. Young Astrid is suddenly alone. After visiting several orphanages (and several foster mothers, including ROBIN WRIGHT PENN and RENE SELWEGER), Astrid gives up and struggles to learn the techniques she needs to survive in an often violent world. Astrid is dying to adapt her personality to the ever-changing environment. Ingrid's powerful influence behind bars is the only constant in Astrid's life. For better or worse... In three years of transitioning from childhood to adulthood, Astrid must learn to value courage and independence, anger and forgiveness, love and survival in order to be free from the past.