Árboles de paz

Poignant.

Important.

Heart breaking.

Raw.

I knew what I was getting myself into when I started this movie but I was not prepared. The performances are all impeccable, the emotions conveyed had me grabbing at my chest. These women both in real life and the ones that movie is based off of deserve their flowers.

The Rwandan genocide has always been an incredibly hard subject to tackle in media, trying to find a balance between not oversimplifying it and not trying to make it torture porn. This film finds that balance without fail. The fact that I was hooked the entire time when 99% of the film takes place in one room says something.

This movie tells the stories of 4 women in a extraordinary situation, against the backdrop of a the Rwanda genocide. The film speaks to the heart of women and brings their struggles into focus.

More important than that, it amplifies the voices of the unseen in Rwanda. It sheds light on the horrors they faced, and it invites the viewer to feel their pain, hope their hopes, and dream their dreams. It's truly a beautiful film.

I feel this film could have been great if it just gave the viewer a little more than we got, the dialogue for this film was really great and the cinematography really makes the viewer feel like they are trapped inside the room with them. The story is where I find the biggest flaw, we get some okay character development but thats where it ends. The film closes out with nothing at the end, just cut off, and in a movie like this where character and dialogue is key we only got one half of the pie. We spend 90% of the film learning about the characters for nothing. Decent film tho.

Love love LOVED this film. Kept me on the edge of my seat. This is not the kind of film to watch if you're looking for something lighthearted. I love drama and deep movies that are also educational, so this was a perfect pick. I had no idea about the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda so additionally this was very eye opening for me. Highly recommend if you're looking for an emotional dramatic film!

This movie is difficult and uncomfortable to watch, which is the point. Alanna shoots the movie in a tight space, following four women as they try to survive a war in hiding. The way this film is shot puts you in the small crawl space with these women, making you feel claustrophobic and uneasy. It brings to life for the viewer what these women are feeling. This is a movie to be experienced, not just watched. You will leave with a greater appreciation of the suffering war brings as well as the strength and companionship it takes to survive it. This is a beautiful film, written and directed by a very talented female director. I highly recommend this film.