L'arbre

I would like to add information about this film some people might find interesting it was actually shot in different locations in Queensland.. Winton, which actually is in the outback roughly in the middle of QLD and Boonah and the Kalbar/Tarome area not far from Boonah in South East QLD (not really the outback) Winton is over 1,350 kms from Boonah despite the geographical differences in the locations they blend seamlessly together being from the area ( The view outside my window includes the giant Moreton Bay Fig now known as "The Tree") it is amazing to see how they made these entirely different locations look like the same place as for the film it's an interesting combination of fantasy and reality light on fantasy heavy on reality it is not supposed to provide the answers to questions that arise from the family's situation it avoids, or attempts to avoid depictions of various characters reactions that are cliche even if that is to the detriment of the character or film nor does it have a neat and tidy ending that resolves all their issues and sets a clear path for the future that would seem more unreal, it is the unknown in that regard that is slightly haunting. It wasn't perfect in the acting department and was a little overlong but it had just enough puff to get me to the end. I wouldn't say the story and much of the film was enjoyable it's not that kind of film it was more like looking through a window into other peoples misfortunes and you feel lucky that that isn't you..the funny part was the frogs in the toilet and that does actually happen out here in the sticks sometimes that is not so funny.

A strong, layered second film by Julie Bertocelli, one which probably deserves more recognition that it has been given by most critics. I found it difficult to take my eyes off of Charlotte Gainsbourg, who gave a sensitive and complex portrayal of a woman grieving her husband's passing. While the film may have been compared to WALKABOUT, given the cinematic opportunities of the outback, the spiritual nature of the environment paves way for specific beautiful and endearing unexpected visual delights which compliment the narrative in obvious ways, but perhaps not offensively so. The film is quite focused. It is kept simple and unfolds nicely. I found it much more pleasing to sit through than TREE OF LIFE. Bertocelli's film is much more tightly woven and traditional in form, not necessarily any less authentic or profound. Moments were delightful, not excruciatingly painful in the sense of wallowing, allowing the occasional irritation from the daughter to seep into the point where you just want Dawn to slap her across the face. May make more of an interesting comparison the that tree scene in Poltergeist or the horror film about the WOODS. Definitely underrated on here, a film well worth checking out.

The universal theme of suffering after the abrupt death of a dear one, with the necessity for those who remain to go on with life, is here presented in a very serene way. No melodrama, no anxiety, no exaggeration in sensitivity, but solid realism, with a touch of the magic of this tree, heart of the family and of the movie. It's a movie which follows the pace and the inner development of the single characters, mainly of Dawn, the mother, and Simone, the daughter, both wonderfully interpreted by a high-talented Charlotte Gainsbourg, and by a surprisingly mature little girl. It's a movie about the need to go on, to accept the strokes of life with the force and dignity that, let me say it, sometimes only women have, with no sentimentalism, no pathetic indulgence, but with sober realism and a strong feeling for human courage. Another movie that unfortunately will not reach the great distribution, but we know that the phantasmagoric magic of Harry Potter attracts more public and brings more money than the humble magic of a fig tree. However, a truly valid picture.

I wanted to yank the stupid out of Dawn (Charlotte Gainsbourg). As a mother and a wife she needed to step the hell up and get her life together. As an actress, was Charlotte on drugs? It seemed that at each scene she was so detached that we weren't sure if she forgot her lines, or what.

It's about time we here in the US get to see some "real" Aussies instead of Jackman and Kidman prancing about. Marton (Csokas) has been up and down the block but still refreshing.

I would have rated this lower but I really enjoyed the overall story. Worth a watch but not a buy.

Ciao, babies.

I just finished watching The Tree, and I can not describe the feeling that I have.

This was truly a beautiful film, so touching and heartfelt. If you are expecting a tear jerking drama, then The Tree will not deliver what you want. The Tree has its sad moments, but it more focus's on the happier moments. The acting is very well done, the cinematography is stunning and the musical score is brilliant. Also, Morgana Davies is adorable! I can't wait to see how far she goes.

I highly suggest you sit down and watch the tree, it will give you a very warm feeling inside! 9/10