Oranges and Sunshine

Film Review by David McGinty | 31 Mar 2011
Film title: Oranges and Sunshine
Director: Jim Loach
Starring: Emily Watson, David Wenham, Hugo Weaving
Release date: 1 Apr
Certificate: 15

Diplomatic dilemma and political blame-dodging; children being removed from their mothers, dispatched for ‘better lives’ in the colonies only to be abused by the very institutions responsible for their wellbeing. It's potentially captivating, but Jim Loach misses the mark somewhat with his debut feature. ‘Based on a true story', social worker Margaret Humphreys (Watson) travels to Australia in an attempt to reunite British orphans with their families some thirty years after their deportation. Opting for the Erin Brockovich approach, Loach uses Humphreys to provide not only the film’s perspective, but also its sentimental focus. This is where problems begin. It’s difficult to care about Humphreys’ strained family life – complete with supportive husband and relatively understanding children – within the context of the horrific accounts being retold by the victims of abuse. Consequently any interest in the film dwindles, and the compulsory ‘where they are now’ credits evoke, at most, an ennui-inspired shoulder shrug. A disappointing attempt to illuminate a dark time in Commonwealth history. [David McGinty]

 

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