Oranges and Sunshine
(2010)The true story of Margaret Humphreys (Emily Watson, Cemetery Junction), a social worker from Nottingham who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the organised, forced deportation of more than 100,000 poor and orphaned children from the United Kingdom to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. The scheme began in the 1800s and ended in the late 1960s. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a formal apology to affected families in 2010.... More
Almost single-handedly and against the odds, Humphreys reunited thousands of families, brought authorities to account and brought worldwide attention to this miscarriage of justice.
Also starring Hugo Weaving (The Matrix), this is the feature debut from director Jim 'son of Ken' Loach.Hide
-
Directed by Jim Loach (feature debut)
Starring Hugo Weaving, Emily Watson, David Wenham, Tara Morice, Lorraine Ashbourne, Clayton Watson
Written by Rona Munro
Out Now (On-Demand,
DVD or Blu-Ray)
On Demand, DVD & Blu-Ray
Available from 2 providers
The Peoples' Reviews
Reviewed & Rated by
Your rating & review
Rate / Review this movieRate and/or review
Oranges and Sunshine
BY Holyplank nobody
The film is that much more absorbing by connecting the tragedy to the true story (Autobiography) of Emily Watson and her exposure of
these mistreated children. Brilliantly casted and acted no one left my viewing without a wet tear and... More a thought provoking face. A memorable film to recommend to Baby Boomers.Hide
BY Tony-Bertasius lister
The most moving moments are where they should be, with the survivors (even part of that was spoiled when I saw it at the Rialto by the incessant opening of the... More doors by the staff to make sure everything is OK), whose stories of neglect and abuse are heartbreaking.
Read the autobiography and be moved and impressed by this woman driven to extreme lengths to uncover the truth.Hide
BY Linda-Jordan nobody
We went to see this movie knowing very little about the history that has been pushed under the carpet. We were truly moved by the plight of these people and what they endured. A very well portrayed movie with enough to keep you wanting more.
BY freshdude superstar
The film never falls into gratuitous voyeurism even in the most upsetting and rawest part of the story.
And not only it is well directed, it is definitely well acted with a stunning performance from Emily Watson as Margaret Humphreys, and plenty of pitch perfect second roles... More including Sam Neil and Tara Morice .Hide
BY Olivia-Prasad superstar
Quite unbelievable that something like what happens in the movie actually happened in real life; a great film to see just to open your eyes towhat happended if anything else.
Showing 5 of 7 reviews. See all reviews
The Press Reviews
Moving if low-key, Jim Loach's debut feature is proof that compassionate, socially conscious filmmaking runs in the family. Full Review
There’s a lot to be said for such heart-wrenching drama that doesn’t fall into the easy trap of mawkishness or manipulation – Loach has cast actors capable of dealing with raw scenes in a spare yet deeply moving way. Full Review
A forgotten generation remembered… Full Review
In the best tradition of British social realism, Denson Baker's largely handheld camera is steady and unobtrusive; Lisa Gerrard's lovely score is discreetly applied. All other technical aspects are top-notch. Full Review
Impressively directed and superbly written, this is a powerfully emotional drama with a terrific central performance from Emily Watson. Full Review
Care to comment?