Trees of Peace

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!

Trees of peace takes place durning the Rwandan genocide, also known as the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

The film follows four women of different backgrounds, as they take refuge in a small space below a home as militants seek to murder all Tutsi people and those who sympathize with them.

What really stood out to me in this film was the ability to capture my attention from the very start of the film. Everything from the writing to the acting, directing production was at the highest level. The way the story kept my attention is something to behold in itself as the whole film takes place in this small space over a period of 80+ days.

This film is a reminder of the cruelty of humanity but also the kindness and love of it. I wouldn't be surprised if this gets Oscar nods. It's just that good. I'm excited to see where the careers of all involved go, especially Writer/Director Alannah Brown. I highly recommend this film!

There are films so impactful that they change your perspective, and this is one of those films. How the story is presented and filmed is unique, rarely done, and this was executed perfectly. The cast had amazing chemistry and connected well together. Highly recommended!

Hiding in tight spots is ... exaggerating to say the least. Also if you are thinking about watching this be aware that you should not have issues with tight little spaces. If you have claustrophobia - maybe it isn't the best idea to watch the movie.

Now if you have no issues that I mentioned above, you should also be aware that the pace is quite slow. But the drama is as high as it can get. And all based on a real story apparently. This is gripping, this is as suspensful as a movie can get ... on the edge of your seat stuff. Are you ready for this? Also there is of course a social message here too ... really good movie.

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.