A House Made of Splinters

Your parents prefer the bottle over you, like to drink themselves to death while they eschew, as you're a child you are then taken, left feeling totally forsaken, at a loss to know, what you are meant to do. At least the people at the house really do care, and all the other kids with which you have to share, but if those parents don't recover, no one comes along to foster, the orphanage, is where you'll find despair.

It's a heart-breaking film that shows us the journey of several children whose parents addiction has landed their offspring in a world they never would have expected, although far preferable to what must have been hell on earth before. Located in eastern Ukraine, the story is one that can be told the world over, sadly.

The First Casualty of War is the Truth

"The Truth" Something we associate with childhood, innocence, naivety, honesty, bliss, wonder, trust.

Childhood is under threat worldwide, the stress of a Toxic Capitalism and over population has left our children traumatised and vulnerable.

Homo Sapiens are a destructive species, but their is a moment in their development that is truly wonderful, childhood.

This documentary illustrates how we have truly lost our way, Capitalism fuels the war in Ukraine

Trillions of Dollars in supplied weapons and promises of joining NATO under certain conditions

Children want loving parents and a nice meal and warm bed, but the Patriarchy insists on it's dick measuring contest.

The whole World of Children is at war , and Truth is not the first casualty, it's always the Children.

Originally premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema Documentary Competition Selection.

"A House Made of Splinters" examines the children and staff in a special kind of home: an institution for children who have been removed from their homes while awaiting court custody decisions. This documentary is pretty brutal and touching. The exploitation of children in the institution was well presented as the documentary focuses on how the children are being effected and their life isn't easy.

The camerawork and presentation is very well done and the soundtrack fits properly to the film's tone. Each children that is explored give interesting discussions about themselves, their families and sometimes horrifying confessions of what their parents are like and what they had seen through their eyes. The documentary isn't entirely depressing with some nice wholesome moments where we witness the children experience happiness, but the overall lore is pretty depressing. There are some pacing issues halfway in the film and some of the music is a bit cheesy but for the most part, it was effective.

For someone who has young relatives, this documentary was pretty tough to watch sometimes. But it's very important to be seen. I'd recommend it.

Rating: B+

I had to push myself to keep watching A House Made of Splinters, not because it was bad - it wasn't. It was because it was so heart breaking. Regardless of this being set in a Ukraine children's home, I think this documentary is universal as there are children going through this all over the world. Drug addict, alcoholic and abusive parents who don't give a damn about their children is something that is unfortunately wide spread across the world, it happens even in your own suburb probably.

It was hard to watch these beautiful children going through such sadness. I would hate to know what they are thinking in their delicate minds, how unloved they were feeling, how abandoned they were.

The staff of the home appear to do their best for them, but their hands are tied. They can't control useless parents.

I think this documentary is a must watch for any parent.

I hope that all these children featured are safe and having better lives.

A very touching film about children in a shelter. You get to follow some children during they stay, wich can be no more than 9 months.

I liked the film very much and was touched by it. It would have been the same even in different times, but now when Russia has attacked Ukraine 10 days ago and so many suffer badly. Those children don't have an easy life and now also the war. Do they have food, water and heating? Are they still alive? Those thoughts came to me when watching. It's such a cruel war. All wars are cruel, of course.

Thank you for this wonderful portrait of the children!