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This fine but shocking drama (which Ted Turner paid for and then refused to show on his cable outfits), based on the novel by Dorothy Allison, concerns extensive abuse endured by a girl (Jena Malone) at the hands of her stepfather (Ron Eldard), while her mother (Jennifer Jason Leigh) looks the other way. Anjelica Huston made her directorial debut with this film and demonstrates that talent also runs in the family when behind the camera. Difficult to watch but mitigated by Huston's intelligent approach and sense of balance--as well as outstanding performances--this is a significant film best left to the most mature audiences. --Tom Keogh

Review
Based on the novel by Dorothy Allison, Bastard out of Carolina marks the directorial debut of acclaimed actress Anjelica Huston. Originally a made-for-TV movie, this disturbing family drama premiered on the Showtime cable network after TNT declined to broadcast it due to the dark subject. The topic of child abuse is inherently unsettling, yet Huston refused to sensationalize the depictions of violence. The painfully realistic abuse does become almost unbearable to watch, but it thankfully surpasses becoming exploitation by treating the characters with compassion. Given their situations in the poverty-stricken Deep South, the actors also do a reasonable job of not resorting to "white trash" stereotypes. Especially memorable is the screen debut of promising star Jena Malone, who portrays Bone with an amazing range for a child actor. Though the grim realities and graphic violence are difficult to endure, Bastard out of Carolina is a haunting portrait of a touchy subject that is often given the schmaltzy after-school-special treatment. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

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16 Reviews 5 star:  (8) 4 star:  (2) 3 star:  (1) 2 star:  (1) 1 star:  (4)           Average Customer Review (16 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most helpful customer reviews   3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Terrific Movie but Disturbing, Feb 2 2004 By  E. A Hill (Plumsteadville, PA United States) - See all my reviews    This review is from: Bastard Out of Carolina (VHS Tape) I just saw this movie for the first time and thought it was outstanding....particuarly the acting. However, it was disturbing especially considering this type of abuse takes place everyday in America...which I believe was message the movie was sending. It's a story that needs to be told. I was particuarly shocked(!)that the mother chose her husband over her daughter...even when she caught him red-handed!!!! And to make matters worse, he was never formally charged/punished. What I would really like to know is how they filmed the brutal rape scene. The talented actress must have not been much older than the character she was portraying. I wonder if a child psychologist/counselor was on the set to work with/debrief her. I would love to see a behind-the-scenes interview on the making of this movie. Overall, I highly recommend this movie, although it may be too upsetting for sensitive viewers. Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: Interesting but disturbing movie, May 26 2004 By  Cathy M. Fink "hempist" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews This review is from: Bastard Out of Carolina (VHS Tape) Wow! This movie is really intense in parts, some scenes were VERY graphic. Let the viewer beware! This is not a movie for children. It tells the story of a girl who is physically & sexually abused by her stepfather and her mother doesn't protect her. If you like these kind of movies, I would definately recommend this one; the actors are wonderful and the story is very compelling. I did think the pace of the movie was slow in some parts and also some of the characters weren't developed fully enough. That's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: