Trees of Peace (2021) User Reviews (49)

Surviving

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 11 June 2022]

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.

Cool picture just needed a little more.

[cobaints · 6/10 · 26 July 2022]

I feel this film could have been great if it just gave the viewer a little more than we got, the dialogue for this film was really great and the cinematography really makes the viewer feel like they are trapped inside the room with them. The story is where I find the biggest flaw, we get some okay character development but thats where it ends. The film closes out with nothing at the end, just cut off, and in a movie like this where character and dialogue is key we only got one half of the pie. We spend 90% of the film learning about the characters for nothing. Decent film tho.

Anne Frrank with a better outcome

[dcarroll74 · 8/10 · 18 June 2022]

That might appear to be a flippant comment at first however, it is not. I have personal friends who served in Rwanda in the aftermath of this atrocity therefore, I can speak as I find.

I only had one problem with this movie. While it is understood that the women were in a confined space, and had to whisper; there was over use of whispering, and much of the dialogue was lost. This means that, points of specific reference were lost to the general audience, who may or may not be aware of the African equivalent of The Holocaust.

I would suggest that those who made this movie in the first place, get back those who did sound and editing, and redo.

This film should be a requirement to watch..

[rlankford · 10/10 · 17 November 2021]

There are few films these days that make it into the category of true "must see" films. While I had knowledge of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the tragedies and horrific crimes against humanity committed felt very far away and disconnected from my own life. Trees of Peace gives the viewer a personal perspective of what it's like to live and die in a hell that the majority of us will never have to face.

The audience benefits from the well thought decisions made by the Director. Each scene is craftily curated, and preplanned to the point that one feels that they are experiencing the film alongside the characters as opposed to only observing it. These characters that we sit beside are fully formed people with real dialog, who we can all relate to in some capacity, and because of this it is easy to remain engaged in the story happening all around us.

The cast members are lost in the characters. We never see actors, but instead they disappear into their God given talent and skill in front of the camera and we as the audience only believe we are watching life itself, and not art imitating it.

I believe Trees of Peace gives another voice to people in the global conversation of freedom and equality that may have been overlooked, and I applaud the efforts and sacrifices of the Producer to present this gift to the world.

This piece of cinema uses a news story to remind us all of how fragile our lives are and it teaches us how we can behave and how we can relate to one another, regardless of our background.

As empty as that basement wall

[WhyIhateNetflix · 3/10 · 17 June 2022]

The backdrop of the Rwandan genocide gives an emotional load to any film you'd make and the actresses make the most of this movie but its not great. They are sometimes overhearing obviously fake dialogues to increase the emotional tension. In the end its four women in a basement making one dumb decision after another without getting caught. After sitting through this you dont even hear what happened after because these characters are not "based on real life". The hero in this story is the husband bringing Them food continuously despite it being a movie about female strength. In the end if you want to watch a good movie on the topic watch hotel Rwanda or the killing fields (i know different genocide). Those are much better with real emotional development and dialogues that are worth watching.

Wow. An incredible film!

[marcguzman-24073 · 10/10 · 17 November 2021]

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!

Extremely slowgoing and very predictable

[Erik_Surewaard · 1/10 · 19 June 2022]

After reading some of the numerous 10-star reviews, I decided to watch this movie. I however was unable to recognize any of the glorifying reviews when I watched this movie.

The movie may be based on a true story, but it seems to be a 10-minute story that was stretched out in a feature length movie. The first 5 minutes of the movie were thereby attractive, but after that the story became a slowgoing and very predictable one. So slowgoing, that watching it at 1.5x speed was not even sufficient in it keeping my attention. At 20 minutes in the movie I could not do different than stopping the effort. Since I do not take such a decision lightly, I forwarded the movie to a point just before the end, but it was the same all-over: dull and predictable.

Contrary to a glorifying review, I can therefore not do otherwise than give this movie a 1-star rating. From an outlet of the likes of Netflix, I really expect more. This movie is most certainly not a worthwile addition to the libarary of movies that try to explain what occured during the Rwanda genocide.

A mastery in filmmaking

[aivvisuals · 10/10 · 10 June 2022]

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!

Beautiful and Unique

[shannoncoreenbailey · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

This movie is difficult and uncomfortable to watch, which is the point. Alanna shoots the movie in a tight space, following four women as they try to survive a war in hiding. The way this film is shot puts you in the small crawl space with these women, making you feel claustrophobic and uneasy. It brings to life for the viewer what these women are feeling. This is a movie to be experienced, not just watched. You will leave with a greater appreciation of the suffering war brings as well as the strength and companionship it takes to survive it. This is a beautiful film, written and directed by a very talented female director. I highly recommend this film.

Kept me on the edge of my seat!

[aleabehm · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

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!

Soul Touching

[amandamariek · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

This movie tells the stories of 4 women in a extraordinary situation, against the backdrop of a the Rwanda genocide. The film speaks to the heart of women and brings their struggles into focus.

More important than that, it amplifies the voices of the unseen in Rwanda. It sheds light on the horrors they faced, and it invites the viewer to feel their pain, hope their hopes, and dream their dreams. It's truly a beautiful film.

Inspirational and emotional movie

[aquibreza-74604 · 10/10 · 26 November 2021]

It's emotional and inspirational movie ever I have watched... There are many inspirational movies but are underrated... We should encourage them. Hollywood need to make many movies on ethnic cleansing and genocide. Ethnic cleansing in Myanmar and in Bosnia and many other places one should make movies and emotional journey of black people in slavery and how the life changed them while slavery and hunger, poor natural disasters in Africa and many small and poor countries one should make movies on them...

Wow!

[leonelseverino18 · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

This film has a powerful story behind it, the crying parts hut home because you see the hurt! It reminds me of my little island, the Dominican Republic!

Thank you for this movie!

Now into the filmmaking it's self! The camera angles are important, the low angles to show how the scenes are powerful and overtaken from the bad guys was important and a great call!

The actors were amazing and were invested in their roles! I don't want to give anything away but wow congratulations!!

The ending what a surprise.

Please watch it and really put your filmmaking hat on and watch it then tell me I'm wrong.... I'm not lol!

Ps. I know the work behind it and seeing it on Netflix is inspiring!!!

Mesmerizing!!

[seglance · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

I was holding back tears even through the trailer. I learned so much from this heart wrenching film about the Rwandan Genocide and wish it could be required viewing for everyone. Such a tragic and senseless event that occurred so recently in human history, and like so many others, left out of the school books. A powerful story brought to life by the amazing actors. A must-see!!!

Phenomenal

[sambempong · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

Please watch this film. The writing is superb, the beauty and brutality of humanity is on full display. We can all learn so much and relate to this very human story. Uplifting and gut wrenching in the best way.

Gave me goosebumps

[DanishKarthikKolar · 10/10 · 10 June 2022]

This movie is a rare gem in many ways; the acting, directing, story, cinematography and editing. Captures your from the beginning to the end. I could not step away, its a MUST SEE!

Poweful Storytelling Based on Truth

[kshade-27144 · 10/10 · 10 June 2022]

This powerful film based on true events is set during the Rwandan genocide and tells the story of 4 women who must overcome unimaginable circumstances in order to survive.

Through vastly different backgrounds they fight to keep their sanity while navigating a claustrophobic environment. The women must learn to trust one another and work together if they have any hope of escaping their situation alive.

While brutal and gutwrenching in its storytelling at times, the film has plenty of moving moments that demonstrate the power of love and forgiveness. Moving portrayals of these women through some very amazing and talented actors.

Amazing production

[kekane-67867 · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

I echo comments of others on the breadth and complexity of emotion that is fantastically captured in this film, based on such a brutal and inhuman catastrophe. I would also like to congratulate and applaud the amazing filmmaking team that could skillfully paint such a vivid and emotionally complex tapestry, within the confines of a wooden box no less. Bravo.

I'm still crying

[rodrigues-39189 · 9/10 · 20 June 2023]

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.

Beautiful Film

[queenfsp · 10/10 · 19 July 2022]

The film was beautiful. While it is not based on any single real-life account, watching the bond between four women of differing backgrounds develop as they gained a greater understanding of themselves, was tear-jerking. The setting of the film added an extra layer of difficulty. As a character-driven film instead of action-driven, the dialogue and character arcs were of utter importance, which the writer/director delivered well.

While the Rwandan Genocide was a terrible event I wished was taught more, this story of hope and hardship is a good way to get a glimpse of life during this harrowing ordeal.

Amazing movie

[crystaltcmrocks · 9/10 · 1 May 2023]

This film was very realistic and scary. I felt very scared for the women in the room. Not knowing if they would survive or not. The noises scared me a ton cause it made you feel like you were with them. Super realistic, I heard about what happened but didn't know the full extent to it and what happened during the attacks. The actors were amazing in their roles. Very proud on how this movie got watched. My friend's dad was a producer on this film so I actually know someone that worked on this film. I loved it though. All in all amazing movie and I definitely recommend everyone watch it. The dad of my friend is Brian.

A must watch for anybody complaining about trivialities!

[NestorTheGreat · 10/10 · 22 August 2022]

A heartbreaking and, suprisingly, uplifting recount of the atrocious events in Rwanda when the Hutus slaughtered the Tutsi, "thanks to the Belgiums"! Not much is known thanks to the media's blackout while horrific events were unfolding, but thanks to the brave survivors that were able to share their nightmares, we are more empathetic about it.

Hiding from clear and imminent danger four women are cramped into a subterranean prison where their will and patience are tested to the extreme! Each from different lifestyles, backgrounds and heritage they must learn to coexist to survive. The only other option is played out right outside the room's peep hole (or window), with barbaric effect!

Their only support comes intermittently from one of the lady's husband, as he brings whatever food and water he can salvage whenever he can escape the murderers' eyes!

Tense, emotional, scary, brutal, real, and even funny at times, the film concentrates solely on their suffering while cursory visions of the atrocities outside. Judging the script, photography, direction or acting would be missing the whole point of the film! These are human beings facing the hardest challenge of their life with resilience and heart!

Captivating and Powerful

[facialface · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

Wow!! This movie delivers a fresh perspective from the typical Hollywood clutter which seem to be the focus of major studios nowadays. The film puts you in the middle of the Rwandan genocide and it's an emotional journey, which is what the art of filmmaking is about. It's a welcome change and well worth the watch. More emotional, thoughtful, impactful movies such as this would be a tremendous upgrade from the standard watered down, box office garbage.

Cinema of Peace

[afreemanworld · 10/10 · 14 June 2022]

I am from Delhi, India. I am an independent filmmaker. I had recently watched "Trees of Peace" on Netflix. It's a beautiful film with great writing. The way these folks pulled the film in a small attic with four actresses in the dystopian environment of massacre blood thirsty Rwanda teaches a lot in terms of filmmaking.

If you're among those who love pure cinema and want to know real stories , I would suggest you to watch this film and support great cinema of our times.

A must see film!

[julyvisions · 10/10 · 14 June 2022]

Trees of Peace wonderful film. Brilliantly directed and written. We get to meet witness the wrongs in our world so we can make the changes in our life so this does not happen again thru the art we watch on the screen. The 5 lead actors were so good that I felt their pain. This film created a world that impacts our fellow brothers and sisters that will break your heart and touch your sole. You can watch this film on Netflix.