Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.. (Winston Churchill)
Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.. (Winston Churchill)
Member since:07.12.2002
Reviews:261
Members who trust:778
Finding Neverland is basically a film about the man who laments the loss of his childhood and who writes a story about a boy who doesn’t grow up. It is the story of Sir J.M. Barrie and his inspiration for his most famous book, Peter Pan.
David Magee based his screenplay on the play of the same name by Allan Knee. It is a fictional story “inspired by true events”; or so the caption at the start of the film tells us. .
The film opens as Barrie (Johnny Depp) watches his latest play open to negative critical response. He is under pressure from his main investor (Dustin Hoffman) to write a new and more successful play. Whilst in the park, Barrie meets the Davies family: a widow, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) and her four sons; Peter, George, Jack and Michael. As Barrie’s relationship with the family develops so does his new play. His playtime scenarios with the boys at Cowboys and Indians and Pirates reveal something of Barrie’s lonliness as well as inspiration for the play.
Neverland is described by Barrie as the world in which his lost youth resides and its transformation from imagination to discovery becomes a central factor to both his play and his life. Neglected responsibilities; as exemplified by his wife Mary (Radha Mitchell); and social disapproval (as exemplified by Sylvia’s mother (Julie Christie); combine to both undermine and stimulate his creative talents.
The acting throughout the film was excellent. Depp puts in a superb performance as the solitary and introspect Barrie (a complete contrast to the Pirates of the Carribean). Kate Winslett is charming and alluring. Freddie Highmore is remarkable as Peter. His solemn and wide-eyed innocent appearance is heartrending. The magnificent Dustin Hoffman is superb in the supporting role as the impasario, Charles Frohman, who never lost faith in Barrie giving him the opportunity to stage Peter Pan in his Neverland. Julie Christie gives a strong performance as the controlling yet loving mother.
Director, Marc Foster, weaves together reality and fantasy in a delightful manner. Barrie dance with his dog in the park becomes a waltz with a bear in a grand ballroom, Sylvia’s mother is transformed into Hook and Barrie’s games with the children are transported to the ocean and into Africa.
The cinematography is fantastic ranging from the Edwardian theatre-going London society to the Surrey countryside.
The soundtrack composed by Jan A. P. Kaczmarek is comprised of incidental music to enhance and support the action and feelings of the film. Kaczmarek uses the piano as the prime solo instrument set against the fuller orchestral movements. It was rumoured that there was to be an original song, "Peter's Song" performed by Elton John featured in the film but this did not materialise. The soundtrack was fitting as unassuming as Barrie himself yet also as brilliant and as dynamic.
The film is bittersweet: Sweet (Barrie’s brainwave to install twenty-five orphans to Peter Pan’s opening night in the audience where their laugher and naive wonder inspires the adults in the audience to share in the magic), bitter (Barrie’s failing and childless marriage and Sylvia debilitating consumption).
The film is rated PG and is suitable for all age groups. Children will love the games and the fun. The issues of sex are not ignored but are drastically played down. The issue of pedophilia (a real issue which plagued Barrie’s reputation) is touched on and quickly brushed over. His seemingly sexless marriage and his platonic love affair are issues that are apparent but not discussed.
Was Neverland found and by whom? You must watch it to find out. I do recommend you do. Take with you your imagination and your handkerchief – you will need them both.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Sweetness that doesn't turn saccharine is hard to find these days;Finding Neverlandhits ... more
the mark. Much credit is due to the actors: Johnny Depp applies his genius for sly whimsy in his portrayal of playwright J. M. Barrie, who finds inspiration for his...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Award-winning stars Johnny Depp (Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl), ... more
Kate Winslet (Titanic) and Dustin Hoffman (Rain Man) bring to life the story of a man who awakened the world's imagination, and the people who inspired him. Findi...
Sweetness that doesn't turn saccharine is hard to find these days;Finding Neverlandhits ... more
the mark. Much credit is due to the actors: Johnny Depp applies his genius for sly whimsy in his portrayal of playwright J. M. Barrie, who finds inspiration for his...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
![Finding Neverland [DVD] [2004]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78485525.jpg "Finding Neverland [DVD] [2004]")
Nov 21st, 2004
exceptional by (5%):
very helpful by (92%):
helpful by (2%):
