Film Review №2

"Finding Neverland" (2004)

Cast: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Radha Mitchell, Julie Christie, Dustin Hoffman.

Director: Mark Forster

Synopsis: the film is a fictionalized account of the creation of “Peter Pan” by the Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie who found his inspiration through his relationship with a beautiful widow and her sons in 1903 London.

Review:

Barrie (Johnny Depp) has just suffered another stage failure when, he meets single mother Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) and her four little sons, one of whom—Peter (Freddie Highmore), has been so wounded by his father's death that he's seemingly lost every trace of youthful carelessness or inventiveness. The writer, an eccentric man more interested in working and playing games with children than spending time with his wife (Radha Mitchell), soon becomes a kind of a father/husband to Sylvia’s family to the disappointment of Sylvia's overprotective mother (Julie Christie). After a while, his carefree days spent with the children result into a unique play about Peter Pan, and, despite the professional risk, convince his skeptical theater-owner employer Charles Frohman (Dustin Hoffman) to stage this production.

Speaking about the film, it is necessary to mention the costumes which, in my opinion, are gorgeous, well-fitted and flattering to all the actors and also have a kind of inventiveness. The locations are perfect too with lush greenery, fountains, and opulent interiors. It also has terrific, magnificent and glorious music.

Speaking about the actors, it should be mentioned that their performance is great. Kate Winslet believably plays a strong and capable mother, astoundingly performing her role. Johnny Depp is absolutely captivating throughout the entire film. His performance is truly believable. The boys performing Sylvia’s children are a lot of fun to watch and play their dramatic parts perfectly. Also in smaller-but-important roles are two famous actors: Dustin Hoffman and Julie Christie.

All in all, “Finding Neverland” is one of the best movies I have ever seen. The idea of making a movie about how the writer of Peter Pan invented and started creating it, is original and great. The emotions that wave throughout the movie are beautiful, and really touch your heart. There is not only plenty of drama and tragedy, but plenty of comical moments, too. The movie captures youth and imagination in a very enjoyable manner that even can bring tears to your eyes. With a little imagination you can go everywhere even if you are not a child. So, those who have forgotten the magic of being a child and of the fairies that guide them in their every step should watch this movie to remind themselves of the magic they lost on their way to adulthood. I think that Neverland is the most magical place of them all. It is also necessary to say that “Finding Neverland” is not an average nice film; it reveals people’s attitudes towards life and reality. On the whole, “Finding Neverland” is about being different, and it also reminds us that dreams can be fulfilled only if you believe.