The importance of Legacy. An uplifting tale for those who want to live life to the fullest.

Rating: 9/10 (4 May 2020)

-- Maybe MILD, MILD SPOILERS -- for those who want to know what to expect from the movie but don't want to be spoiled of key aspects.
If you knew exactly when you were going to die, would you live life differently? The answer to this question is explored here in a fantastical and uplifting tale of a man who told his life story to his son which seemed too extraordinary to be true but yet was not entirely false. It almost seems unrecognisable the fact that Tim Burton directed this movie as, visually, it's the least macabre and extravagant of his, yet the deep heartfelt storytelling he always puts in them is not only still there but takes the center stage in this one.
It is impossible to provide a spoiler-free review of a movie that tries to blur the line between fantasy and fiction, but here's a review that attempts to capture the essence and feeling of the movie.
The use of metaphors, symbolism and fairy tale morals provide a unique and stylised point of view of the life of a man who always dreamt big. While, to his son, all his stories seemed like pipe dreams with no other purpose than to amuse him as he was younger; he however doesn't get as mad as anybody would have gotten in his same situation. He approaches him in what could be considered his death bed to ask him to tell the truth.
Throughout the movie we witness many incredible feats the father accomplished in every stage of his life, some of them good and others not so good. The story telling smartly wraps every life story with a coat of positive outlook paint at a dire or frightening situation while as the plot moves along it leaves the audience wondering if it was true and it if isn't we want to believe it is.
It reminds me of another drastically genre-different movie called The Pan's Labyrinth (2006), which takes place in the 1930s and in it a little girl finds a faun who tells her she is the lost princess of a fantastical kingdom and gives her three trials she must complete in order to be able to return to it. As you watch the movie progress you get the feeling that certain themes are conflicting with one another as you try to figure out if what the girl is actually witnessing is fiction or not. I won't spoil the ending but it ties up closely to what happens in this movie although it has been stated by the director (Guillermo Del Toro) the actual ending.
IN CONCLUSION, regardless of whether the ending is satisfying for everyone or not, the movie is blatantly self-aware of what it is and never tries to hide its inevitable conclusion. It's ending has a sense of finality and a deep message that sticks with you and especially makes you realise the importance of life, the people you meet and the family you have. It's uplifting, optimistic, positive and encouraging; an absolute must watch to those who want to live life to the fullest...
P.S.: The title of this movie might be the best title any movie has ever had. Absolutely heartwarming when you understand what it means.