Moving

Rating: 9/10 (4 November 2004)

Okay, so I may be a little biased here because when I was a kid, Disney's Peter Pan was my favourite thing in the world, but bear with me. Finding Neverland is a truly wonderful film that is touching, uplifting, moving, happy and sad. Johnny Depp plays Barrie exceptionally well, eccentric and excitable but all the while still restrained enough to be convincing of the time period. His attempt on the Scotting accent was admirable, not perfect, at times he sounded a little too like Shrek, but on the whole better than I could have done, and I have Scottish heritage!
Kate Winslet also makes a fine turn, but the real gems of this movie are the children. The young boy playing Peter was exceptional, he really convinced me of the trauma he was going through and I found it heart wrenching that this sweet little boy with a wonderful imagination was having to grow up and deal with the pains of the adult world.
Finding Neverland revolves around themes that are all present in Peter Pan, the escapism, the power of belief, the importance of friendship and adventure but most of all the theme of not wanting to grow up. Finding Neverland doesn't really add much that hasn;t already been said about Peter Pan, but what it does do is tell the story of its genesis beautifully. It re-inforces the Peter Pan message of enjoying childhood and that within us all we are all children at heart. It shows that even though J M Barrie had the best and honourable intentions, his actions also caused sadness and grief to those he loved. The film shows his dilemma and the pain this caused him, but also how he need and will to delight the world with wonder and magic drove him to do the things he did. J M Barrie may have upset some people and had personal heartache along the way, but his gift to the millions of people who have enjoyed and loved Peter Pan is a testament to the man's vision. I think this film is a fine reflection of Mr Barrie, his inspiration and the legacy that he has left behind.
A wonderful and touching film. 8/10.