Beautifully Done. Remarkable And Resonant Entertainment.

Rating: 9/10 (31 January 2011)

"if you find any little bit of happiness in the world, people try to crush it", says James M. Barrie with a deep intensity. such is the stuff of Marc Forster's beautifully conceived and executed work of profoundly deep emotions, 'Finding Neverland'. it's a good old fashioned emotional tear jerker without being corny or mushy about anything. like Tim Burton's emotional and moving 'Big Fish', i still cry every time i see this. the fact that i've experienced the death of a close, loved one, makes this film feel very real and insightful.
as a long time fan of JMB, i can also appreciate how reverent and sensitive this is to his legendary children's masterpiece. sure there is some embellishment of history, and Johnny Depp's JMB is more dashing and charming then the real JMB who was somewhat stuffy and proper, but this film very effectively conveys the true essence and purpose of JMB's famous fairy world. 'Neverland' becomes a beautiful metaphor for the threshold of death. i'm not sure that's exactly what JMB meant to say, but Peter Pan always did say, "to die would be an awfully big adventure". except of course, in the Disney version which left that dialog out in order to "disneyize" the whole thing.
the understanding of Victorian/Edwardian England and it's prudish observance of conventionalities and mores of that time period is deeply insightful and basically historically accurate. in fact it's probably a more accurate depiction of England at that time then a hundred percent accurate telling of JMB's exploits. however, the accusation made about Barrie's interest in the children was very real and very unfortunate.
there is one very revealing moment about the stuffiness of the period when JMB and his wife retire to sleep. not only do they have separate beds, they have separate bedrooms. revealing of the period and the deterioration of their marriage.
the performances here are beyond reproach. it's hard to think of any recent film within the last decade where the performances are this good, this real, and this deeply felt. everyone in this is just so perfect. even though Depp is far too handsome to be JMB, he brings so much depth and refinement to this role you can't find him any fault. Kate Winslet is incredible here and equals Depp's performance with every frame and scene without overshadowing the importance of his performance. Winslet does the whole 'Dark Victory' bit without any trace of maudlin mawkishness. in fact, dying has never seemed so beautiful in film as her acting makes this. Julie Christie gives a performance worthy of more recognition then it received. and she should have won an Oscar for this. Freddie Highmore gives his usual first rate delivery. Highmore was definitely one of the best child actors of the decade. the always fascinating Toby Jones also does a delightful bit as 'Smee'.
the film direction and editing here are refined and perfect. Marc Forster aptly depicts the austerity of the time period as well as some beautifully conceived and brief fantasy flights. the flights of fantasy here are reminiscent of Peter Jackson's brilliant 'Heavenly Creatures', a film which also starred Winslet.
very few films have got away with the whole tear jerking emotionalism of the "dying young" drama. Julia Roberts couldn't pull it off. this kind of thing is usually botched and badly. that is why it is such a surprise that this film not only handles it's emotional sentimentalism well, it is great and effective cinema and wonderfully memorable entertainment.