Very touching, another superb performance from Depp and well worth the wait

Rating: 9/10 (31 January 2005)

I had been looking forward to seeing this movie ever since I first saw the trailer. Anything with Johnny Depp instantly appeals to me (for obvious reasons, ask any girl and she'll probably melt at the sound of his name). So when I entered the theatre to see it I really wasn't expecting much else except to drool at Mr Depp. Of course, I was pleasantly surprised to find a touching and warm film before me.
The film begins with J.M. Barrie realizing his play is terrible. The problems between him and his wife are shown clearly as they sleep in separate rooms. Barrie meets the Davies boys and their mother Sylvia in Kensington Parks and is immediately fond of them. The boys lost their father and Sylvia is a widow who has no income. Barrie crows increasingly close to the boys despite gossip and rumours circulating about his intentions with Mrs Davies as well as the boys. Sylvia's mother disapproves greatly of Barrie's interest with the family. Through the experiences he shares with the Davies, he gains inspiration for his next play, naming the lead character Peter Pan after one of the Davies boys whom he has become closest to. Sylvia falls ill and it becomes obvious that her illness is serious. However, she doesn't want to admit it and simply wants life to continue as normal.
Depp rose to the occasion magnificently, sporting a perfect Scottish accent and portraying the real boy who never wanted to grow up very effectively. We can see why he feels the way he does, his mother's neglect of him and his eagerness to please her after the loss of his brother. He sees himself so vividly in the Davies boys, especially Peter. Freddie Highmore gives an amazing performance that will break anyone's heart. The scene when he destroys the set of his own play when he realizes that his mother is sick is so heart wrenching you can't help but get sucked into this world. All the actors give great performances, Winslet is the warm and kind mother who will do anything for her boys, Christie as the domineering grandmother and Mitchell as Barrie's wife who has given up hope are all realistic and give wonderful performances. Hoffman adds some humour but I thought was rather unused and could have had a larger part perhaps.
The film is expertly put together. The plot may seem slightly predictable but when you are actually watching the film, it never occurs to you that you could easily figure out what is going to happen.
Overall, a very touching and moving film which I enjoyed thoroughly and definitely deserves its Oscar nominations, though I highly doubt it shall win anything.