An historically inaccurate but charming story of Jame Barrie's inspiration for Peter Pan

Rating: 8/10 (22 November 2004)

This was a lovely film. Johnny Depp portrays writer James Barrie (best known as the creator of Peter Pan) as a gentle man who has never relinquished the little boy inside him. He could only have been an author and playwright so that his childlike self would have a home. And yet he was not totally naive - witness his decision to bring in orphaned children to the opening of Peter Pan.
The film was beautifully photgraphed -- the English theater, London Streets, parks and gardens, and country homes. Kate Winslett was charming, and Julie Christie was a very nice surprise. The real scene stealers, though, were the children -- those who were the inspiration for Barrie as well as the poor children invited to the opening whose faces were sheer delight. A little gem.