A breath of imagination...and fresh air...

Rating: Null/10 (22 December 2004)

With no prior knowledge other than speculation of Oscar nominations did I watch Finding Neverland. It's the films that surprise you that are the true classics and gems and this one will forever be one for me.
Finding Neverland is the story of Peter Pan creator James Barrie. A brilliant playwright, an imaginative, playful man who is surrounded by the adult world and feels rather held back until he meets a widow with four very interesting young children. One of the middle children Peter is quite devastated by the death of his father and lashes out against the world of children. Barrie introduces laughter and fun and above all else amazing imagination into the Children's lives and their mother. Despite all others around him trying to repress his imaginative spirit he uses the children as inspiration to create the amazing world of Peter Pan.
Johnny Depp who I am an enormous fan of is brilliant as Barrie. He encompasses the character perfectly and shows us a man who just wants to have fun and show others how to imagine and have fun as well. Kate Winslet, who I have always saw as an extreme over actor is actually very good, her best role in fact as the mother and widow of the children. Depp and Winslet's character share a deep friendship, and an understanding and love but are never romantic together. Depp's character is married and although unhappy he works to try and make his wife understand him. Dustin Hoffman who also is one of my all time favorite actors, (Captain Hook himself) makes a cameo appearance as Barrie's financier for his plays. He doesn't really have faith in this carefree spirited Peter Pan play but he allows Barrie to have his way and the rest is history.
The film is moving, and interesting, and captivating. The characters are brilliant and the story is just amazing. The cast is perfect and everyone does an amazing job. It truly is a wonderful story. But in addition to all that the film is also very unique and pushes your imagination to the limit with beautiful imaginary scenery and bazaar moments when everything changes around them as they create their Neverland. You must see this film, it's one of the best I have seen in a very long time. I do believe this film will always be one of my favorites and I can't think of a thing wrong with it and therefore must give it a hearty 10/10. I loved it.