The story behind the story.

Rating: Null/10 (11 April 2005)

Peter Pan has been a childhood classic for years but never before has it been told from this angle. Johnny Depp plays J.M.Barrie, a playwright desperate for some inspiration for a new play. He meets and forms a tight friendship with a widow (Kate Winslet) and her 4 boys who are struggling to keep their life in order. This friendship then gives Barrie the much needed inspiration for the idea of a lifetime.
Johnny Depp arguably does his best performance to date and he is able to accomplish this without smashing plates, or giving a dramatic soliloquies. His performance is subtle and tender. And his hard work echoed in his Best Actor nomination last February. On the ladies side, Kate Winslet is absolutely lovely in this film. She's has grace and tragedy and by half way through the film, she has completely won over the audience's warmth and love. Glimpses of neverland itself are tear jerking. When you sit back, and watch the amazing beauty of a heaven like world dance in front of you, it's hard not to get choke back some mist. Despite the warm fluttery feeling I felt when leaving the theatre, I can't seem to give this film a 10. This is mainly due to pace but the music and gorgeous visuals keep the score at a solid eight.
It's a gorgeous film with love, beauty, and imagination that shouldn't be missed. PS: If your prone to crying, taking a tissue might be handy.