Magical and moving

Rating: 10/10 (11 September 2005)

Before I go on I must admit that I never saw this film in the cinema, but having now seen it an average of about 6 times and finding that it still manages to move and inspire me I really wish I had. Jonny Depp is amazing as the author and playwrite J.M Barrie bringing the character to life with his inspirational and moving pertrayal of a man whose childhood was raviged with grief with the death of his older brother and the regection of him by his mother that insued. When Barrie (Depp) meets Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Winslet) in a local park whilst writing his latest play little does he know that his life is about to change in a most drastic and unexpected way. Their friendship quickly blossoms and so does Barries relationship with her four young sons. He soon becomes a playmate and mentor to the young boys, who all quickly grow to adore him (much to their grandmothers disapproval and disgust), that is except Peter who is still grieving for his late father and is determind that this new man in his mothers life should never replace his father. Although there is never any indication that Barries relationship with Sylvia is based on anything more than a strong bond of friendship his life starts to take a dramatic turn as rumors about his relationship with the Llewelyn Davies family start to circulate and his own wife leaves him. Then when Sylvia becomes ill Barrie and the rest of her family are convinced it could be something serious but Sylvia just wants life to continue as normal. Then when it becomes clear that Sylvia is dying everybody realises that their pretence is over and it's time to face the reality of their situation, meaning the children must come to terms with the idea of a life without not only without their father but now without their mother. However Barrie still has one more trick up his sleeve to give her the send of he believes she deserves and to forfill his promise to take her to Neverland. When she is unable to attend the opening night of 'Peter Pan' the play Barrie wrote about their summer together he decides to bring the play to her. This will be their last evening spent together but Sylvia still has one more card to play and on the day of her funeral her mother reveals to Barrie that Sylvia's last gift to him is something truly special, something that will enable him to remain part of all their lives forever. This is a magical and moving masterpiece that I think should never fail to move, thorally recomendable.