Finding Neverland

Rating: 9/10 (6 January 2005)

What a what a wonderful surprise! This movie was a wonderful story from a small segment of the life of Sir James Barrie. Johnny Depp is outstanding as is Kate Winslet and Julie Cristie.
Barrie is a much more complex character than one would guess from his famous play or the book about Peter Pan. He was truly the boy who never grew up. But his ability to crate this magic world for children is exquisite. I am always amused by the way the British view "Red Indians" from the New World. They never get it right, but it is charming anyway. Captain Hood and the crocodile who ate the clock always amuse me. He included little girls in his adventures which wasn't always done at that time.
However, this story was about Barrie and his love of children and play. It is certainly not the usual picture of the dour Scot. I read in his biography that he never physically matured which may explain why he stayed childlike. Johnny Depp was outstanding and mastered his dialect perfectly. Kate Winslet was excellent, but certainly didn't look like a consumptive. Julie Christie was a surprise since I hadn't seen her for a long time. I hope we see more of her.