Finding Neverland Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)December 14th, 2004
Magical "Neverland"
by Homer Yen
(c) 2004
Charles Frohman (Dustin Hoffman), the financier of J.M Barrie's (Johnny Depp) plays, is a stern business operator. But because he believes in the talents of his playwright partner, he brushes off the current flop that is currently running and looks forward to Barrie's next work. Frohman is an important citizen in his community as he has the pressure of providing and producing entertainment to the foppish and demanding citizens of his social circle. These are the people who treat a night out at a play with the same reverence as, perhaps, a formal ball.
Understandably, he is a bit concerned when Barrie's next idea involves faeries, pirates, and children.
Of course, that idea became the timeless Peter Pan. But the process in which the struggling playwright formulates this marvelous tale is a fascinating one since most of his peers lack the imagination to create an environment that would allow him to fashion what would ultimately be his greatest work. His wife, Mary (Radha Mitchell), seems more interested in climbing the social ladder through networking rather than supporting Barrie's ideas. And another prominent citizen, Emma du Maurier (Julie Christie), is even more frostbitten when she sees that Barrie has taken an interest in her daughter Sylvia (Kate Winslet) and her four boys.
"Finding Neverland" is a tender film about Barrie's desire to remain youthful. He is delighted to make the acquaintance of Sylvia who is someone who shares his exuberance for life.
And he is enchanted to get to know her boys, with whom he plays with like some devoted father.
Most of the children are energetic and playful, as young boys should be. However, one named Peter (Freddie Highmore), seems to have already entered adulthood by age 10. This family becomes the blueprint of his new play.
That Johnny Depp is so believable and sincere is a credit to his acting skills. In today's society, the media would rip a person like Barrie apart. But, despite his tendencies that seem odd, you always feel that he has nothing but good intentions for those that he encounters. His devotion is touching and affecting. And, his growing feelings for Sylvia leads to a relationship that is moving and affecting. Depp is certainly the hottest actor in Hollywood right now, and this performance will guarantee him continued sticking power with audiences.
Barrie sees a completely different world, marked by colorful foliage and enchanting, frolicking creatures. We get a glimpse into his past, which may explain why he has developed the way that he has. And, as he absorbs his environment, there are inspired instances when the atmosphere becomes more circus-like while his imagination provides fantastical dreamscapes.
It is clear that Barrie and Sylvia are a good match. And we hope that they will ultimately find a way to be with each other. But during this period, when society seemed like a much simpler time and place, such a pairing under the circumstances would be considered blasphemous.
But Barrie finds a way to succeed because in his world, you only need to believe. Indeed, the path towards genius is paved with belief and
inspiration.
"Finding Neverland" is hard to resist.
Suprisingly moving, Barrie's feelings for Sylvia are sweet and pure. The narrative is uplifting and beautifully told. And we hope that children never grow up too fast and that grown-ups find a way to hold on to a piece of their own Neverland.
Grade: A
S: 0 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
More on 'Finding Neverland'...
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