It’s a rare instance when we get a look into the stories we loved during our childhood. Finding Neverland, albeit with some fictional revisions, provides us with a look into a childhood classic: Peter Pan.
The story of J.M. Barrie, the author of the beloved classic, Peter Pan and Wendy, Finding Neverland is a beautiful, amazing piece of film that will no doubt move and amaze you. Johnny Depp stars as Barrie, bringing a tenderness to the role that some might find unexpected.
When Barrie meets the widowed Sylvia Davies (Kate Winslet) and her four sons, he almost instantly becomes a father figure to the four boys. It is, however, Peter Davies, portrayed by the amazing Freddie Highmore, that becomes Barrie’s muse for the play which Barrie later became famous for.
As Barrie plays father to the four boys, he also finds his own marriage struggling as well as his career. Before long, he finds his entire life hinging on his new play, the story of a boy who can fly and never grows old.
Finding Neverland is a beautiful story that encompasses love, childhood, imagination, and even death. A warning for parents: Finding Neverland does have an ending that will pull tears right from their ducts as the ending does deal with death. As such, the film might be too emotionally trying for some sensitive young ones. However, parents and older children will no doubt appreciate the charm, beauty and story of this film masterpiece.
Finding Neverland can be purchased on DVD from Amazon.com.