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6

BradySmithDec 25, 2013

Finding Neverland is too much too late. During the last hour or so it began to engage me, and by the end it was actually somewhat moving. That doesn't change the fact that the first 40 minutes were extremely boring. And when I sayFinding Neverland is too much too late. During the last hour or so it began to engage me, and by the end it was actually somewhat moving. That doesn't change the fact that the first 40 minutes were extremely boring. And when I say extremely I mean horrendously. It just seemed so repetitive and pointless during that section. There wasn't any adult drama. Just Johnny Depp playing make believe with a couple of kids and their mom. This could have worked if it wasn't done so blandly, and if it was rendered more convincingly. Yes it does eventually become involving. Its story takes some formulaic but effective turns, and the acting was solid, but it should have been good from the get go. The production design and cinematography were pretty throughout but nothing groundbreaking. You may like the movie more than I did. I thought it was decent, but I'm not sure if it was worth enduring the first forty minutes.… Expand

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9

Mr-Liberal-LDSFeb 2, 2013

A heart-warming and charming film about the story behind the inspiration for Peter Pan, and on the value of tenaciously being true to yourself, enjoying the authentic relationships that that renders, and making this life worth living for theA heart-warming and charming film about the story behind the inspiration for Peter Pan, and on the value of tenaciously being true to yourself, enjoying the authentic relationships that that renders, and making this life worth living for the brief time that we have it. I think it tactfully teaches that marriage is to be taken seriously before one enters into the contract, and I think that that is an important message for our modern world. While the movie is child appropriate it isn’t especially child friendly, unless they are precocious I think that they may very well bore of it; the movie is really more for adults. If the kids are interested however they are certainly welcome. I have no complaints about this film. Dramas aren’t my first preference when it comes to entertainment, but if you like dramas I have to imagine you will love Finding Neverland. Clean nostalgia evoking thought provoking heartfelt fun.… Expand

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7

EpicLadySpongeMay 3, 2016

Finding Neverland is just like those average Peter Pan stories, except you don't start at exactly Neverland. An another adventure worth going and never coming back.

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10

kyle20ellisApr 17, 2022

Of course it takes liberties with the truth, not the first biographical drama to do that, but I cannot deny that Finding Neverland was very magical and affecting and was beautifully crafted not only in visuals but in acting too. Plus it madeOf course it takes liberties with the truth, not the first biographical drama to do that, but I cannot deny that Finding Neverland was very magical and affecting and was beautifully crafted not only in visuals but in acting too. Plus it made me believe in Peter Pan again, and that is a wonderful feeling as Peter Pan is one of my all-time favourite stories. The cinematography, costumes, locations and scenery are absolutely stunning, and the score gives the film its magical feeling. The script had its deft touches, the story had a perfect balance of the humorous and the tragic, and director Marc Forster deserves credit for making even those mundane events into something somewhat enchanting. The acting is wonderful too- Johnny Depp is nothing short of magnificent as JM Barrie as he alternates between being playful and sensitive, it was his sensitive side especially that made his performance so good. Kate Winslet is very tender as Sylvia and Dustin Hoffmann impresses in a smaller role. Even the kids were good, especially Freddie Highmore who offers a wonderful portrayal as the serious-minded Peter. In conclusion, beautiful film, very affecting when it needed to be and quite magical to say the least. 10/10 Bethany Cox… Expand

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10

MarcR.Oct 2, 2006

I cried!

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2

AlexNov 19, 2005

Manipulative tripe.

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10

LaraS.Mar 7, 2007

So magical and moving. Can't help but want to hug every character!

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8

BarryR.Dec 25, 2004

?Finding Neverland? is not the story of the DA in Santa Barbara and his quest for evidence against the County?s most famous resident. No, it is the story of another celebrity?.i.e. James Barrie, a portion of his life and those that played ?Finding Neverland? is not the story of the DA in Santa Barbara and his quest for evidence against the County?s most famous resident. No, it is the story of another celebrity?.i.e. James Barrie, a portion of his life and those that played such an integral and important part in it. It is the story of the writer?s role in creating, seeing and perhaps even being Peter Pan. One of the great children?s stories of all time is perhaps more a reflection and statement about the life of Mr. Barrie than the fictional character in the property. This is truly a ,quality movie. The writing, acting and directing are excellent. Johnny Depp is marvelous in his role as James Barrie. He gives an understated and meaningful portrayal matched by the quality work by Kate Winslett. Of course, the coups de gras and best performance, in my opinion, is given by the young boy named ?Peter? about whom much of the Pan character was based. It is very difficult to direct young children but as with everything, the greater the risk, the greater the reward?..so, too, when the directing of the child brings about a memorable and gut wrenching result , the accolades go to where they belong. Marc Forster does a really fine job of directing and, coupled with a great screenplay and wonderful acting, the movie gets and deserves an 8 with a strong >recommendation to go and see it. Dustin Hoffman, for nostalgic reasons I believe (he played Capt. Hook in "Hook"), is in the picture but his scenes are so short and inconsequential that you realize he?s there because, well, as Peter says, ?you have to believe?. Have fun and learn what really was behind the creation and writing of ?Peter Pan?. As Wendy would say, ?wiggle your shoulders and fly to the movie?. … Expand

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8

CrystalP.Nov 2, 2005

I thought it was a beautiful film.

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10

LuisV.Aug 27, 2005

Great movie.

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10

SamApr 12, 2006

After some fun takes on the story of Peter Pan, I've always wondered who the man was that started the epic tale, and if the life of the man was a movie, would it be any good. Ladies and Gentlemen, Finding Neverland has finally ended my After some fun takes on the story of Peter Pan, I've always wondered who the man was that started the epic tale, and if the life of the man was a movie, would it be any good. Ladies and Gentlemen, Finding Neverland has finally ended my craving for that movie, with (in my opinion) 2004's best picture.… Expand

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5

TyranianMar 7, 2020

Certainly a powerful story with good acting but some elements of the ending are unsatisfying and feel untrue.

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6

beingryanjudeAug 28, 2014

A unique combination of fantasy and reality, Johnny Depp is gloriously entertaining as J.M. Barrie. Finding Neverland is not simply for fans of J.M. Barrie or his most beloved work, Peter Pan.

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9

SpangleNov 21, 2015

Finding Neverland is an absolutely brilliant film. Rarely does a film move me to tears, but this one absolutely succeeded. Packed to the brim with magic, imagination, fun, and a childlike wonder, this film inspires hope and belief, all whileFinding Neverland is an absolutely brilliant film. Rarely does a film move me to tears, but this one absolutely succeeded. Packed to the brim with magic, imagination, fun, and a childlike wonder, this film inspires hope and belief, all while tearing you down emotionally. I know it may not be as historically accurate as some would hope, but this is what a biopic should be. It covers the relevant topics and still touches you in a way only fiction can, a truly challenging task for most biopics. Johnny Depp is fantastic here, as are Kate Winslet and all of the young Davies boys. The film's magic and sense of wonder it inspires never really ceases, but certainly extends to the overall message of the film that captures the essence of Peter Pan as well; just believe. The film's cinematography is great, especially the final sequence with Sylvia and the score is also very well done. Finally, the plays within a film that get put on throughout the film are fantastic and brilliantly done, capturing that same imagination and suspension of reality. Finding Neverland is a truly wondrous work.… Expand

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7

Compi24Mar 27, 2016

As imaginative and endearing as it is, there is a certain safe quality to "Finding Neverland's" stamp on the Oscar-bait/biopic sub-genre. Still, one can't help but be charmed by the brilliant imagery and lasting thematic messages spun aboutAs imaginative and endearing as it is, there is a certain safe quality to "Finding Neverland's" stamp on the Oscar-bait/biopic sub-genre. Still, one can't help but be charmed by the brilliant imagery and lasting thematic messages spun about by the film's brilliant cast members. Without a doubt, "Finding Neverland" is a triumphant love letter to the lasting power of creativity and that warm feeling of knowing what it truly means to be a kid.… Expand

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5

FranzHcriticJan 23, 2015

For a story like this I found it engaging at certain points. At other points, like most biopics, unfortunately, it becomes too mawkish for my tastes during the really emotional play. I was invested in the characters, to an extent, but itFor a story like this I found it engaging at certain points. At other points, like most biopics, unfortunately, it becomes too mawkish for my tastes during the really emotional play. I was invested in the characters, to an extent, but it seemed that this film was not trying to be a real biopic, but just another distortion to add the drama and make the story more profitable, which is cheap in the end.… Expand

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9

ConradoflightJun 30, 2017

Pure joy. Solid, touching story and one of Depps top 3 performances ever, more low key and subtle compared to his wacky pirate. The soundtrack is a 10. Still listens to it.

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6

amheretojudgeMay 7, 2018

i love opening night..

Finding Neverland The feature endorses innocence in each frame, characters and emotion that is drawn out from genuinely moving writing and performance. The screenplay by David Magee may not be gripping or intriguingi love opening night..

Finding Neverland

The feature endorses innocence in each frame, characters and emotion that is drawn out from genuinely moving writing and performance. The screenplay by David Magee may not be gripping or intriguing enough to invest in it but it surely is effective and has a soul in it. Marc Forster fails to create the anticipated impact that was already present in the script and misses a big window there. The feature scores majestically on performance where every supporting actor (Kate Winslet, Dustin Hoffman and the young cast) factors in, with equal input among the protagonist i.e. Johnny Depp. Finding Neverland has stellar performance, amazing background score and fine editing that favors on its side but lacks better execution and the crisp that everyone awaits throughout the course of it.… Expand

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8

FilipeNetoOct 14, 2021

This film is not exactly a film about Peter Pan, but about its creator, the English playwright J. M. Barrie. Contrary to what the film seems to indicate, he was a highly regarded playwright and had prestige when he wrote the play thatThis film is not exactly a film about Peter Pan, but about its creator, the English playwright J. M. Barrie. Contrary to what the film seems to indicate, he was a highly regarded playwright and had prestige when he wrote the play that definitively immortalized him. In fact, the film is a little inaccurate in the way it tells the events of the playwright's life, which is always a pity for me, who appreciate it when a biographical film is faithful to the life of the one who is biographed. The movie is good, it's really good. You just need to understand this: it's a movie, so it's partially fiction.

In this film, Barrie is a man who is unhappy in his marriage and deeply dissatisfied with his own plays, someone who feels he can do better and demands it of himself. So he decides to use his life with a group of children, sons of a London high society widow, to be inspired by the creation of a new story. But the unusual relationship between him and the Davies family will be opposed by his own wife, the children's grandmother, and also by the sarcastic looks of Victorian society.

The film makes great use of the relationship between Barrie and the children... a relationship that would surely make many people frown these days. In fact, we live today under a society that I think is more suspicious and that has difficulty believing that someone really has good intentions in their attitudes. The story is good, the script, despite not being faithful to Barrie's life, is well done and well written, and the direction of Marc Forster proved to be very good.

The cast has several well-known names, but the main role is Johnny Depp. He's one of those actors that we're used to associating with strange, unusual, out-of-the-box characters. In this case, it's the opposite. He embodies an elegant, discreet, restrained Victorian gentleman with a quiet personality, albeit with a vivid imagination. He once again shows versatility and skill as an actor, and does a very happy job. Kate Winslet also needs no introduction and has signed credits. In this film, she presents us with a very good job, where she manages to rub shoulders with her colleagues in a character that seems to me to be psychologically demanding. Julie Christie brings the Davies family matriarch to life in an elegant way, very in keeping with the historical period, and in a convincing way. Despite appearing much less on screen and having a nasty character, Radha Mitchell successfully carried out her task and handled it well.

Technically, the film has an excellent cinematography, which actually manages to be even more interesting when it shows us, in brief glimpses, the magical world that begins to emerge in the playwright's mind. The construction of the sets and the choice of props helped to create a convincing and realistic period environment, and the selection of some sets even added visual elegance to the film, especially in the theater and park scenes. Also, a word of praise for the idealization of the costumes and for the soundtrack.… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 23, 2021

I enjoyed this film for the most part - the story it tells, one of 'the story behind the story' so to speak, was interesting and made me wonder about the life of J M Barrie but it is sad at times - sad and sobering.

The main aspect of thisI enjoyed this film for the most part - the story it tells, one of 'the story behind the story' so to speak, was interesting and made me wonder about the life of J M Barrie but it is sad at times - sad and sobering.

The main aspect of this film that I found off putting was Johnny Depp's less than amazing Scottish accent. I hadn't realised the author was Scottish, until it dawned on me that Depp was seemingly attempting a sort of cringey mix of English and Scottish in his accent in this film. It didn't seem entirely believable to me and I'm Scottish!. It would seem unfair to say it ruins the film because his accent isn't great but its still something that came to mind when I was thinking what to say about the film, hence me mentioning it.

However, regarding the cast, Kate Winslet does well in her role as Barries wife, Sylvia. Of course she's English, so she doesn't have to try and put on an accent in the same way as Depp had to.

It depicts an interesting story - a thoughtful and interesting one. My favourite aspect of it was how the parents interacted and tried to relate things to the kids. It isn't a greatly memorable film but its certainly not awful either. Some of the scenes are surprisingly touching, between the children and the parents. I feel it perhaps could have been better in one or two regards but as it is, its certainly worth a watch if your interested in the story.… Expand

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8

Pedro_CostaApr 14, 2020

Um dos filmes, live-action, mais cheios de magia que alguma vi, uma demonstração da importância da imaginação e da falta que ela nos faz.

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6

geewahApr 23, 2021

The performances of Depp & Winslet are fine but a good movie gets lost in it's overly sweet and soppy screenplay.

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7

ALAMLEDPJan 21, 2023

"Finding Neverland" is a captivating film that tells the story of how J.M. Barrie, the author of "Peter Pan," came up with his most famous creation. The film, released in 2004, explores Barrie's friendship with a young widow and her four"Finding Neverland" is a captivating film that tells the story of how J.M. Barrie, the author of "Peter Pan," came up with his most famous creation. The film, released in 2004, explores Barrie's friendship with a young widow and her four sons, and how that friendship inspired the magical world of Neverland.

The film boasts outstanding performances by Johnny Depp as the eccentric playwright and Kate Winslet as Sylvia Davies. The chemistry between Depp and Winslet is undeniable, and they are supported by strong performances from the young actors who play Sylvia's sons, particularly Freddie Highmore as Peter. The film is also beautifully crafted, with enchanting sets and locations, playful editing, and a fitting soundtrack.

One of the most unique elements of "Finding Neverland" is the way it seamlessly weaves together themes of never growing up and letting go of loved ones. The film has a timeless quality that makes it feel like a true classic, one that will be remembered for years to come.
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"Finding Neverland" es una película cautivadora que cuenta la historia de cómo J.M. Barrie, el autor de "Peter Pan", ideó su creación más famosa. La película, estrenada en 2004, explora la amistad de Barrie con una joven viuda y sus cuatro hijos, y cómo esa amistad inspiró el mundo mágico de Neverland.

La película cuenta con actuaciones sobresalientes de Johnny Depp como el excéntrico dramaturgo y Kate Winslet como Sylvia Davies. La química entre Depp y Winslet es innegable, y cuentan con el apoyo de las sólidas actuaciones de los jóvenes actores que interpretan a los hijos de Sylvia, en particular Freddie Highmore como Peter. La película también está bellamente diseñada, con escenarios y lugares encantadores, una edición lúdica y una banda sonora adecuada.

Uno de los elementos más singulares de "Finding Neverland" es la forma en que entrelaza a la perfección los temas de nunca crecer y dejar ir a los seres queridos. La película tiene una calidad atemporal que la hace sentir como un verdadero clásico, uno que será recordado en los años venideros.… Expand

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10

omotestGumpApr 2, 2023

A wonderfully imaginative and moving film with a fascinating story and acting.
First of all, the acting. Johnny Depp has proven his acting chops in films such as Edward Scissorhands, and his delightful but sometimes serious character makesA wonderfully imaginative and moving film with a fascinating story and acting.
First of all, the acting. Johnny Depp has proven his acting chops in films such as Edward Scissorhands, and his delightful but sometimes serious character makes the film enjoyable but with more depth. Also, Freddie Highmore's performance is excellent. For such a young man, he plays the character with a great understanding of his character's feelings. An unstable child with a closed mind is a difficult role to play, but he made those of us watching him look amazing.

Also, the story is very simple but profound. While there are dreams and joy in this fascinating story, it is also about death and loss, as is typical of director Mark Foster. Still, by using our imagination (such as believing in fairies), despair can turn into hope. It is a wonderful masterpiece of a film that delights in entertaining us.… Expand

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