"Pretty as a Victorian candy box and gentle as a sleeping child's breath, Finding Neverland is a small treasure of a film." Moira MacDonald SEATTLE TIMES "Finding Neverland will enchant you as much as Peter Pan did (and still does) kids of all ages." Jean Lowerison SAN DIEGO METROPOLITAN "In his second role this year as a writer (remember 'Secret Window'?), Johnny Depp delivers an extraordinary performance, one marked again by meticulous attention to detail." Betty Jo Tucker REELTALK MOVIE REVIEWS "If Peter Pan were forgotten and Barrie just an obscure, failed playwright, Finding Neverland still would enchant" Jeffrey Westhoff NORTHWEST HERALD "The director is enabled greatly by a superb cast, ... a superlative turn by the guileless Depp." Brent Simon NOW PLAYING MAGAZINE

"Playfully heartwarming, it features another phenomenal performance by Johnny Depp in the leading role." Mark Sells OREGON HERALD "Some things are worth causing a lump in your throat. Finding Neverland is one of them." Bruce Westbrook, HOUSTON CHRONICLE "Glorious entertainment." Peter Travers ROLLING STONE "Depp is a charm. He becomes his own, subtly compelling Barrie." Desson Thomson WASHINGTON POST "The true stories behind the creation and creator of Peter Pan give Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet a chance to warm -- and break -- our hearts." James Rocchi NETFLIX

The Inside Story

"Johnny Depp adds yet another indelible, Oscar-worthy portrait to his gallery of memorable characters" Lou Lumenick NEW YORK POST

Film Blather critic Eugene Novikov, described "Finding Netherland" the film that reveals the powerful magic contained within this truly beautiful tale of J M Barrie by saying, "A fine, pleasant film that's intent on making grown men cry. At any cost." I can say amen to that, having sat through the film twice and had a damn good cry both times. Hey! I wasn't the only one. Wide-eyed children and grownups found plenty to shed a tear or two about at both sessions of "Finding Neverland" I was fortunate enough to sit in on. The worse part about it was not being embarressed in any way, but I guess I was taken back a bit by the fact that I thought I'd be able to choke back the heartfelt emotion of the film, the second time I saw it. Alas, it was not to be. The sight of those fairies and creatures in Neverland at the latter stages of the films screening beat me up real good. I must admit that I'm not an expert when it comes to J M Barrie [some might say I'm not an expert at anything] but "Finding Neverland" truly is a remarkable film indeed with an excellent cast. And I know I've said it before, but here I go again, Johnny Depp is one remarkable talent when it comes to acting. Depp is superb in the role of J M Barrie. There's just no getting away from it. Once again, whether Barrie was anywhere near the portrayal that Depp gives of the playwright, I honestly don't know. But guess what? I really don't give a damn. Like everyone else I'm just about wrung out with bad news stories about famous people, written coincidently in many cases, by people who want to expose a side that they saw and destroys an image many hold near and dear. These exposes are generally written after said famous person is dead. And, while there may be, in some cases, a truth to what they have to say, exposing the so-called bad side of a person may clense the writers soul but it sure as hell destroys the magic millions of others have held near and dear to. Like the story of Peter Pan and Scottish author J M Barrie. Who cares how close it is to the truth. I certainly don't, because "Finding Neverland" recaptures the one thing J M Barrie set out to do in real life, create a bit of magic. No one could ever doubt that fact because the ageless story of "Peter Pan" certainly does just that. The films director Marc Forster says he, "was looking for something magical when Academy Award nominated producer Richard Gladstein brought him David Magee’s screenplay for "Finding Neverland". Foster notes that "Finding Neverland" is "infused with the same themes that make Barrie’s play of "Peter Pan" so resonant: the wonder of the imagination, the nostalgia for childhood innocence and the longing to believe in something more enchanted than everyday life." Forster said he "saw the film as a story about the power of a man’s creativity to take people to another world, and about the deep human need for illusions, dreams and beliefs that inspire us even in the face of tragedy. For me, it is about the transformative power of imagination; being able to transform yourself into something greater than you are, even if nobody believes in you." Magee revealed, "The screenplay I wrote is not a factual retelling of what happened to James Barrie when he wrote Peter Pan. I wanted to tell a story about what it means to grow up and become responsible for those around you. I hope people see the film as a respectful tribute to Barrie’s creative genius and come away with a feeling that as human beings, we can grow up without losing all aspects of childhood innocence and wonder." It's here I must note that perhaps this is why so many adults cry during films of this genre. The emotion films such as "Finding Neverland" generate, makes us long once again for those days of childhood innocence. Days long lost in many cases by our long journey through the world of adulthood where we are too often encouraged to put such childish thoughts aside. "For me, this story is about a man who is starting to face these issues in his own life," Magee said noting, "as a writer, I was also interested in exploring how one’s own life inspires art and how art in turn informs our lives. There is this notion that creative people hold onto their childhoods longer than the rest of us, but there are moments throughout our lives that weigh on us heavily that we need to explore through storytelling and art. Barrie’s brilliance in ‘Peter Pan’ is that he expressed both the joy in childhood and just how bittersweet it is when you have to leave it behind. He took this very real and universal experience and made it something magnificent and special." Gladstein notes that "the filmmakers found inspiration in some of Barrie’s own words. Barrie wrote an important bit of direction to his actors, saying 'All characters, whether grown-ups or babes must wear a child’s outlook as their only important adornment.' This principal guided us in the creation of the film. We even wrote it, as a sort of prologue, into several drafts of the screenplay so that all the actors and crew understood the intention." The films star performer, Johnny Depp Depp admits he "was drawn to the role by the magic of the “Peter Pan” story itself. It’s truly a work of genius," he says. "It’s a masterpiece of imagination, and the result of the most remarkable inspiration. It’s one of those rare perfect things in the world that will always be with us and this was a wonderful opportunity to explore where such a powerful story might have come from." It's a powerful story indeed and one I can certainly recommend to cinema-goers as highly worthy of their attention. Footnote: Sir J M Barrie’s world-renowned play "Peter Pan, Or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up", celebrated its 100th anniversary in December 2004. For another version of the "Peter Pan" story, look for Australian director P J Hogan's 2004 production on DVD in your local rental/retail outlet. The Truth & Tragedy Behind The Magic

1... JM Barrie first met the Llewelyn Davies children in London’s Kensington Gardens with their nanny Nancy Hodgson, while he was taking his daily walk with his St. Bernard, Porthos. When Barrie met them, there were only three Llewelyn Davies boys: George [5], Jack [4] and Peter [1]. The two youngest boys, Michael and Nico, were born later. 2... Barrie met the Llewelyn Davies children's mother at a New Year’s Eve party. Sylvia du Maurier was the daughter of renowned artist and novelist George du Maurier and the aristocratic heiress Emma du Maurier. Barrie wrote of Sylvia shortly after meeting her at a dinner party: "She is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen." 3... Sylvia was married at that time to lawyer Arthur Llewelyn Davies. In a bold breach of protocol, Sylvia welcomed Barrie into their family home. Barrie traveled with them on holidays and even paid the childrens private school tuition. 4... The friendship put a strain on Barries marriage. His wife left him for writer friend Gilbert Cannan, eventually divorcing Barrie in 1909 so she could marry Cannan. 5... Arthur was suffering from cancer. He and Barrie became great friends. Barrie spent every day at Arthur’s bedside and also comforted the children and Sylvia. Arthur died in 1907. 6... Sylvia died of cancer in 1910, six years after the premiere of "Peter Pan". Barrie became the unofficial guardian of the five children who at the time were aged from seven to seventeen. Though he provided for them handsomely and lavished them with attention, their lives as grown-ups were also fraught with tragedy. 7... George, was killed in the trenches of World War I; Michael, who hoped to be a writer, drowned at age 20 while studying at Oxford; and Peter committed suicide at the age of 63, many years after Barrie’s death. None are alive today. 8... Born a weaver’s son in Scotland in 1860, Barrie was forever shaken by the death of his brilliant older brother David in a skating accident when Barrie was only six and his brother 13. 9... J.M Barrie passed away at the age of 77. "Peter Pan" has never grown old. And has inspired numerous films, a television mini-series and a Broadway musical [not to mention countless budding young imaginations]. The story of "Peter Pan" continues to be beloved in the 21st Century.

Crew Bytes "FINDING NEVERLAND" was .......
directed by Marc Forster ["Loungers", "Stay", "Everything Put Together" and "Monster’s Ball "]; screenplay by David Magee ["Gesar", "Lord of the Nutcracker Men", "Film Crisis Four" and "Natasha"]; adapted from the play by Allan Knee ["Shmulnik’s Waltz", "Santa Anita ‘42", "Sholem Aleichem Lives" and "Syncopation"]; original story by Sir James Matthew Barrie 1st Baronet OM (9/5/1860 - 19/6/1937) ["Echoes of the War", "Peter Pan And Wendy", "What Every Woman Knows " and "The Little White Bird"]; costume design by Alexandra Byrne ["Persuasion", "Hamlet", "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" and "The Phantom of the Opera"]; production design by Gemma Jackson ["Bridget Jones's Diary", "Iris", "Killing Me Softly" and "Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason"]; edited by Matt Chesse ["Everything Put Together", "Ellie Parker" and "Monster's Ball"]; casting by Kate Dowd ["Prince of Jutland", "The Beach", "The Mummy Returns" and "Gangs Of New York"]; director of photograhpy Roberto Schaefer ["Le Mosche in Testa", "Waiting for Guffman", "Stay" and "Monster’s Ball"]; original music by Jan A P Kaczmarek ["Washington Square", "Quo Vadis?", "Edges of the Lord" and "Unfaithful"]; set decoration by Trisha Edwards ["The Winslow Boy", "Iris", "Killing Me Softly" and "Anita and Me"]; produced by Nellie Bellflower [who appeared in "Tunnel Vision", "The Flight of Dragons", and the TV mini series "East Of Eden] and Richard N Gladstein ["Reservoir Dogs", "Pulp Fiction", "The Crossing Guard", "Jackie Brown", "The Cider House Rules" and "The Bourne Identity"]. Casting About "FINDING NEVERLAND" stars .......
Johnny Depp ["The Astronaut's Wife ", "Sleepy Hollow", "From Hell", "Chocolat" and "Pirates of the Caribbean"]; BAFTA & Screen Actors Guild Award winner Kate Winslet ["Heavenly Creatures", "Titanic", "Quills" and "Iris"]; Radha Mitchell ["Phone Booth", "Pitch Black", "High Art" and "Love and Other Catastrophes"]; TWO Time Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman ["The Graduate", "Midnight Cowboy", "Rain Man", "Tootsie" and "Meet The Fockers"]; Freddie Highmore ["Women Talking Dirty", "Five Children and It" and "Two Brothers"]; Joe Prospero ["Hans Christian Andersen " and "Intimacy"]; Nicholas Roud ["Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle down the Wind" and BBC TV's "Ghost Hunter"]; Ian Hart ["Robinson Crusoe", "The End of the Affair", "Strictly Sinatra" and "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"]; Jimmy Gardner ["Tess", "The Murder Game", "Thin Ice" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"] Eileen Essell ["Ali G in Da House ", "Duplex", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory " and on stage in "The Girl With Roses"]; with Academy Award & BAFTA Award winner Julie Christie ["Darling", "Doctor Zhivago", "Fahrenheit 451", "Far From the Madding Crowd " and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"] as Emma du Maurier. The Story

"A powerful work which embraces the joys of life and the neverending spirit of imagination, equally heartwarming and heartbreaking, often at the same time." Edward Havens FILMJERK.COM

Scottish playwright J M Barrie's latest play is about to open. Barrie is filled with nervous expectation. His faithful producer Charles Frohman is meeting and greeting those attending the opening night performance. It turns out to be a most torturous and boring night as the audience fails to find anything remarkable in Barrie's latest play. It seems the literary genius of Edwardian times has created a flop. Lacking inspiration and beset by marital problems, Barrie must find something special if he is to recapture the imagination of his audiences and restore his reputation. Then, while walking his St Bernard dog Porthos in London’s Kensington Gardens he meets a young widow and her four delightful children. Despite the fact that he will lose his wife Mary, and that his friendship with the family is totally disapproved of by the children's Grand Mother Mrs Emma du Maurier, Barrie steps back into his childhood to entertain the boys. It will lead to the creation of his greatest stage production to date. The story of the Lost Boys, Fairies, magical creatures and a boy who will never grow old, Peter Pan. The Verdict "A film that will rekindle the child within every adult who sees it as well as providing a magical journey for it's younger viewers. "Finding Neverland" is a powerful, emotional story that touches the heart and mind thanks to its star Johnny Depp, a terrific supporting cast featuring Julie Christie, Kate Winslett, Radha Mitchell and Dustin Hoffman, plus a wonderful performance by Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewelyn Davies. Highly recommended, magical viewing. Parental guidance may be required for some younger viewers." The Cast

Johnny Depp Kate Winslet Julie Christie Radha Mitchell Dustin Hoffman Freddie Highmore Joe Prospero Nick Roud Luke Spill Ian Hart Kelly Macdonald Mackenzie Crook Eileen Essel Jimmy Gardner Oliver Fox Angus Barnett Toby Jones Kate Maberly Matt Green Catrin Rhys Tim Potter Jane Booker Paul Whitehouse Catherine Cusack Kali Peacock Robert Oates Nicholas Pritchard Jonathan Cullen

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Sir James Matthew Barrie Sylvia Llewelyn Davies Mrs Emma du Maurier Mary Ansell Barrie Charles Frohman Peter Llewelyn Davies Jack Llewelyn Davies George Llewelyn Davies Michael Llewelyn Davies Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Peter Pan Mr Jaspers-Usher Mrs Snow Mr Snow Gilbert Cannan Nana/Mr Reilly Smee Wendy John Michael Darling Hook/Lord Carlton Mrs Darling Stage Manager Sarah Emma Cottage Doctor Hospital Doctor Doctor Brighton

The Crew Directed by Marc Forster From the play "The Man Who Was Peter Pan" by Allan Knee Screenplay by David Magee Produced by Nellie Bellflower& Richard N Gladstein Original Music by Jan AP Kaczmarek Cinematography by Roberto Schaefer Film Editing by Matt Chesse Casting by Kate Dowd Production Design by Gemma Jackson Art Direction by Peter Russell Set Decoration by Trisha Edwards Costume Design by Alexandra Byrne Unit Production Manager Tim Porter Run Time 101 minutes Rated PG [AUST] Copyright ©2005 - Miramax Films - All Rights Reserved Copyright Protected © 2005 - Impact Internet Services & The Movie Pages- All Rights Reserved