mad4u689's reviews

Take this review with a grain of salt, because I am a massive fan of Peter Pan and all things properly based on the James Barrie classic. This sequel, however, made me cringe. I've enjoyed liberal interpretations before - Hook and Finding Neverland, for example - but this movie completely trashed whatever character Peter Pan is supposed to have. Peter Pan is not a hero - he is a mischievous and often forgetful boy. He is entirely selfish and entirely charming, and these are his two flaws. However, in "Return to Neverland," this character of "Peter Pan" is a mere ghost of the complex Barrie creation. Whatever beautiful messages Peter Pan has about nostalgia and childhood, "Return to Neverland" turns them upside down at worst, and simply ignores them at best.

The animation wasn't bad, though.

As an audience, watching with English subtitles, I was not particularly familiar with Hungarian culture or history beforehand, but nevertheless felt touched by this portrait of a love and an era. The film treats its subjects delicately, using history as both a backdrop and catalyst for the romantic plot line, and also allowing it to become a direct subject at times; the country and times are inseparable from the lives they contain.

The romance is... beautiful. It is built up to an almost unbearable degree, such that you feel the romantic tension gradually but forcefully. The chemistry between the two lead actors is brilliant.

The directing style also lends the film a unique flavour. Time and setting are interwoven, so that the only absolute is the love of the two protagonists. Flashbacks and asides are used to add to the dramatic mood of film, but don't overshadow it. All in all, a truly excellent film.

I almost didn't watch this movie because of the negative reviews, but I am sure glad I did. I put it up there with my favorites. Reviews call this movie rambling, sometimes even not tightly edited. But it all fits the theme - life isn't tightly edited, and it's confusing and rambling. The characters are intelligent and quirky and very real. The acting was superb. Some of the cinematography is surprisingly beautiful. There were parts that made me cry, but mostly parts that just made me smile, situations that were quirkily accurate and touching and weighty. Most of what I want to say has been said - but please, just don't discount this movie without watching it.

I am not an expert on film, but nevertheless, this movie was the most well-done film I've ever seen. I've heard good things about the book, but the medium of film - especially the way it's done - seems to lend itself so perfectly to the story that I cannot imagine a book doing it justice. The acting, especially given the youth of most of the actors, was entirely convincing, and the scenes were beautifully shot. The story was carefully unraveled in such a way to draw about contrasts and poignant moments - the film-making was flawless. I don't understand why I'd never heard of this movie before, other than perhaps its disturbing nature. You must see this movie.