Bridge to Terabithia
By Mal Simons, Blockbuster.co.uk
“Just close your eyes and keep your mind wide open.”
Based on the book by Katherine Paterson and made by some of the people responsible for Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring and Chronicles of Narnia: Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Bridge to Terabithia tells the story of Jess and Leslie, two children who escape the painful reality of their lives and retreat to a magical world of their imagination – the Kingdom of Terabithia.
Before being forced to face the realities of life, most if not all children live much of their time in their own imaginations. Every day is an adventure and life is never dull. In Bridge to Terabithia, two kids – one rich, one poor become friends and retreat to their magical Terabithia to find relief from the problems they face at home and school.
Jess Aarons (
Josh Hutcherson) is the only boy in a family of five children. Wanting desperately to have the approval of his father (
Robert Patrick), instead, he is constantly put down by his Dad who shows effection to his daughters but seems oblivious to his son’s longing for attention. At school Jess is the victim of constant bullying and has no friends to turn to for support. At home, he’s largely ignored by his parents, caught up in their own struggle to make ends meet. A gifted artist, Jess spends his time drawing in his sketchbook.
When Leslie (
AnnaSophia Robb), his neighbour and new girl at school turns up, Jess finds a companion at last. The daughter of two well-off writers and a gifted writer herself, Leslie is very much the outsider at school and as one outsider to another, the two of them become best friends. Leslie opens Jess’s eyes to the power of imagination and the two of them swing across a stream on an old rope and journey deep into the woods near their homes to create a world to escape their troubles.
Leslie and Jess create a fantasy forest filled with strange peoples and creatures. Naming it Terabithia, the two friends rule as king and queen, battling the giants, ogres and armies of the ‘Dark Master’, mythical versions of their school enemies.
Director Gabor Csupo reveals his artistic roots as he shows the forest creatures coming to life and morphing into the mythical Terabithia animals of the children’s imagination. With the right mix of live action and subtle CGI, he has created some of the most wonderful imagery ever committed to film.
A remarkable movie with terrific acting from the two young leads, a brilliant soundtrack and wonderful cinematography; Bridge to Terabithia is a deep and moving story of friendship and companionship; of isolation and childhood.
Like a strange mix of
My Girl and
The Mighty, Bridge to Terabithia perfectly captures what it’s like to be a child and also features some deep and poignient scenes that are sure to move all but the coldest heart. A special film and an original story that will stay with you forever. Perfect for a great night in. Add to your list now.