Finding Neverland

PG

Released Nov 24, 2004

1 hr. 46 min.

Kids & Family

Drama

Biography

List

83%

206 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

This charming account of a period in the life of author J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) reveals the real relationships and events that served as the basis for the author's most iconic work, "Peter Pan." After Barrie develops a platonic relationship with the widowed Sylvia (Kate Winslet) and her four sons, he is inspired to write a play about a group of children who don't want to grow up. The work proves a hit and winds up bringing Barrie and the children together in a way he had never expected.

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Critics Consensus

It won't pass muster for those looking for historical accuracy, but Finding Neverland is a warm, heartfelt drama with a charm all its own -- and Johnny Depp gives a graceful performance as Peter Pan creator J.M. Barrie.

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Aaron M

I watched this as part of my journey when I directed Peter Pan on the stage, and did a deep dive into the author and his story. So I'm biased because I was really immersed in all of the magic and sadness at that time… So I really love this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

Full Review

Leaburn O

A plot that seems to stagger about for over an hour desperately searching for direction. Then it all comes together in the final half hour with a very affecting soliloquy on death and mourning. Not one for the family as it is in essence an adult film. Bought this on DVD for £1.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/13/23

Full Review

A wonderfully imaginative and moving film with a fascinating story and acting.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/03/23

Full Review

David K

It's not a Christmas movie but I roll it out every Christmas because it just fits the mood.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/10/22

Full Review

Thomas M

The best acting performance from Freddie Highmore!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/26/22

Full Review

isla s

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 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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Marc Forster

Director

Johnny Depp

J.M. Barrie

Kate Winslet

Sylvia Llewelyn Davies

Julie Christie

Mrs. du Maurier

Radha Mitchell

Mary Barrie

Dustin Hoffman

Charles Frohman

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Finding Neverland: Official Clip - Arriving in Neverland

2:12

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - To Die Will be an Awfully Big Adventure

1:00

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - Directing Nana

1:04

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - They Hate It

1:36

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - That's Not a Pirate Name!

2:10

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - Twenty-Five Seats for Orphans

1:55

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - Second to the Right, and Straight on Till Morning

1:11

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - Taking Flight

1:10

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - Wild West Showdown

2:11

Finding Neverland: Official Clip - Grandmother's Hook

1:12

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Mingling reality and fantasy, Forster has given us a luminous, touching meditation on life and art.

Mar 13, 2018

Full Review

Will Self

London Evening Standard

Wooden, yes, and saccharine, too. Oh, and did I mention the neutered whimsy?

Dec 26, 2017

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Not about Peter Pan, and not a kids' movie.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 24, 2010

Full Review

Nikhat Kazmi

The Times of India

It''s a simple lyrical film that celebrates the value of innocence in a world that seems to be fast losing out to cynicism and despair.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 28, 2020

Full Review

Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

Directed by Marc Forster, Finding Neverland is a pretty straightforward film that effectively balances its whimsical child-like moments with its heartfelt emotional conclusion.

Rated: B

Nov 18, 2019

Full Review

Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Think happy, happy thoughts and take the first star to the right, straight on til morning.

Nov 8, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

This charming account of a period in the life of author J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) reveals the real relationships and events that served as the basis for the author's most iconic work, "Peter Pan." After Barrie develops a platonic relationship with the widowed Sylvia (Kate Winslet) and her four sons, he is inspired to write a play about a group of children who don't want to grow up. The work proves a hit and winds up bringing Barrie and the children together in a way he had never expected.

Director: Marc Forster
Executive Producer: Gary Binkow, Neal Israel
Screenwriter: David Magee, Allan Knee
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Film Colony
Rating: PG (Mild Thematic Elements|Brief Language)
Genre: Kids & Family, Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 24, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $51.7M
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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