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What it's about:
A young girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant, who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children.
What I thought:
Do you believe in giants? If you don’t then you better start!
An adaption of Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant has been a long time coming and to tell you the truth it was all worth the wait.
Steven Spielberg and Melissa Mathison have not only succeeded in bringing the adventure of a gentle giant and an orphaned girl alive but they have also succeeded in creating the visualisation Roald Dahl creates with his words.
There is something so magical about a child’s innocence, something adults tend to undermine. Yes we, as adults, are generally always right and ‘know and understand’ a lot more about the world than a 10-year-old but what we often forget is that kids are capable of understanding mystical things as adults, and sometimes even more so.
That being said, The BFG is a tale that captures this so beautifully which is why adults need to see this film just as much as kids do.
Whether you have read The BFG countless times, once or not at all the relationship developed between little Sophie and an unconventional giant is bound to melt your heart.
Newcomer Ruby Barnhill as Sophie is your typical 10-year-old – sweet and lovable but cheeky, feisty and filled with adventure. Her portrayal of the little girl who did everything she wasn’t supposed to do - which ultimately leads her to the adventure of a lifetime with a giant – is spot on and slightly annoying but in a good way.
Mark Rylance as BFG will literally have you believing not all giants are evil, man-eating beings. To keep up with Roald Dahl’s crazy and confusing giant speak is one thing but for Rylance to interpret it and deliver it the way he does brings more understanding to the film than you’d think.
Giant Country is a place I’d love to go on vacation to and the tree of dreams is one place I know I have dreamt of. The CGI used to blend real life with animation in this film is astonishing and more importantly fits in the context and look of this storybook world.
The only downfall is when humans, other than Sophie, are introduced. When Sophie and BFG go to Queen Victoria for help, the duration of this segment tends to drag on and doesn’t necessarily carry the depth the rest of the film does. It all seems less authentic. Strangely enough Giant Country and BFG appeared more believable than the set up of Buckingham Palace and Queen Victoria.
Nevertheless The BFG is not just another kiddies movie. It’s a film every adult and child needs to see and a story worth believing in.
