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Bridge to Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia Rated PG" I had never heard of Katherine Paterson’s book Bridge to Terabithia, so when I heard they were making a film of the children’s novel, I felt little excitement. I had no intention of seeing it until a lady told me she was reduced to sobs by the film’s ending. Curiosity prevailing, I trudged to the cinema unsure of how a children’s film could provoke such a strong emotional response in a grown woman. Bridge to Terabithia tells the story of a young boy Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) and the friendship he forms with a new girl at school Leslie (AnnaSophia Rob). Coming from a large, poor family and commonly bullied, Jesse is elated when Leslie and her vivid imagination helps him create their own imaginary world (Terabithia). This imaginary world acts as a form of escapism, where Jesse and Leslie can get away from their smothering families and bullies. They conquer trolls and more, which in turn gives them the confidence to approach their real problems. The film captures the hearts of children with a theme all kids can relate to, magical animals and enjoyable action segments, yet the film has a profundity that makes it quite adult. The film has a surprising depth, with the happenings/creatures in Terabithia being symbolic of the events/people Jesse and Leslie encounter in real life. Some parallels between their reality and their fantasies are quite obvious, while others are more subtle and eerie. Director Gabor Csupo ensures that the ‘make believe’ scenes come across as totally believable, making it very clear that it is all part of the children’s imagination. The two young stars do a fantastic job, coming across as very natural and likeable. They both succeed at conveying the emotional under linings of their characters, managing to avoid the two-dimensional characterisation common in fantasy films. Young Bailee Maddison as Jesse’s younger sister also does a fabulous job, with a massive personality, and positively oozing cuteness. She also tackles the emotional scenes very well. With three very talented child leads, it is a shame that the minor children’s roles are cast with much less capable actors. The children at school and Jesse’s older siblings come across as stereotypical and, at times, fake. The Verdict: Bridge to Terabithia is an engaging cinematic experience for children and adults alike. Though perhaps not something you’d take your more masculine hubbies too, those with a sensitive side will find themselves in desperate need of tissues at the end! For Rockingham Session Times contact Hoyts on 9527 8072 |
