Bridge to Terabithia

This charming adaptation of the Newberry-award winning book is a testimonial to the power of the imagination, friendship, compassion,  and, ultimately, love.

Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke are 5th-grade (although the actors seem too old for that, which only slightly diminishes the magical quality of the film) misfits who are each, in their own way, neglected at home and bullied in school, and take refuge in running and in art: Jesse draws, Leslie writes. When the two become friends, Leslie challenges Jesse to open his mind and trust the power of imagination: they create for themselves a mythical kingdom, Terabithia, where they are king and queen, peopled by monsters related to their real-life tormentors whom they can overcome or, in one instance, transform into a friend.

At the same time as he is exploring this parallel universe, Jesse is confronting the challenges and opportunities of growing up in the real world. He deals with the emotional dependence of his younger sister, May Bell, with whom he competes, always unsuccessfully, for their father’s attention and approval. He comes to the attention of his beautiful and hip music teacher, who takes him on a day trip off the farm and on his first-ever excursion to an art museum, where Jesse learns that the world is full of fascinating things and the imagination can manifest in reality.

It’s while Jesse is on that trip that real-life tragedy strikes, dropping the adolescent harshly back to earth and transforming the landscape, and the adults, around him. With the benefit of what he learned from Leslie, Jesse can connect with his father, accept the challenges of being an older brother and move back into the world with confidence and acceptance.

This is a lovely film for all ages with remarkable special effects that are artistic enough to please adults and benign enough so that even young children can watch without being unduly frightened. Highly recommended for family movie night.

Reviewed By: Honorah Crowley

more reviews...

Design by Enigma Enterprises | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Partners