[Movie Review] The BFG (2016)

The BFG is a 2016 American fantasy adventure film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, written by Melissa Mathison and based on the 1982 novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. The film stars Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall, Rafe Spall and Bill Hader.

Growing up, Roald Dahl’s slightly dark and twisted children stories were my staple bedtime reads. The BFG was one of my favourites.

When I learned that one of the world’s greatest filmmakers, Steven Spielberg was involved in directing and producing this film version of the BFG, I knew I have to watch it and I have to bring my son Asher along to introduce him to the world of Roald Dahl’s tales.

Synopsis:

Ten-year-old Sophie is in for the adventure of a lifetime when she meets the Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance). Naturally scared at first, the young girl soon realizes that the 24-foot behemoth is actually quite gentle and charming. As their friendship grows, Sophie’s presence attracts the unwanted attention of Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater and other giants. After traveling to London, Sophie and the BFG must convince Queen Victoria to help them get rid of all the bad giants once and for all.

Trailer:

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I enjoyed the film and appreciate Spielberg’s effort to keep the film as close as possible to the original narrative from the book. The visual effects used were not excessive, but just appropriate to bring out the fantasy elements.

The interaction between the two leads, a giant and a young orphan, were heartwarming, with good onscreen chemistry. It reminded me of one of Spielberg’s early box office hit, E.T..

The biggest wow factor for me about the film was that my five-year-old son Asher got the story and was hooked on the narrative about catching, mixing and planting dreams into sleeping children.

It brought him into another fantasy world full of imaginations without making him afraid.

This is a good movie to watch for the whole family.

The BFG is now showing in Singapore cinemas. Go catch it!