By Paul Hall
Roald Dahl’s tale of The BFG is brought to life in the new film of the same name from director Steven Spielberg. The children at Mrs. Clonkers’ London orphanage have rules. They are to stay in bed, they are to never look behind the curtain and they absolutely are not to look out the window. Sophie is a curious 10-year-old resident who wants to know what life is like in the city after dark. When she gets out of bed, pulls back the curtain and looks out the window she sees a giant who quickly whisks her away to a land called Giant Country.
Upon arriving in Giant Country Sophie quickly realizes that the giant who has taken her is not like the others. He doesn’t want to eat her; in fact, he prefers vegetables — like the disgusting snozzcumber. He is a friendly giant who Sophie nicknames the BFG (for Big Friendly Giant). Together they form an unlikely friendship and enjoy each other’s company.
But BFG’s brothers are twice as big as him, and at least twice as scary, and they have been known to eat humans. They look down, both literally and figuratively, on their smaller and much friendlier brother. They bully him constantly and search out the child who they can smell is in his company. BFG does everything he can to protect Sophie, but it becomes extremely difficult with every passing moment.
Sophie does her best to use her youthful exuberance and imagination — coupled with BFG’s size and physical prowess — to find a way to break him away from his brothers so he can live in peace.
The BFG is a spectacle. With the depth in the visuals of London and Giant Country, the film creates a magical world for the characters to play in. Whether it is the queen’s castle, the BFG’s home or the streets of Sophie’s London neighborhood, we are shown beauty around every corner.
The talented Mark Rylance provides the voice and personality of BFG. Not only does he infuse this unique character with his vocal abilities, but the filmmakers also create the visual appearance of BFG in Rylance’s likeness.
Steven Spielberg takes care to tell this unique tale with a mix of animation and live characters that creates a seamless, fantastic environment. He brings the magical touch that we’ve seen in his past projects to this film.
And Dahl’s story that Spielberg brings to life is something that people the world over have enjoyed for years. Dahl is the man behind memorable stories including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and Matilda. The BFG has been published in 41 languages and was thought to be Dahl’s favorite story. This tale about friendship and overcoming the biggest of odds proves that anyone can do anything.
The escape to Giant Country and the side-by-side exploration of a special relationship left a smile on my face for days after viewing. I was proud to share The BFG with my daughter and enjoyed this delightful reminder of why we love a good story. The BFG makes clear that one person can have a giant impact.
The BFG
Rated: PG
Stars: Ruby Barnhill, Rebecca Hall, voice of Mark Rylance
Director: Steven Spielberg
Grade: B+
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