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Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Director: Gabor Csupo

Time Out rating

Average user rating

10 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

Stateside rural fifth-formers Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) look a little too old to be playing make-believe, but let’s overlook that… Leslie’s fertile imagination gets the better of new-found friend Jess when she introduces him to a fantasy world on the other side of a stream. A secret place filled with weird, imaginary creatures, Terabithia proves an ideal retreat for the kids and a perfect environment in which to drum up the courage to face down school bully, Janice. But tragedy strikes…

Gabor Csupo’s directorial debut – based on a ’70s book by Katherine Paterson – is an affecting inquest into the nature of courage, mortality, grief and the healing power of faith. It’s also a fresh take on the fantasy genre. Where film franchises like ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’ are set in an alternative reality, here the realm of fantasy is purely a state of mind that helps the children make decisions back in the real world. The CGI effects are competent enough and it all unfolds at an agreeable pace, but it’s the kids’ universally distinctive performances that impress most.

Author: Derek Adams

Time Out London Issue 1915: May 2-8 2007

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User reviews of this film

Pat said...

Posted on Jan 15 2008 13:45 I'm a 40yr old dad to an 8yr old and we both loved the film. The previews completely mis-sell it as some kind of a fantasy adventure. Its not but keep your mind open and its a powerful film for young kids and supportive adults. We were both glued and both cried our eyes out. Its a great story of real friendship and belief in many of their forms, funnily enough they're also some of the most important themes in Lord of the Rings. Maybe some of the disappointed fantasy lovers on here should look at what that genre is often about.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is pretty much a retelling of themes from the New Testament and other religious and social systems, many of which are to be found in LotR and Terabithia.

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De'mi said...

Posted on Jan 05 2008 07:24 josh, your HOT and the movie was great...
xxx

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Kjr said...

Posted on Sep 15 2007 08:47 Amazing film! loved it! everyone should see it! very emotional but good! X

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nadine said...

Posted on Sep 01 2007 11:26 i saw this film with my school it was sooo borin0g i fell asleep if your an adventure child and a fantasy child this is for you

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Penelope Pitstop said...

Posted on Jul 26 2007 18:38 This film was very average. There is a bit of a shock in the loss of a character that I felt would disturb some kids and the anticipation of a film with leanings towards a Narnia kinda story was sadly misplaced.

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caz said...

Posted on Jul 24 2007 22:41 A very emotive film, Will take grown ups back to a time when anything was possible. A little too indepth for younger kids- i liked the fact that it wasnt just another fantasy film, this is something we all remember doing as kids and which this cotton wool generation has not yet been alowed to do. Imagine without fear and believe without proof. take a hanky!

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Sam Thorne said...

Posted on Jul 22 2007 10:58 Might be a good book but its just a depressing film. All the fantasy world is in the children's minds and in the 20 second trailer, we don't get to see anymore. Completely mis-sold. "Poo" indeed!

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meee said...

Posted on Jul 21 2007 15:54 I LOVE this film so much and i really enjoyed. Will definately buy it on DVD!

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jbh said...

Posted on Jul 20 2007 19:26 it was poo

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matty said...

Posted on Jul 18 2007 16:58 I like this film a lot

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