Movie Review: The BFG

I still remember reading The BFG (short for The Big Friendly Giant). I remember myself imagining the appearance of each of the characters, from Sophie in her pink nightgown to the BFG’s tattered outfit, and also the setting of the orphanage and Giant Country. That is not all. I remember rereading the BFG and reimagining each of the scenes, while pretending that I was the director. From the novel Matilda to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl was not only an immensely captivating storyteller, he was also my childhood.

Taken from Mtime.

Ten years later, my wild five-year-old imagination has come true. Well, partially. Even though I was certainly not the director, Disney and Steven Spielberg have brought The BFG to life by producing its movie. They are using this as the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of Roald Dahl’s most lovable characters the same year as Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday.

Taken from this source.

The BFG is a story about little acts of bravery. It’s an adventurous journey of a curious girl after befriending a benevolent giant, while depicting her strength and courage. It delves into the power of friendships, especially in times of loneliness. It’s about confronting bullies and standing up for what is right. And it’s most definitely a story about being willing to take risks and not being afraid to dream. It also highlights the importance of perseverance, even on a path filled with hardships. Perhaps most importantly, though, it sends a ray of hope that allows us to take a glimpse back into our childhood, when anything was possible, when nothing was impossible.

Many say that movies never live up to a reader’s expectations. That’s up to you to decide. Having premiered in Shanghai theaters on October 14, I recommend everyone with an hour and fifty-seven minutes go find out if this adaption lives up to your imagination and Roald Dahl’s award-winning novel The BFG. To me, it’s another Spielberg masterpiece that takes me back in time.

Bridget Lu