The BFG – Based on the Ronald Dahl classic, The Big Friendly Giant, the Master of Directors, Steven Spielberg, tackles this tale some 34 years after his own classic ET. And while the films mirror each other is so many ways, if you’re expecting ET, think again.
The BFG is mesmerizing to watch, but it’s weighted in dialog for the first half of the movie. Yet, this is Spielberg’s escape into a world without limitations. It’s also his chance to tackle a subject sensitive to him….bullying. Apparently he was bullied as a school nerd.
Even those classic English accents don’t help though the landscape of England is lovely to look at.
Spielberg has built a career on making children famous (think Drew Barrymore). Expect to hear a lot about Ruby Barnhill who plays a girl named Sophie. She first encounters the big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance) and despite his intimidating appearance, he turns out to be kindhearted soul. He’s considered an outcast by the other giants, because unlike them, he refuses to eat children. Rylance gives a seductive and gentle performance. This is his film. He last starred in Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies. ♕ ♚ ♛