With deft camera work and riveting acting, the movie captures both the inventiveness of youth and the eccentricities of history. To focus on the question of whether or not the photos are real is to miss the essence of this fascinating story. The movie blurs fact and fantasy, taking us into a war-weary England in which everyone would like to believe in, if not see, something magical. The main characters here aren't deceptive, but pure-hearted, and their fairy friends are authentic as playmates. Both girls have suffered tremendous loss, and whether real or imaginary, the fairies bring them tangible joy.

An opening scene shows Peter Pan on stage, begging the audience to believe in fairies. This is but the first plea. Not only does the movie beg us to believe, but it also populates its world with fairies. Though countless special effects must have been required to bring the fairies to life, technical wizardry never overpowers their grace. Fantasy worlds and imaginary friends are integral to childhood, and kids will identify with Francis and Elsie's ability to summon fairies and persuade adults they exist.