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Finding Neverland

(2004, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Freddie Highmore)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Don't expect Peter Pan...This is about the author.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–13

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence:

    Pirate play, and a kid gets dropped from a harness. A sad death.
  • Sex:

    Mild references to adultery and possible improper interest in young boys.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Finding Neverland

Parents need to know that this really isn't a kids' movie. It's about J.M. Barrie and his relationship with four boys who have lost their father before the movie begins and who lose their mother before it ends. Barrie's marriage breaks up because (among other things) his wife has a new boyfriend. It will probably disappoint younger kids who come expecting something Peter Pan-like. If you do go with your kids, you might talk about sources of imagination and creativity.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Barrie wanted to play with the boys and why he was sorry to see them grow up. What is the best part of being a child? What is the best part of being a grown-up? Also, for aspiring young writers, what adventures in your own life can lead to your next great story?

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Our Members Say

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See all 35 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    A very touching movie

    This film presents a very positive message and is a lovely film, overall. However, younger children may become bored but if they are interested, I see no harm in it.

  2. I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    A very touching movie

    This film presents a very positive message and is a lovely film, overall. However, younger children may become bored but if they are interested, I see no harm in it.

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Need to watch movie

    All I can say is that this film was truly amazing. It was very touching and sad, this movie will definitely bring tears to your eyes. All thanks to the wonderful performance of talented cast. Johnny (Depp) does some superb acting (as usual) and Freddie (Highmore) was very impressive. But this film isn't about Peter Pan, it's about the author of the wonderful classic. So, don't expect any Pirates or fairies, although they do a stage play in the movie, and it has some of the characters from Neverland. Anyways, this film is really awesome, and I recommend it. But be prepared with some Tissue ;)

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    It's the only Johnny Depp movie I like. The acting is wonderful, though it's a bit sad.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 2.0

    It's so sad!

    The mom dies but I don't know why! When I saw the credits, they had sad music!

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    absolutely wonderful

    In this one of a kind film johnny depp is at his best. I found it to be very well done with wonderful acting. It really is a good movie but not to much for younger kids, i only say this because they would more than likely say something like "mommy im bored" or perhaps "can we rent barney goes to space instead?" no such movie. Admittedly i cried my eyes out at the end but as i see it all good movies make us cry.

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    absolutely wonderful

    In this one of a kind film johnny depp is at his best. I found it to be very well done with wonderful acting. It really is a good movie but not to much for younger kids, i only say this because they would more than likely say something like "mommy im bored" or perhaps "can we rent barney goes to space instead?" no such movie. Admittedly i cried my eyes out at the end but as i see it all good movies make us cry.

  8. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Brilliant. A must see for Johnny Depp fans

    I watched this movie on a plane when I was nine and I actually enjoyed it. Dont expect an entire Peter Pan movie. This, in a way, a behind the scenes look.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Amazing

    This is a awesome movie. I saw it when I was around ten years old, and I loved it. The relationship between Johnny Depp and the boys in the movie was not in any way disturbing or whatever they said. It was a little sad at the end when the lady died, but it wasn't too sad. I loved this movie and I still do. Anything with Johnny Depp and you know it'll be awesome! (Take Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, Charley and the Chocolate Factory...)

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Touching...

    Very sweet movie about the man who wrote Peter Pan. Non-fiction. I would recommend it for audiences 10-12 and up, asyounger children are liable to be bored by the plot, and it will not have as great an effect.

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Touching, beautiful film!

    A wonderful movie! There was some question about his marriage falling apart, but no adultery is shown or even implied. He needed to spend time with his wife, and I did talk to my children about that while watching the movie, but he did not have any physical relationship with "the other woman". I found no "possible improper interest in young boys" as was mentioned with Common Sense Media. He merely spent time with these children, showing them how to be children. If this is considered "improper interest", then Big Brothers, Big Sisters may as well shut its doors. As for the pirate play, it was boys playing. There was a sad death, but a good ending.

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in District of Columbia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I cried!

    Johnny Depp gives one of the most moving performances of his career.

  14. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I cried my eyes out at the end...

    This is a beautiful, well-acted, heartwarming and then heart-breaking movie. It is appopriate for kids of all ages, but younger ones will not be very interested in it. Therefore, kids 10+ will probably be the best audience.

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Good movie, very emotional.

    I like it, but there is a sad ending... I cry every time. Although I was expecting someting a little more lighthearted, this was good!!

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    PHENOMENAL

    This movie was so heart felt. Makes you look at life in a different way. Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp are amazing!!!

  17. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    1 of jonnys best

    i absolutly LOVE this movie!!!!!! its one of those rare ones where i cry even if its the 15th hundredth time ive seen it lolol its just SUCH a touching story! jonny is amazing...just amazing hes so perfect as jm barrie...wow just great! one of his best roles hes ever ever done!!! this movie was unique to, and i loved all the special effects and kewl camera shots, especially the one on peter in the theatre!!! highly recommended!!

  18. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    A Drama Story

    This movie had a really dramatic air to it, and it was sad in some areas. Johnny Depp did an awesome job with it and pulled off the Irish accent with perfection! It was like a documentary on the man who wrote Peter Pan. Johnny Depp's character has a very imaginitive imagination and it's really uniqe how they put it into the movie. For the people who said this movie was a let down because they wanted to see the real Peter Pan and Wendy, their's a big difference. Excuse me it'scalled "Finding Neverland." Nobody said anything about Peter Pan and Wendy going to neverland. You have to pay attention to all the words in the title just don't go by one word. All together this movie was really great and mothers and daughters will love watching it together.

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Grate movie! One of my favorite. Made look at Peter Pan in a different way.

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    You're gonna cry

    This is one of the best movies of all time, and definitely one of Johnny Depp's best. There is absolutely no objectionable content, and even if there were, there are so many redeeming qualities that would make up for it: dealing with grief, protection of marriage, respect of children, etc. The story is incredible, too. Everyone must watch this movie.

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