Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Directed by: Gabor Cuspo | 95 minutes | drama, adventure, family, fantasy | Actors: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick, Kate Butler, Bailee Madison, Devon Wood, Emma Fenton, Latham Gaines, Judy McIntosh, Patricia Aldersley, Lauren Clinton, Cameron Wakefield, Elliot Lawless

At first glance, the American youth film ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ seems to be a twin sister of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Also based on a popular book, also about children who end up in a fairytale world and also made by the same team. However, there is a world of difference between the two films. Where the children of Narnia find themselves in a truly magical kingdom, the children of Terabithia themselves fantasize a land. Moreover, Narnia’s themes are of a very different caliber from Terabithia’s. But the main difference is that ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ touches you emotionally, and firmly.

The film is about the friendship between the sympathetic outsiders Jess and Leslie. Leslie is the only child of a couple of artistic parents. She is strikingly dressed and has a wide imagination with which she tackles her daily problems. Jess is unlucky enough to be surrounded by four sisters, so he hides in his sketchbook whenever possible. Both children are bullied at school. To escape the bullying, Jess and Leslie often wander the vast forests near their childhood homes. There they invent the fantasy land of Terabithia, a magical place where they learn how to deal with the bullying.

For an hour, ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ is a solid youth film, which is particularly notable for the acting performances of the sparkling AnnaSophia Robb and the equally talented Josh Hutcherson. But in the last half hour, after an unexpected event, the film becomes a lot more serious and dark. Fortunately, the makers of Terabithia deal sensitively and intelligently with difficult and painful issues, so that it is all still manageable. It is also in this last part that fantasy gives way to reality, and entertainment to emotion. Because of the sometimes spicy subjects, it is a blessing that the makers always take their young audience seriously. The life lessons are never hammered in and are always sincere. The characters are very recognizable, with their good and bad qualities. In addition, the subjects that the film deals with – fantasy, friendship, pain, comfort, and especially the combination of the four – are as fascinating as they are timeless.

For example, ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ is a youth film that stands out because of the love with which it was made and the daring and insight with which adult problems are processed in an appealing story. It is also a production that both young – but preferably not too young – and old can enjoy. Intelligent, imaginative and deeply moving.