The BFG

The BFG is a phenomenal film released in 2016, directed by the acclaimed Steven Spielberg. The fantastic cast includes Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall, Rafe Spall, and others. This movie, based on Roald Dahl's 1982 book bearing the same name, encapsulates the enchanting combination of humor and grand adventure.

The story unfolds with a young orphaned girl, Sophie (played by the impressive Ruby Barnhill) living in a London orphanage. Sophie, full of life and curiosity, often peers into the silent and mysterious nocturnal world outside her window. One fateful night, she spots a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows. Suddenly, she is whisked away by the enormous hand of the twenty-four feet tall Big Friendly Giant (BFG), meticulously personified by Mark Rylance. With his expressive face and soft-spoken personality, Mark Rylance breathes life into the character of the BFG.

The BFG, despite his imposing physique, is a gentle and kindly character, far removed from the cruel, child-eating giants that inhabit Giant Country. The Big Friendly Giant is also incredibly solitary, having isolated himself from his fellow giants due to their grotesque cannibalistic habits. He spends most of his time harvesting dreams and delivering them to sleeping children across the world with utmost care.

As Sophie and the BFG get to know each other, an unusual friendship starts to form. There are numerous scenes in the film dedicated to the blossoming bond between the BFG and Sophie, emphasizing the importance of companionship and understanding. The BFG, with his strange yet charming dialect (gobblefunk), and his penchant for creating and delivering dreams, often leaves Sophie feeling enamoured and intrigued.

But the Giant Country is filled with danger too. Other larger and ferocious giants — such as Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, Bonecruncher etc., with their menacing presence, pose a great threat to Sophie. The bullying and antagonism that the friendly giant endures from them faithfully mirror the original nuisances invoked in Dahl’s book.

Penelope Wilton excels as the Queen of England, who unsuspectingly gets dragged into Sophie and the BFG's plot to save the children of England from the cruel giants. Wilton's portrayal of the Queen is dignified, yet charmingly approachable and serves as a comedic counterpoint in some scenes of the movie.

The film is a genuine masterpiece of visual effects - Giant Country, the BFG’s cluttered but strangely cozy cave, Dream Country where the BFG captures dreams, each are stunningly realized and presented on-screen. Additionally, the motion-capture technology used to portray the giants is impressive and faultless. The imaginary world of giants and dreams seamlessly mixes with the real world, thanks to the top-notch special effects and captures the necessary charm of such a fantastically woven story.

John Williams’ musical score for the film is fantastic and memorable. The iconic composer has once again succeeded in creating a unique soundscape that perfectly compliments the film’s various moods. Every chord enhances viewers' immersion into the whimsical and whimsy world of the Big Friendly Giant.

The BFG proves to be a delightful, family-friendly movie with powerful performances and an engaging storyline. Steven Spielberg has done a fantastic job maintaining the essence and heart of Dahl's beloved children's book while successfully adapting it for the silver screen. It’s a film about friendship, dreams, bravery, and the magic of believing in the impossible, resonating with all ages and making it a timeless cinematic experience. The tender performances, pleasing special effects, and the heart-warming story make this film a must-watch for every adventure lover, Dahl fan, or simply someone looking for a charming tale that will warm their heart.