Classic movies based on children's novels, such as The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, have the ingredients to count as fairy tales. The same even applies to modern works such as Bridge to Terabithia.
Bridge to Terabithia, based on Katherine Paterson's novel, follows preteen boy Jess (Josh Hutcherson) as he befriends new girl Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) at school in the midst of family drama. The more Jess engages in fighting the imaginary "dark master" and other creatures with Leslie, the more he imagines. He eventually passes that gift onto his younger sister May Belle (Bailee Madison).
The sibling drama and school bullying made me reminisce about the arguments I had with my own siblings and peers as a child. Besides, the scenes in which school bully Janice Avery (Lauren Clinton) makes girls pay to use the bathroom reminds me of the musical Urinetown (which is about a town in which urination is not free). However, I also appreciate the mention of Janice's abusive home life as well as her eventual willingness to sit next to Jess on the bus.
I also enjoyed watching Mrs. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel) bring joyful music lessons into the classroom as well as her growing relationship with Jess. Even Mrs. Myers (Jen Wolfe), who appears as a strict teacher, experiences a touching redemption regarding Leslie's impression on her. Jess's father (Robert Patrick), who discourages Jess's growing imagination, also undergoes a redemption.
In some ways, Bridge to Terabithia mixes drama and fantasy. It has songs scattered throughout, as do many faith-based movies like Miracles from Heaven. At the same time, Jess and Leslie, as previously mentioned, fight imaginary creatures and rule the imaginary kingdom of Terabithia, qualifying this as a fairy tale movie.
The score and lighting were also quite touching; all scenes were easy to look at, which does not apply to many modern live-action films.
There is even a reference to Christianity after the midpoint; after Jess takes Leslie to church with him and his family, they talk about believing in Jesus. Leslie's universalist view, though, can be concerning for Christian viewers. A few swear words are also present, justifying the film's PG (rather than G) rating.
Regardless, Bridge to Terabithia has an important lesson about overcoming loss; a kid dies in the movie as in the book (which was controversial because of it). The lesson coming from the kid's death is to honor the person through actions, which can apply to viewers from all faith backgrounds.
Overall, Bridge to Terabithia is a touching story about the power of imagination and overcoming loss. I recommend it for anyone, but older kids and young teens will especially identify with it.
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