Based on the 1982 children’s book by Roald Dahl, this Disney film directed by Steven Speilberg is a fine example of what happens when three of the greatest master storytellers of all time come together to tell a tale. This Dahl classic, The Big Friendly Giant, or The BFG, is mesmerisingly beautiful, intelligent and enthrallingly entertaining for children and adults alike.
10 year old Sophie, played by Ruby Barnhill, is whisked from her bed by The BFG after she accidentally sees him through her orphanage window. The giant carries her away to Giant Land where Sophie is introduced to a magical and strange world and where they both face great danger.
With some slightly scary moments this one might not be suitable for younger children, and comes with an appropriate age recommendation for those over 5 years. The BFG also has a running time of two hours, which might be beyond the attention span of some.
Children 8 and under may also need a little reassurance, after all it does involve big scary giants with horrible names like Childchewer, Bloodbottler, Gizzardgulper and Maidmasher, and these giants do hunt and eat human ‘beans’.
Played by Mark Rylance, the BFG however, is gentle and kind and only eats Snozzcumber and Frobscottle, which he cooks very badly himself. He and Sophie find themselves becoming fast friends and soon start to care a great deal for each other.
There are plenty great morals and cautionary tales to be found here among the colour, magic and laughs and the ridiculously funny fart jokes.
Also starring Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Bill Hayder and Rebecca Hall, The BFG is a wonderful family film, which utilises motion capture technology with amazing visual effects by Weta Digital to bring the unique and beautiful fantasy feel that this Dahl classic deserves.
Reviewed by Ceri Hutton
Twitter: @Ceri_Hutton
Rating out of 10: 9
The BFG opens in cinemas on 30 June 2016.
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