Finding Neverland put a great big lump in my throat, something very few films this year have managed to do. It is easily the least cynical movie of 2004 and puts forth the same sort of emotional charge that In America did over a year ago. It's also a much more capable celebration of childhood and innocence than the recent Polar Express. True, the Zemeckis picture was based in fantasy, but even so, the visuals and relentless action took away from what that film really should have been about.

Finding Neverland is inspired by true events, although there seems to be much speculation as to how much of it is actually true. As I watched it, I didn't care because it's heart was always in the right place, a place very near the intersection of Shakespeare in Love and Peter Pan. This earnest movie weaves it's story around J.M. Barrie (Johnny Depp), the gentle playwright who would go on to create a magical tale about a little boy who refused to grow up.

Finding Neverland finds Barrie taking inspiration from widowed Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (beautifully played by Kate Winslet) and her young sons, one of whom continues to struggle with the untimely death of his father.

Despite a lot of officious busy-bodies who believe that Barrie has an unhealthy bond with the family, the playwright continues to build a relationship with Davies and her wonderful children, and before long, he's inspired to write one of the most beloved tales of all time.

Pure and innocent are two words that deftly describe Finding Neverland. Not only was I enchanted by the scenes in which we are witness to Barrie's creative process, but I also loved the relationships as presented in this film. The scenes between Barrie and his wife Mary (Radha Mitchell) are bittersweet to be sure, but they feel very genuine. Even while these two characters are clearly drifting apart, they deal with the situation like adults.

Depp's rapport with Winslet is absolutely beautiful. They clearly have feelings for one another, but several obstacles (including Sylvia's domineering mother-played by veteran Julie Christie) prohibit them from acting on impulse. My favorite aspect of the film is the bond that Barrie has with Sylvia's children, particularly young Peter (played winningly by Freddie Highmore). Highmore's scenes of emotional release are incredibly powerful, and the way this role has been fashioned by writers Allan Knee and David Magee, really added to the overall effectiveness of the movie. The children (like many children) in this picture are smart, and are forced to deal with tough situations in a realistic manner. Nothing about their grief is sugar coated, and, as was the case with last year's stunning In America, I really responded to that.

What can I say about Johnny Depp? He just continues to amaze me with each performance. Is there anything this guy can't do? What's most impressive about him here, is his restraint. This is a quiet, sweet natured turn (think Edward Scissorhands), and Depp allows his fellow cast mates to take center stage. Winslet is outstanding as an exhausted, scared mother who always has her children's best interest at heart. She, Depp and the children in this picture elevate Finding Neverland far above your standard "disease movie of the weak".

Finding Neverland was directed by Marc Forster who's dealt with tough relationships in film before (see Monster's Ball), and here, he shows that he's perfectly capable of intimacy of a completely different nature.

Finding Neverland is simply beautiful, and while I wouldn't call it the best film of the year, I was profoundly moved by it. It's an emotional experience that worked it's magic without being in the least bit heavy-handed. This is great film, perhaps the best of the holiday season thus far (although The Incredibles is a close second).