MOVIE REVIEW – Goodbye Christopher Robin
Review by Geoff Jenke
GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN gives a rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh. Along with his mother Daphne (Margot Robbie), and his nanny Olive (Kelly Macdonald), Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bringing hope and comfort to England after the First World War. But with the eyes of the world on Christopher Robin, what will the cost be to the family?
Goodbye Christopher Robin is a feel-good movie about a family you may not have wanted to know about. It does have its dark moments and you will probably need some tissues on hand at the end. Wil Tillston stars as the young Christopher Robin and his acting certainly shines, in fact at times out shining that of the adults in the film at times.
The first part of the film is the story of how Poo Bear came about. Writer A.A. Milne is coming to terms with “normal” life again after serving in World War 1. A successful playwright he moves the family to the country where life is quieter. However, his wife Daphne is after the lime light and night life of the big city. When he doesn’t continue with writing, she leaves him, promising to come back when he is writing again. When nanny has to go away for a few days, it is left up to dad to look after his son and a phenonium is created out of those days.
The movie transitions from touching to tragic with the second part moving along at a fast pace. The father realises they have been bad parents and he tries to make up for it. We miss a lot of Christopher’s growing up and resentment to his parents for the life he has had to endure. This is glossed over with two scenes, at school and one at a railway station.
Beautifully filmed, the period details are lovely and immaculate. You really feel as if you are living in the 1920’s.
If you love Winnie the Poo you will get something out of the movie. Even if you’re not a fan of the bear, the film is certainly worth your time. However, I would think twice about taking small children as some of the war scenes and the fathers traumatic experiences maybe, well too traumatic for younger viewers.
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