Peter Pan (February 5, 1953)

This is another one of my childhood favorites. I just loved the idea of fairies, flying, faith, trust, and pixie dust! The story is about Peter Pan who takes the Darling children, Wendy, John, and Michael on a journey to Neverland, a magical island where children never grow up and filed with pirates. The animation is wonderful with great flying movements, character designs, and backgrounds (the iconic Big ben clock toward scene is particularly lovely as well as the first look of Neverland). The contrast between light and shadow is also excellent. It also set to a wonderful soundtrack with the famous song “The Second Star to the Right”. The message of it is ok to grow up but all in good time and you can still hold on to your childhood memories really resonates with me as a young adult. This is not to say the movie is without its flaws. Its depiction of Native Americans is infamous for being racist and stereotypical (with the “What Made the Red Man Red?” a glaring example) and Captain Hook is very misogynistic and racist (which I did not notice as a kid but it is glaring as an adult). Also, Peter Pan himself is a complex character being naïve but somewhat mature, naughty, but also brave and kind. I have parts of the 1911 novel this movie is based on, which in turn was based on a 1904 play, both written by J. M. Barrie. Peter Pan in that book, along with Tinker Bell, are much more sinister and mean spirited. I much prefer the Disney adaptation! Additionally, the interactions between Peter Pan and Captain Hook are standouts and by far the best parts of the film. I would love to watch more adventures with just those two. Overall, Peter Pan, despite its imperfections, is a fun adventure in a marvelous world with humor and a little heart.

Final Rating: 7/10