The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams.
Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows. But Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Says Spielberg, “It’s a story about friendship, it’s a story about loyalty and protecting your friends and it’s a story that shows that even a little girl can help a big giant solve his biggest problems.” Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see Queen Victoria (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.
A fantasy that bucks the trend of modern kid movies–i.e. frenetically paced and fast with jokes and slapstick humor–The BFG instead draws you in with atmosphere and heart. Spielberg takes his time building his world of giants and developing the relationship between the title character and Sophie, a refreshing change of pace.
As the BFG would say “the two rights don’t violent way that his fellow giants treat humans, but that doesn’t mean he’s about to go and treat them violently in exchange. Instead he pays a visit to queen and together they devise a peaceful plan. The BFG teaches many valuable life lessons. It also teaches kindness, compassion, empathy and emphasizes celebrating and loving our differences. This story sure packs a powerful punch.
By Kalyani Bahalkar
Pre Primary Teacher