https://youtube.com/watch?v=t1-x-OCV0no%3Ffeature%3Doembed
Steven Spielberg and Roald Dahl — two of the world’s greatest storytellers — teamed up to bring one of the best-loved children’s classics to the big screen. We sent Dawn, mum of two, along with her boys to see The BFG, and asked her to tell us honestly what the family made of it.
The Movie’s Plot
The BFG tells the story of a young girl named Sophie (played by British newcomer Ruby Barnhill) and the mysterious Giant — the BFG (played by Oscar winner Mark Rylance) — who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.
Ten-year-old Sophie is in for the adventure of a lifetime when she meets the Big Friendly Giant. Naturally scared at first, she soon realises that the 24-foot giant is actually quite gentle and charming. As their friendship grows, Sophie’s presence attracts the unwanted attention of Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater and the other, much less friendly giants. After travelling to London, Sophie and the BFG must convince Queen Victoria to help them get rid of the bad giants once and for all.
What Our Reviewer Thought
I took my two boys, aged 9 and 7, and we all enjoyed it. It’s quite funny in parts, but I couldn’t go as far as to say it was hilarious. The funniest moments were the way the BFG gets his words mixed up — calling vegetables “vegeterribles,” for example — and the explosive results of the downward bubbles in the frobscottle he likes to drink. The boys especially loved that bit!
Technically, it’s very well done, and the BFG’s character and his growing bond with Sophie make for a genuinely charming film. That said, I couldn’t help feeling that Spielberg didn’t quite do full justice to the original Dahl story. The kids loved it regardless.
I’d give the film 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommended reading: 15 Gloriumptious BFG Party Ideas for Kids and The BFG and 9 Other Epic Stories with Giants for Kids
Have you seen The BFG? What did you and your family think? Tell us in the comments below.
FAQs About The BFG Movie
Is The BFG a good movie for family movie night?
Yes — it’s a gentle, imaginative story with plenty of charm, and it works well for a cosy family watch, especially on a rainy afternoon. There’s mild peril from the less friendly giants, but nothing too intense for most primary-school-aged children.
What age group is The BFG movie suitable for?
It suits children from around 6 upwards. Younger or more sensitive children may find the bad giants a little frightening in places, so it’s worth watching alongside them the first time.
Is The BFG movie funny?
There’s plenty of gentle humour, particularly the BFG’s muddled-up words and the running joke about frobscottle and its rather explosive side effects. Kids tend to find these moments the funniest part of the film.
Does The BFG movie follow the book closely?
It follows the same central story and characters from Roald Dahl’s book, though as with most book-to-screen adaptations, some details and tone shift in the translation to film.
Looking for More Rainy Day Ideas?
If The BFG has you in the mood for more cosy, indoor family entertainment, browse our full collection of rainy day activities and family movie picks for more inspiration the next time the weather keeps you indoors.
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