Last updated
    The BFG
    🎬movieReleasedPG

    The BFG

    United States flagUnited States

    "The world is more giant than you can imagine."

    2016 1h 57m English
    63%

    User Score

    125000+ votes

    Community

    Overview

    Steven Spielberg returns to the realm of childhood wonder with this live-action adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel. The story centers on Sophie, a ten-year-old orphan living in a dreary London children's home, whose life changes forever when she spots a colossal figure gliding past her window one foggy night. This giant, known as the Big Friendly Giant or BFG, sweeps her off her feet and transports her to a hidden realm far beyond human sight.

    Unlike his man-eating kin who hunt for food, the BFG collects sweet dreams from sleeping children and delivers them through chimneys. He speaks in a unique mix of English and invented words called gobbledegook. When he realizes that the other giants plan to invade London to feast on humans, he teams up with Sophie to stop them. Their unlikely alliance requires courage, cleverness, and a trip to Buckingham Palace to convince the Queen of their existence.

    Where to Watch

    Availability and pricing can change. Confirm on the provider's site before purchasing.

    PlotSpoiler-free

    Sophie wakes up in a quiet London children's home where the matron treats the girls with cold indifference. Her nights are spent staring out the window at the moonlit city, dreaming of escape from her lonely existence. One restless evening, she sees a massive shape moving silently through the streets. Before she can process what she is seeing, a giant hand grabs her and lifts her high into the air. She finds herself whisked away from the safety of her bed and transported across the ocean to a mist-shrouded landscape known as Giant Country.

    Here, Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant, a towering but gentle creature distinguished by his oversized ears and a fondness for snozzcumbers, a foul-tasting vegetable he eats to avoid eating people. The BFG explains that he is different from the other giants because he refuses to harm humans. He spends his nights flying over cities like London to capture sweet dreams from sleeping children and deliver them through chimneys. However, his peaceful mission is threatened by a pack of man-eating giants led by the terrifying Fleshlumpeater, who view the BFG as a traitor for refusing to join their cannibalistic crusade.

    Initially terrified, Sophie soon realizes that the BFG is not the monster she feared. The two form an unlikely bond, communicating through a mix of broken English and the BFG's invented language. As they grow closer, Sophie learns of the BFG's tragic backstory: he was exiled from his own kind for refusing to eat people, leaving him alone until he met Sophie. The central conflict escalates when the BFG reveals his plan to stop the man-eating giants from invading London. With the help of Sophie's sharp mind and quick thinking, the duo devises a daring strategy to expose the giants' evil deeds to the human authorities.

    Their journey takes them back to London, where they must convince the Queen of the giants' existence. The stakes are incredibly high; if they fail, the man-eating giants will descend upon the city, leading to chaos and destruction. Along the way, Sophie proves herself to be more than just a child. She becomes a strategist, a diplomat, and a brave ally who helps the BFG navigate the treacherous political landscape of the British government. The film builds tension as the pair races against time to prepare for the inevitable confrontation, showcasing themes of friendship, courage, and the power of believing in the impossible.

    The narrative focuses heavily on the relationship between Sophie and the BFG. Through their adventure, Sophie finds a family in the BFG, while the BFG discovers a purpose beyond his solitary life. The story culminates in a tense standoff where the fate of both the human and giant worlds hangs in the balance. Sophie uses her knowledge of the BFG's language and the Queen's trust to rally support for their cause. The film balances moments of genuine fear with whimsical wonder, creating a magical atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults. The visual effects bring the fantastical elements to life, making the giants feel real and imposing yet ultimately harmless when guided by kindness.

    Ending ExplainedSpoilers

    Trailers

    Official Trailer

    Critical Reception

    Critical Consensus

    Steven Spielberg's The BFG is a visually stunning adaptation that captures the whimsical spirit of Roald Dahl's beloved novel. While some critics found the pacing sluggish and the emotional depth lacking compared to other Spielberg films, the movie succeeds in its ambition to bring a magical world to life. Mark Rylance's performance as the titular character anchors the film, offering a heartwarming portrayal of a gentle giant. The special effects are impressive, creating a believable yet fantastical environment that appeals to both children and adults.

    Top Cast

    Mark Rylance

    Mark Rylance

    The BFG

    Ruby Barnhill

    Ruby Barnhill

    Sophie

    Rebecca Hall

    Rebecca Hall

    Mary

    Jemaine Clement

    Jemaine Clement

    Fleshlumpeater

    Bill Hader

    Bill Hader

    Bloodbottler

    Penelope Wilton

    Penelope Wilton

    The Queen

    Marilyn Norry

    Marilyn Norry

    Matron

    Rafe Spall

    Rafe Spall

    Mr. Tibbs

    Top Characters

    Crew

    Director

    Steven Spielberg

    Writers

    Melissa Mathison, Roald Dahl

    Composer

    John Williams

    Cinematographer

    Janusz Kamiński

    Producers

    Frank Marshall, Sam Mercer, Steven Spielberg

    Awards

    Academy Awards (2017)

    Best Visual Effects: Nominated

    BAFTA Awards (2017)

    Best Special Visual Effects: Nominated

    Saturn Awards (2017)

    Best Fantasy Film: Won

    Saturn Awards (2017)

    Best Performance by a Young Actor: Nominated

    Saturn Awards (2017)

    Best Music: Nominated

    Keywords

    london englandqueenlittle girlorphancannibalbased on childrens bookgiantlive action remakecomfortingdream catcherfriendshiproyal family

    Sources

    Facts

    Motion Capture Technology
    Mark Rylance wore a motion capture suit to portray the BFG, allowing for a seamless blend of live-action and CGI.
    Voice Work
    Rylance recorded his lines separately from the motion capture sessions, ensuring that his voice matched the physical performance perfectly.
    Set Design
    The production team built a full-scale model of the BFG's house to help actors visualize the scale of the giant world.
    Music
    John Williams composed the score, which includes several leitmotifs representing different characters and emotions throughout the film.
    Adaptation Challenges
    Melissa Mathison faced the challenge of condensing the original novel's complex narrative into a feature-length film while maintaining the story's essence.

    Join the community

    fans discussing