Other than this movie being way too hard to spell, it’s a timeless masterpiece. After nearly 12 years, I finally re-watched this hard hitter and—spoiler alert—it still makes an impact.
In 2007
My family drove to a nearby town in ND to watch the movie. We always did that for special occasions as a bonding experience. As I recall, we just went because it was family-friendly and had an interesting trailer.
Harmless and enjoyable.
Uhhhh… Leslie’s death, anyone? As a child, that’s the first time I’d been confronted with someone my age dying… which is unfortunately not something everyone can say.
I didn’t see it coming.
For weeks after, I felt a darkness I never understood before. It hadn’t dawned on me that something so tragic can happen to children. And even when it began to fade from my mind, I’ve always had a far away spot in my brain thinking it over.
Because that’s what truly great movies do to children: They open up something new inside. Something you can’t forget.
Whether it was Bridge to Terabithia or a different impressionable film that found me first, you don’t forget the first movie that made you feel.
Not feel happy.
Not feel comfortable.
Feel. That spot deep in your soul where all your truths lie, waiting for you to remember and circle back around to recognize them.
In 2019
Leslie’s death was just as haunting and powerful, even though I saw it coming. I watched it alone in a dark apartment. I’m more than twice as old. I support myself and have the freedom to do whatever I choose.
What do I choose to do? Watch Bridge to Terabithia.
Curled up, letting the dark night wrap me up in it’s soothing, sad arms, I watched the movie. I cried alone. I felt all the feeling and took it in as an adult—an adult, mind you, that’s taken screenwriting classes.
Bridge to Terabithia is a piece of art.
The genuine creativity captured from those kids. The very real problems they face. I was completely sucked in like only a powerful movie can do.
What made it such a great story:
- The character arc of the bullies
- The honesty of the characters
- That the movie didn’t end after Leslie’s death: It let the characters come full circle, with Leslie’s dog and thoughts about what happens after death, even that rope
Bridge to Terabithia: I’ll always leave the bridge up for you. You can travel my heart whenever you want.
