Marc Forster, the acclaimed director known for his eclectic range of films—including “Finding Neverland,” “Quantum of Solace” and “The Kite Runner”—now returns to direct Disney’s heartwarming live-action adventure “Christopher Robin” starring Ewan McGregor and Haley Atwell.
Forster grew up loving Disney live-action films and was immediately drawn to the story of “Christopher Robin.” It had a sense of magic realism, and he believed it had the potential to become an artistic, emotional, funny and timeless film.
Disney’s “Christopher Robin” brings the timeless charm and nostalgia of A.A. Milne’s stories and characters to the big screen in an imaginative tale about the joy and purity of youth. Speaking to the child in all of us, the film is a gentle reminder to let some of those qualities infuse our adult lives.
“Translating a lovely, simple story with an uncomplicated, targeted message into a feature film can make one’s own life a better experience for the effort,” says Forster. “The simpler things in life are, indeed, often those that make us the happiest. And in ‘Christopher Robin’ we see a man who has lost sight of that which tethered him to humanity in broad strokes, and who is reminded of his better self through reconnecting to his childhood, his own imagination and to a love of wonder. In so reconnecting to his own better spirit, he finds his way back to the loves of his life, his wife and daughter, and for that, his life is enriched. All for remembering that the simpler things in life are not to be left behind or forgotten.”
“Life goes by so fast, but hopefully this film will remind people to take a look at their own lives and re-evaluate how they spend their time…and with who,” continues Forster.
“When you are able to make people laugh and cry in the same movie and you are able to tell the story with integrity and ground it in reality and have the magic realism on top of it, it lifts your spirits and connects you with the people you love.”
And this is a story Forster believes has never been more relevant. “I think it’s something we desperately need in the world,” he concludes. “We could all use a little bit of Winnie the Pooh’s heart and wisdom right now.”
Disney’s “Christopher Robin” is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #ChristopherRobinPH.