Hands up if you're a big kid and loved this movie?
17 years old and absolutely adored it.
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Have fun. Play loud. Live free. Die proud.
47 and loved it, cried even. Never heard of this movie until it was on over Christmas. Recorded it and just got round to watching it. Compared to the sfx in a lot of modern day movies, and the traditional formats of movies / stories there are some differences that the average Joe might pick on as a detrimental to the overall movie, but for me it was incredibly deep and moving.
spoiler alert.........
There is a distinct ambiguity of the relationship between Mahoney and Magorium. She is old enough to run the store, but dependant enough on him to see him as a magical and awesome father figure. He is depicted as very old in years but with the imagination and creativity of a child.
The crunch comes when he has to leave and there's a huge hole in Mahoney's life coupled with a lack of her ability to cope. For a short while everything looks bleak until she realises that she can cope and can get on with her life in an incredible fashion.
The message seems clear and is explained in two words - he died.
As in Magorium's case, King Lear's and for all of us; we die, and we wish those we leave behind to make the most of what they have and cherish our memory.
Like I said deep and moving, especially for anyone who has lost someone close. At this point the ambiguity kicks in. It doesn't make a difference if the person we lose is younger or older, an influential parent or an adorable child, it's just someone we believe to be magical in our lives.
Love your post!
47 here and find this film magical and moving. Natalie Portman is just so sweet and perfect in the role.