The Lovely Bones [DVD]

I read the book back in 2005 and didn't really get it at the time. I've since read it again but concede that, on this occasion, I prefer the film adaptation. The film found a way through my emotional defences in a way that the book didn't.

It tells the story from different perspectives: the family's struggle to accept their loss; the killer's ability to hide behind a facade of respectability (he really could be your next door neighbour); the police's frustration at lack of evidence. But most importantly it explores Suzie observing life as it continues without her.

What I truly love about this story is that the victim doesn't just fade away. Suzy stays in our consciousness throughout.

The CGI images were wonderful, with the creative and inventive interpretation of a teenage girl's version of heaven a joy to behold. I think I would have big pink roses and butterflies in my version of nearly heaven too!

A very sad but beautiful film on so many levels. Just make sure you have a ready supply of handkerchiefs.

I read this book several years ago and found it to be well written, sad, touching and uplifting all at the same time. I recently watched the film, and although there were moments of 'I don't remember that in the book' I really enjoyed it on the whole. The young actress who played Suzy (apologies but I don't know her name) was perfect for the role. Suzy Salmon is what I would describe as a young, innocent 14 year old girl. She is very shy around her 'crush' Ray Singh, loves taking pictures with her new camera and has that happy-go-lucky, fresh innocence that is missing in so many of today's teenagers! Because of her vulnerable, trusting nature, it makes it even more distressing knowing what is going to happen. It must be every parent's worst nightmare. And of course it is her sweet nature and naivety that attracts the horrific, diabolical intentions of her murderous neighbour. This vile man had it all very carefully planned out; even going to the trouble of building and decorating an underground den supposedly for the local kids to use, however its sole purpose was to lure poor, unsuspecting Suzy Salmon to her brutal death.

Unfortunately for the actor who played the one responsible for ending Suzy's young life, he looked every part the murdering paedophile. From the nervous twitching and fiddling with his glasses, to the creepy, intensive stare and skittish behaviour. Horrible man. I wanted to kill him! I thought the parents could have been more suitably cast, but the younger sister was pretty much spot on. I think there was a lot less focus on the family's relationship after Suzy's death than in the book and a lot more emphasis was placed on the afterlife scenes via use of CGI for the film, but sometimes I guess this is necessary when a book is made into a film. I generally treat a film adaptation of a book as being based on the novel in question rather than following it to the letter.

I thought the sequences dealing with the other world (not the earth plane or heaven but 'limbo') were actually very well done and easy to digest for all audiences of any religious persuasion. There was no religious doctrine here, no angels singing, no God awaiting, just the continuation of Suzy's consciousness. Suzy is so justifiably angry, she can't move on and stays close to her family and friends, even though she knows she has to leave eventually. The cinematics depicting how she interprets her stay in the in-between are beautifully directed in my opinion. Suzy experiences a whole range of emotions such as denial, fear, anger and sorrow as she comes to terms with what has happened to her and the effect it has had on her family and her almost boyfriend, Ray. This film (as one other reviewer deemed it to be) is not sick, far from it. Sadly, there are sick people who do sick things in our world and this film reflects that, yet it manages to portray it in a sensitive and honest manner without it becoming overly sentimental or soppy. As horrible as it sounds, young girls do get assaulted and murdered, and it is surely a more comforting thought that these poor souls get live on after death and are still with us, if only for a little while, before going on to heaven. Of course the immediate 'afterlife' that is depicted is simply the author's interpretation of what it might be like based on a young life ending so violently. As to what it is actually like? Well, I guess we will all find out one day, although I am sure that it will be different for each of us.

For me, one of saddest moments of the film was when a policeman presents evidence to Suzy's parents of her probable murder. I won't go into any detail because I wouldn't want to spoil any of the film, however it is a short yet poignant moment.

I really only watched this due to Saoirse Ronan staring in it, as I enjoyed her performance in the City of Ember (which I also highly recommend).

Saoirse's acting is excellent throughout, a joy to watch. The movie is long 2h 15m I think, but there wasn't a moment where I'd lost interest, I was gripped all the way.

Really good, do yourself a favour and buy this!

Possible Spoiler -

I did feel a little let down at the end. I wanted Saoirse's character; Susie to get her revenge, proper revenge, I wanted someone to find the body. I really thought she would stop them throwing the safe into the landfill... In the end no one found out what truly happened, the guy didn't pay for what he had done, not really...