Opal (AnnaSophia Robb) is a very lonely young woman. She has just moved to Naomi, Florida, with her father, Preacher (Jeff Daniels), minister of the small-town Open Arms Baptist Church. Congregation members bring their own backyard chairs to meetings at a convenience store on Sunday mornings. Opal looks around the assembled group and notices that none of the other kids are very friendly: Amanda (Courtney Jines), who always has a frown on her face; Sweetie Pie (Elle Fanning), who has a bad habit of sucking her fingers; and the two obnoxious Dewberry brothers, Dunlop (Nick Price) and Stevie (Luke Benward), who seem to enjoy teasing her. Then one day, everything changes for Opal. Sent to the local market to buy a box of macaroni and cheese, some rice and tomatoes, she witnesses the commotion that ensues when a stray dog runs wildly through the halls of the place, while the clerks try to catch him. Opal is enchanted by the dog and tells the manager that the animal belongs to her and that he is named Winn-Dixie in honor of the chain of stores.
In his new trailer home, the Shepherd is not happy with the newly arrived dog in his already cramped quarters. To make matters worse, the grumpy landlord hates dogs and immediately takes a dislike to Winn-Dixie. Opal misses her mother, a fun woman who abandoned her when she was just three years old. The Preacher is reluctant to talk about it and spends most of his time sitting at his desk depressed. Opal describes it as a turtle hidden inside its shell. With very little to occupy her, she takes a job at a pet store run by Otis (Dave Matthews), a clerk who soothes the animals with guitar music. Opal's goal is to earn enough money to pay for a collar for Winn-Dixie.
This friendly dog has a way of seeking out new acquaintances for Opal. He takes her to the library, and she meets Ms. Franny (Eva Marie Saint), who has worked there all her life. She has no family and is fixated on her past memories. She tells Opal, who loves stories, about her grandfather who lost everything in the Civil War and created a candy that tastes of sadness and sweetness. Sharing a tablet with Amanda, who appears in the library, Opal learns that her brother has recently drowned. Everyone, it seems, has a share of sadness - not just Preacher. Winn-Dixie also takes her to the hidden estate of Gloria Dump (Cicely Tyson), whom the local kids call Naomi's Wicked Witch. She is a recovering alcoholic who has tied bottles to a gigantic tree to contain the ghosts of her past mistakes. Although Gloria's eyesight is very poor, she can clearly see that Opal needs companionship and the kind of wisdom that can only come from someone who has survived many trials and tribulations. The little girl opens her heart and shares all her anxieties, especially how much she misses her mother and wants to know more about her.
Wayne Wang directs this enchanting drama based on Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Award-winning book. It is the fourth film he directs from a literary work after "The Joy Luck Club", "Anywhere But Here" and "Smoke". In an interview at the time of the film's release, Wang stated that he usually makes films about something that is missing in our lives, empty places we are trying to fill, and that he is always drawn to stories about people who desire and find deep contact with others. , about lonely people struggling for some sense of connection. In Opal's case, she experienced the inexplicable loss of her mother. Joan Singleton's script magically conveys the rainbow colors of a small circle of lonely individuals in Naomi who are transformed thanks to Winn-Dixie. He has a knack for looking for abandoned people like himself and bringing them together in community. And he really smiles.
There are no villains in this wonderful city, and even those who are most distasteful to Opal are transformed when she understands that everyone carries some pain and loss. For those who have experienced the joy that only animals can bring, Winn-Dixie gifts will feel all-natural, delicious and uplifting. We are sad when he freaks out during storms and we are amused when he hands a mouse, he caught to the Preacher during the Sunday morning service. Winn-Dixie even tolerates a parrot that sits on its head. He finds the good in others and serves as a bridge to Opal's reconciliation with her father and a final mutual agreement with the woman who left them behind all those years ago. You couldn't ask for a better spiritual teacher.
The dog who brings Winn-Dixie to life is cute enough, so it seems believable that normally brooding churchgoers might be won over when he interrupts services during the hymn "As I Am." Opal explains, "He just doesn't know the words, that's all. But he sure is moved by the spirit." AnnaSophia Robb is extremely charming in her theatrical debut, delivering a moving performance. All of the adult actors go the extra mile to develop characters who don't spend a lot of time on screen, and Daniels is particularly good at carrying her personal drama. But the real surprise is musician Dave Matthews in his second film role, as a musician who runs the local pet store. Matthews holds his own with his seasoned castmates, and his half-spoken, half-sung explanation of his criminal past is the best scene in the movie.
"Because of Winn-Dixie" is based on the award-winning children's novel of the same name by Kate DiCamillo. Her books have been a hit with children, and the movie is likely to be successful with viewers as well. Director Wayne Wang helps this story transcend its "after-school special" leanings and gives it a lot of heart. As a result, older viewers will feel like they're being manipulated during parts of the story, but the tender moments are authentic enough to help viewers overlook the film's flaws.
The story is said to retain much of the spiritual content found in the novel. However, the film's subsidiary "follow your heart" messages are muddled and theologically weak. One character advises Opal to find "the most important things" in life. When pressed on what they are, the woman responds that "it's different for everyone", even though this woman is a believing, Christian. The writing is uneven in these places, and discerning Christians will notice these weaknesses. Later, Opal tells her about someone swearing, and the woman says, "War is also a bad word." The film's messages are muddled but strongly moral. In fact, the film contains very strong messages about accepting responsibility for one's actions, forgiveness and restoration. These positive messages are often repeated.
Preacher reads his Bible and prays often, but he can't seem to find joy or forgiveness on his own. He certainly doesn't bring much joy to others around him. The small congregation seems bored with their Sunday worship religion and is only amused when Winn-Dixie calls a meeting. Other characters convey traditional values, while most eschew any overt connection to God. Opal is motivated to do good for others, but she gives Winn-Dixie the dog more credit than God for the end result. Still, the dog represents an answer to Opal's prayer that God would send her a friend. Ultimately, therefore, the film suggests that God is the one who improves the lives of Opal, her father, and the townspeople.
In the end, "Because of Winn-Dixie" is a delightful children's story with some surprising lessons for adults. Through her encounters with the locals, befriending Winn Dixie, and discovering the truth about her mother's disappearance, Opal finally realizes that the empty space in her heart is now filled. Our society sometimes tends to discard those it considers less significant, and it is often some of these people who can best fulfill our destiny. Sadly, broken hearts and broken dreams are a part of life. Therefore, it is joy and sadness that must be separated, or the latter will prevent us from relating to those who must fill our empty spaces - propelling us towards our destiny.
In his new trailer home, the Shepherd is not happy with the newly arrived dog in his already cramped quarters. To make matters worse, the grumpy landlord hates dogs and immediately takes a dislike to Winn-Dixie. Opal misses her mother, a fun woman who abandoned her when she was just three years old. The Preacher is reluctant to talk about it and spends most of his time sitting at his desk depressed. Opal describes it as a turtle hidden inside its shell. With very little to occupy her, she takes a job at a pet store run by Otis (Dave Matthews), a clerk who soothes the animals with guitar music. Opal's goal is to earn enough money to pay for a collar for Winn-Dixie.
This friendly dog has a way of seeking out new acquaintances for Opal. He takes her to the library, and she meets Ms. Franny (Eva Marie Saint), who has worked there all her life. She has no family and is fixated on her past memories. She tells Opal, who loves stories, about her grandfather who lost everything in the Civil War and created a candy that tastes of sadness and sweetness. Sharing a tablet with Amanda, who appears in the library, Opal learns that her brother has recently drowned. Everyone, it seems, has a share of sadness - not just Preacher. Winn-Dixie also takes her to the hidden estate of Gloria Dump (Cicely Tyson), whom the local kids call Naomi's Wicked Witch. She is a recovering alcoholic who has tied bottles to a gigantic tree to contain the ghosts of her past mistakes. Although Gloria's eyesight is very poor, she can clearly see that Opal needs companionship and the kind of wisdom that can only come from someone who has survived many trials and tribulations. The little girl opens her heart and shares all her anxieties, especially how much she misses her mother and wants to know more about her.
Wayne Wang directs this enchanting drama based on Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Award-winning book. It is the fourth film he directs from a literary work after "The Joy Luck Club", "Anywhere But Here" and "Smoke". In an interview at the time of the film's release, Wang stated that he usually makes films about something that is missing in our lives, empty places we are trying to fill, and that he is always drawn to stories about people who desire and find deep contact with others. , about lonely people struggling for some sense of connection. In Opal's case, she experienced the inexplicable loss of her mother. Joan Singleton's script magically conveys the rainbow colors of a small circle of lonely individuals in Naomi who are transformed thanks to Winn-Dixie. He has a knack for looking for abandoned people like himself and bringing them together in community. And he really smiles.
There are no villains in this wonderful city, and even those who are most distasteful to Opal are transformed when she understands that everyone carries some pain and loss. For those who have experienced the joy that only animals can bring, Winn-Dixie gifts will feel all-natural, delicious and uplifting. We are sad when he freaks out during storms and we are amused when he hands a mouse, he caught to the Preacher during the Sunday morning service. Winn-Dixie even tolerates a parrot that sits on its head. He finds the good in others and serves as a bridge to Opal's reconciliation with her father and a final mutual agreement with the woman who left them behind all those years ago. You couldn't ask for a better spiritual teacher.
The dog who brings Winn-Dixie to life is cute enough, so it seems believable that normally brooding churchgoers might be won over when he interrupts services during the hymn "As I Am." Opal explains, "He just doesn't know the words, that's all. But he sure is moved by the spirit." AnnaSophia Robb is extremely charming in her theatrical debut, delivering a moving performance. All of the adult actors go the extra mile to develop characters who don't spend a lot of time on screen, and Daniels is particularly good at carrying her personal drama. But the real surprise is musician Dave Matthews in his second film role, as a musician who runs the local pet store. Matthews holds his own with his seasoned castmates, and his half-spoken, half-sung explanation of his criminal past is the best scene in the movie.
"Because of Winn-Dixie" is based on the award-winning children's novel of the same name by Kate DiCamillo. Her books have been a hit with children, and the movie is likely to be successful with viewers as well. Director Wayne Wang helps this story transcend its "after-school special" leanings and gives it a lot of heart. As a result, older viewers will feel like they're being manipulated during parts of the story, but the tender moments are authentic enough to help viewers overlook the film's flaws.
The story is said to retain much of the spiritual content found in the novel. However, the film's subsidiary "follow your heart" messages are muddled and theologically weak. One character advises Opal to find "the most important things" in life. When pressed on what they are, the woman responds that "it's different for everyone", even though this woman is a believing, Christian. The writing is uneven in these places, and discerning Christians will notice these weaknesses. Later, Opal tells her about someone swearing, and the woman says, "War is also a bad word." The film's messages are muddled but strongly moral. In fact, the film contains very strong messages about accepting responsibility for one's actions, forgiveness and restoration. These positive messages are often repeated.
Preacher reads his Bible and prays often, but he can't seem to find joy or forgiveness on his own. He certainly doesn't bring much joy to others around him. The small congregation seems bored with their Sunday worship religion and is only amused when Winn-Dixie calls a meeting. Other characters convey traditional values, while most eschew any overt connection to God. Opal is motivated to do good for others, but she gives Winn-Dixie the dog more credit than God for the end result. Still, the dog represents an answer to Opal's prayer that God would send her a friend. Ultimately, therefore, the film suggests that God is the one who improves the lives of Opal, her father, and the townspeople.
In the end, "Because of Winn-Dixie" is a delightful children's story with some surprising lessons for adults. Through her encounters with the locals, befriending Winn Dixie, and discovering the truth about her mother's disappearance, Opal finally realizes that the empty space in her heart is now filled. Our society sometimes tends to discard those it considers less significant, and it is often some of these people who can best fulfill our destiny. Sadly, broken hearts and broken dreams are a part of life. Therefore, it is joy and sadness that must be separated, or the latter will prevent us from relating to those who must fill our empty spaces - propelling us towards our destiny.