Better-known fantasy tales exists, but the story of Peter Pan has remained timeless throughout the years, originating in a book by J.M. Barrie. Cinematic incarnations have arose since, most notably the 1953 Disney animated feature, the 1960 Mary Martin-starrer, and Steven Spielberg's 1992 reimagining Hook. This 2003 version, directed by P.J. Hogan (My Best Friend's Wedding), is superior to all of those, and may just be the best filmed adaptation to date. It is sharply paced, endlessly beautiful to gaze at, and actually stars a young male adolescent in the title rolea first, indeed, as all previous actors have, for reasons unknown, been actresses or adult men. As mesmerizing as the picture is visually, what stands out most vitally is its portrait of two preteens on the verge of adulthood who experience their first love. There is real sexual tension felt without it having to be overt, and the bittersweet romance remains innocent and utterly charming throughout.