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Actors: James D'Arcy, Sophia Myles, Charles Dance, Lee Ingleby, Katherine Holme
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| Review Summary and Plot Commentary about The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby |
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Based on Charles Dickens' classic tale, this movie shows both the "best of times" and the "worst of times." (More of the worst, I think.)
Mr. Nickleby dies and thereby leaves a wife and two children (Nicholas and Kate) to fend for themselves. They are glad to have some help from their uncle.
Nicholas, a handsome young man played by James D'Arcy, is sent off to work at a boys' school--one that offers little learning or kindness.
Meanwhile, Kate works for a seamstress. Kate's uncle invites her to dinner with his business associates--and they delight in toying with her and taking advantage of her.
At school, Nicholas teaches the boys and finds himself admired by silly Fanny Squeers (daughter of his employer). Nicholas also meets a crippled boy named Smike who is treated almost as a slave by Mr. and Mrs. Squeers.
One day, they go much too far by beating Smike for attempting to run away. Nicholas steps in, striking Mr. Squeers in the process. He and Smike escape. But not without punishment. Fanny writes a letter telling Nicholas's uncle of his deed, and a made-up story of stealing a ring.
Nicholas declares it is not true, and goes away to find other employment. He and Smike join a theatre, where Nicholas lands the role of Romeo right away.
Uncle Ralph's clerk sends a letter to Nicholas, telling of the dreadful way Kate is being used. Nicholas is very upset and leaves the theatre with Smike. Nicholas confronts the man who took advantage of Kate, and is not well received. Nicholas is (more than ever) in trouble with Uncle Ralph, since the business-man says he won't use Ralph's services anymore unless he can have Kate.
Kate has lost her job for the seamstress. Nicholas finds work as a clerk for the Cherrybles, who also give his family a fine country home.
Nicholas falls in love with a poor artist girl.
--Melissa M., Resident Scholar
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| Analysis of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby |
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Time/era of movie:
- 19th century
Kids growing up/acting up?
Yes
Kids:
- being abused by parent(s)
- poverty story
Age group
- trouble in grade school
Coping with loss of
- Dada
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- a teen
Hair color?
- brunette (Brown)
Hair type
- (man) short/standard straight
Body type
- (man) average
Events of movie makes character more...
- caring
Ethnicity/Nationality
- British
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor?
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Secondary Main Character
Identity:
- Female
Hair color
- blonde
Hair style
- (woman) long straight
Body type
- (woman) average
How much in movie?
- 80%
Ethnicity/Nationality
- British
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- business executive
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- 60%
Hair color
- blonde
Body type
- (man) average
Ethnicity/Nationality
- British
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Setting
Europe
Yes
European country:
- England/UK
Misc setting
- school
Style
Accounts of torture and death?
- explicit references to deaths
Movie makes you feel...
- all mixed up
Sex/nudity in movie?
Yes
What kind of sex:
- kissing
- touching of personal anatomy
- licking
- seeing breasts
Non-American film?
Yes
What language?
- English
Any profanity?
- Some foul language
If soundtrack VERY NOTICEABLE...
- Orchestra/classical
Is this movie based on a
- book
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Resident Scholar Profiles
TOP SCHOLAR:
 Melissa M.
SCHOLARS:
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Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s). | |
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