Watch Nicholas Nickelby

Nicholas Nickelby is a period drama film directed by Douglas McGrath, based on the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens. The film features an ensemble cast, including Charlie Hunnam, Jamie Bell, Christopher Plummer, Jim Broadbent, Nathan Lane, and Anne Hathaway. The story is set in 19th century England and follows the titular character, Nicholas Nickelby (Charlie Hunnam), a young man who becomes the sole provider for his family after his father dies. Nicholas is forced to leave his comfortable life to seek employment in London in order to support his mother and sister.

Nicholas secures a job as an usher at a boys’ school run by the cruel and abusive headmaster, Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent), and his wife (Juliet Stevenson). The school is a place of misery and cruelty where the boys are starved and beaten regularly.

Nicholas befriends a young boy named Smike (Jamie Bell), who is treated particularly badly by Squeers and is often punished for his disabilities. Nicholas decides to take Smike away from the school and embark on a journey to find his whereabouts.

Along the way, Nicholas meets a variety of characters, including a kind-hearted actress named Mrs. Crummles (Anne Hathaway), her husband (Nathan Lane), and a wealthy businessman named Ralph Nickleby (Christopher Plummer), who is Nicholas’s uncle.

Ralph offers to help Nicholas and his family but only if he agrees to work for him in London. Nicholas initially accepts the offer but soon realizes that Ralph is a cold-hearted and manipulative man who is only interested in using him for his own gain.

In London, Nicholas finds employment with a theatrical company and falls in love with a beautiful young woman named Madeline Bray (Romola Garai), who is being forced to marry a cruel and abusive man named Sir Mulberry Hawk (Edward Fox) by Ralph.

Nicholas becomes embroiled in a series of battles against Ralph, Sir Mulberry, and Squeers in order to protect his family and friends. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about love, family, and honor.

The film is a faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel and brings to life the vivid characters and settings of Victorian England. The performances are excellent, with Charlie Hunnam giving a standout performance as Nicholas and Jamie Bell providing heart-warming moments as Smike.

The film’s themes of compassion, justice, and the power of love are timeless and resonate with audiences today. The story is filled with memorable moments, including a theatrical performance by Mrs. Crummles and a thrilling horse race that serves as the film’s climax.

Overall, Nicholas Nickelby is a beautifully crafted film that captures the spirit of Charles Dickens’ novel while offering a compelling and entertaining story of its own. It is a must-see for fans of period dramas and classic literature.