Let mme just say that I didn't read this book. But when I watched this movie I didn't care if Ithey butchered the book I love almost every minute of it. The performances were outstanding, in my opinion two of the stars from MASTER AND COMMANDER, James D' Arcy and Lee Igleby steal the show. The cruelty of the boarding school is like looking at a Nazi concentration camp. George Fisher and Pam Ferris were completely horrid and nasty folk and I rooted for Nicholas for taking Fisher down a notch or two. (It is funny how Pam Ferris play these villainous characters where here she's a nasty and drunken lady and in MATILDA a lucifer type headmistress, and recent in HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, as harry's fat stupid insulting aunt marge.
Charles Dance could be seen as a scrooge and I thought he would change but he only gets worse. Some of the characters provide some comic relief like Mr. Mantalini who reminds me of Mr. McCawber in David COPPERFIELD and the Vincent Crummles. Sophia Myles who is not only beautiful but very talented in her role as the struggling but strong will Kate. My favorite character besides Nicholas would be none other than Smike, Lee captures the character so brilliantly and his performance makes me want to weeep. IN the beginning, he is subjected to cruelty by the Squeers but when he meets NIcholas he is treated as a person not a slave and has a little courage in him. I wish though he wasn't a tragic character, this part I scorn Charles Dicken for doing that. All in all, it is a great movie for anybody who loves Dickens or just like good drama.
Charles Dance could be seen as a scrooge and I thought he would change but he only gets worse. Some of the characters provide some comic relief like Mr. Mantalini who reminds me of Mr. McCawber in David COPPERFIELD and the Vincent Crummles. Sophia Myles who is not only beautiful but very talented in her role as the struggling but strong will Kate. My favorite character besides Nicholas would be none other than Smike, Lee captures the character so brilliantly and his performance makes me want to weeep. IN the beginning, he is subjected to cruelty by the Squeers but when he meets NIcholas he is treated as a person not a slave and has a little courage in him. I wish though he wasn't a tragic character, this part I scorn Charles Dicken for doing that. All in all, it is a great movie for anybody who loves Dickens or just like good drama.