at first sigh - an inspired adaptation. in fact, admirable gem. for the high acting. for atmosphere. for the splendid manner to use great actors who explores each nuance of the novel. a film who impress for the grace and for the profound science of spirit of period. a film who reminds the spirit of realism and the heart of Dickens' work. themes and characters. emotion as seed of magnificent show. and the force to do more than a beautiful film but for rediscover the universe of Nicholas Nickleby in special manner. a film about virtues. who has the art to explore not only a novel but to use the lines of each novel by Dickens. and that virtue is the most important thing in this case.

This movie is NOT an adaptation of the book. The only things this movie have in common with the book is the title and the character names.The movie is a reinterpretation of the book. The story taken from the book put together a sentimental and trite plot that would not give a proper idea of Dickens' original story. The physical scenery does not give a true sense of Victorian England. It is beautifully done, but London at that time was incredibly dirty. Even a rich man's house was small and cramped not the sumptuous abode in the movie. It is annoying to have blond-haired actor that looks so out of place among these darker colored actors and actresses. He and family look like Scandinavian transplants instead of English natives. I do acknowledge that it is difficult to translate Dickens's work to screen because the books are so rich in characters and plots. This time creators of this movie did not make the slightest attempt to do so. They just made up their own story and created their own version of sentimental slop and sprinkled a little Dickens for flavoring. What comes out is something good to look at but tastes bland and horrible.

Being a longtime fan of Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol", I thought I would give his others a try and I decided to start with the 2002 adaptation of "Nicholas Nickleby". Nicholas is going through a tragic time after his father dies and the families needs are now no longer met. His coldhearted uncle, played to perfection by Christopher Plummer, sends Nicholas to a workhouse for children with horrible owners who, true to that time, beat the children and treat them very badly. Nicholas begins to develop a friendship with a crippled young boy called Smike. It is interesting to see how Charles Dickens, himself a poor a miserable child, incorporating these details into his own stories. This is a refreshing film with a spectacular cast. Harry Potter fans will enjoy seeing David Bradley (Filch) in a different role.

Stunning photography, outrageous characters and a powerful, emotional story: that's Nicholas Nickleby, the 2002 adaptation from the famous book by Charles Dickens. I have not read that book, so this story was new to me and I couldn't help but be impressed.Hopefully, most people are still satisfied to see good people triumph in the end. With a Dickens story, you know there will be a lot to overcome, too, and lots of suffering and heartache along the way to a happy ending.Douglas McGrathdid a fine job directing this film. Dick Pope, director of photography (cinematographer) made England look as beautiful as any Merchant-Ivory film I've seen. Start-to-finish the landscape of England never looked prettier. Pope performed the same kind of magic two years later in "The Illusionist," a gorgeous-looking movie. Kudos to Rachel Portman for a magnificent score, too, with a beautiful, sweeping theme song. This movie is a treat for the ears, as well.Charlie Hunnam as Nicholas Nickleby was adequate; Christopher Plummer as his Uncle Ralph was very good and Jamie Bell as the unforgettable "Smike" was excellent. It's hard to believe he's the same kid who played "Billy Elliott" just a couple of years ago.Jim Broadbent and Juliet Stevens as the wicked, evil husband-and-wife-team who run DotheBoys Hall, a boys boarding school, were also memorable. Dickens also had cruel people mistreating little boys and these two personify cruelty. Two beautiful women: Anne Hathaway's as Nicholas' love "Madeline Bray" and Romola Garai as his sister "Kate" were both pleasant and easy on the eyes. As for supporting actors, I enjoyed them all as well, getting an extra smile from Timothy Spall and Gerald Horan and "Charles and Ned Cherryble" The same can be said for Nathan Lane and Alan Cumming, who provide much-needed comic relief and whimsy.I did not recognize Tom Courtenay as "Newman Noggs." I guess I still picture him from his younger and much thinner years. It's been almost 25 years since I last saw him in "The Dresser" and he's changed quite a bit.One other thing that was fun to observe in this film: everyone's vocabulary! , I loved how they expressed themselves, the good and the bad peopleOf the many well-put sentences delivered in this well-intentioned and high-minded film, I remember Nickleby saying near the end,"Weakness is tiring, but strength is exhausting."