Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

77% of critics liked it
(122 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(9,259 ratings)

One of Charles Dickens' best-loved (and most complex) stories receives its fourth feature film adaptation in this lively historical comedy-drama. Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam) is a 19-year-old who becomes the head of the family when his father dies unexpectedly. Keeping watch over his mother… More One of Charles Dickens' best-loved (and most complex) stories receives its fourth feature film adaptation in this lively historical comedy-drama. Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam) is a 19-year-old who becomes the head of the family when his father dies unexpectedly. Keeping watch over his mother (Stella Gonet) and his sister Kate (Romola Garai) becomes an even greater challenge when Nicholas discovers that his father lost the family fortune due to ill-advised investments. Without a shilling to his name, Nicholas turns to his wealthy but unforgiving Uncle Ralph (Christopher Plummer) for help; Uncle Ralph offers to find work for all three, and Nicholas becomes a teacher at a school for unfortunate boys run by Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent) and his wife (Juliet Stevenson). Squeers and his wife are cruel and frequently violent toward their charges, and when Wackford, without cause, beats a weak and timid student, Smike (Jamie Bell), Nicholas decides he can take no more and runs away, with Smike in tow. The two young men fall in with a traveling theater troupe run by the genially eccentric Vincent Crummles (Nathan Lane) and his equally flamboyant spouse (Barry Humphries, aka Dame Edna Everage). In time Nicholas returns to London to check in on his sister and mother. To his horror, he learns that Uncle Ralph has promised Kate's hand to Sir Mulberry Hawk (Edward Fox), a wealthy older man with a less-than-wholesome interest in young women. Both Kate and Nicholas are upset at the prospect of this union, and Nicholas attempts to tear his family away from Uncle Ralph's control, beginning with a job working for the warm-hearted Charles Cheeryble (Timothy Spall) and his brother (Gerard Horan). Nicholas also falls in love with the fair Madeline (Anne Hathaway), but when Uncle Ralph learns of Nicholas' plot to foil Kate's impending marriage, he strikes back by kidnapping Smike and attempting to force Madeline to wed Sir Hawk. Actor, writer, and filmmaker Douglas McGrath adapted Nicholas Nickleby into a screenplay, as well as directing the picture. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 12 min.
Directed By: Doug McGrath, Douglas McGrath
Written By: Douglas McGrath
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 27, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Jul 22, 2003
Studio: United Artists

Critic Reviews

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
There's a bevy of hiss-worthy baddies to pick up the dramatic slack, beginning with Plummer's wonderfully nefarious Uncle Ralph.
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
The film is enriched by an imaginatively mixed cast of antic spirits, headed by Christopher Plummer as the subtlest and most complexly evil Uncle Ralph I've ever seen in the many film and stage adaptations of the work.
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
A beguiling evocation of the quality that keeps Dickens evergreen: the exuberant openness with which he expresses our most basic emotions.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Like its title character, this Nicholas Nickleby finds itself in reduced circumstances -- and, also like its hero, it remains brightly optimistic, coming through in the end.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
With Dickens' words and writer-director Douglas McGrath's even-toned direction, a ripping good yarn is told.
Tom Long, Detroit News
It's just sort of there, one more adaptation of a long rambling Charles Dickens soap opera well-stocked with respected British actors playing painfully stereotypical characters.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
a pleasurable ride
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Respectful adaptation of rich Dickens novel.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Ultimately the film leans toward the blandness of its star.
James Plath, Reel.com
If you've shied away from Dickens, thinking him longwinded and dry, Nicholas Nickleby is a good place to begin
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
Filled with exquisite craftsmanship bringing the Charles Dickens' classic to life, Nicholas Nickleby is an intricate, absorbing saga about the triumph of goodness over evil.
Mark Adnum, FILMINK (Australia)
the perfect resource for students who've balked at the book's brick-like dimensions but who have an exam on it the next day, and need a quick overview
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
Does a respectable job of retelling as much of Dickens’ tale as possible in the time alloted.
Josh Bell, Las Vegas Weekly
A light and brisk take on the account of Nicholas, a typically Dickensian hero who faces all sorts of Victorian adversity only to triumph in the end.
James Rocchi, Netflix
A Dickens classic is brought to the screen in a reduced -- but still rewarding -- film adaptation.
Staci Layne Wilson, Fantastica Daily
Ah, Dickens... such a heart-warmer.

Read all 16 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Thomas J

Charlie Hunnam shows great skills portraying Nicholas Nickleby. Having seen him in other roles with very diverse characters, this young man will be around the acting game as long as he wants. The story is somewhat predicable but adding Jamie Belle, Christopher Plummer, and Anne… More
Charlie Hunnam shows great skills portraying Nicholas Nickleby. Having seen him in other roles with very diverse characters, this young man will be around the acting game as long as he wants. The story is somewhat predicable but adding Jamie Belle, Christopher Plummer, and Anne Hathaway in the mix and the story becomes a grand performance.
Cynthia S

A movie where honor wins. So seldom do you hear about integrity in today's world, and this was a movie about being true to yourself, believing in your values and the balance of cruelty and kindness. Great performances by all. Nicely done!
Curtis L

Neat to look at. Pretty classic stuff I suppose.
Jeremy S

Nickleby is a good redition of Dickens novel. But the portrayl of Nickleby is too bitter perfect for my taste.
Dannielle A

Extremely sad but some tender moments. Filled with heroes that display courage, honor, and virtue.
Sarah B

Charlie Hunman is annoying at times, but this is a loyal adaptation of Dickens. Jamie Bell is absolutely stunning, Hathaway is too beautiful but is heartbreaking and yet unconvincing at the same time. A great story given a faithful representation.
Sunil J

A good adaptation of a book that drags quite a bit in parts.