Emma Thompson, whose first screenplay won the 1995 Oscar for Sense and Sensibility, returns to screenwriting with Nanny McPhee. Thompson, the only person to have won Oscars for both acting and writing, plays the title role in Nanny McPhee, opposite Colin Firth (whose character Mr Darcy from the epic edition of Pride and Prejudice based on Jane Austen's novel, was described as quite 'delectable' by critics), Kelly Macdonald, and in her first role for the big screen after a 20 year absence, Angela Lansbury. Set in late Victorian England, in a small village on the edge of London, the movie opens on Mr Cedric Brown (Colin Firth), a widower and undertaker, who has been left with a brood of seven exceedingly ill-behaved children. The Brown household is one of chaos and disorder as his children delight in disposing of nannies at an alarming rate. Poor Mr Brown is at his wits' end; 17 nannies have been driven away and he has lost all hope of ever finding another to replace the long line of failed predecessors. The sinister septet (the seven unruly children), lead by Simon (Thomas Sangster from Love Actually), think they now rule the roost, but they hadn't bargained on Nanny McPhee.  | | Colin Firth as Mr Darcy |
As Nanny McPhee takes control, they begin to notice that their vile behaviour now leads swiftly and magically to rather startling consequences. In this dark and witty fable, Thompson portrays a person of unsettling appearance, complete with a snaggletooth, multiple warts, an oversized nose, and sour demeanour, yet she enters the household of Mr Brown with good intentions as she reins in the behaviour of the seven ne'er-do-well children in her charge with the help of her trusted magical wooden staff. She dispenses lessons far more profound than her simple explanations of them would suggest and it's not just the children she needs to teach. As the children's behaviour begins to change, Nanny McPhee's arresting face and frame appear to change as well, creating even more questions about this mysterious stranger whom the children and their father have come to love. Mr Brown is soon faced with another predicament concerning the children’s aristocratic great-aunt, Aunt Adelaide (Angela Lansbury). Though their mother only died a year ago, Mr Brown’s imperious Aunt Adelaide threatens to cut off his allowance if he does not remarry within a month. Eventually Mr Brown decides to propose to the lusty suitor, Miss Quickly (Celia Imrie), as a last resort. When the children find out that their father is planning to remarry without telling them, they step up to their campaign of misbehaviour and attempt to drive their prospective stepmother away at any cost. However, Miss Quickly (who with her somewhat bizarre taste in "shocking" and "blinding" colours, appears to be in a pantomime) is not to be deterred when she hears of the children's "affluent" great-aunt. The colourful, engaging character of Miss Quickly often adds to the rude humour in this magical tale. | "The lively plot subtly entwines with the plot of Sound of Music and Mary Poppins." | | Ananya Kundu |
During a visit to the Brown’s household, mistaking the scullery maid, Evangeline (Kelly Macdonald) as one of her nephew’s children, Aunt Adelaide takes her to live with her and teach her the etiquette a very distinguished lady is required to have. Realisation suddenly dawns upon Mr Brown that he has been blind to the secret longings and affections of Evangeline. As the drama unfolds, a few questions linger in our minds: does the conniving, pompous Miss Quickly ultimately marry the ill-fated Mr Brown? Has the renowned Nanny McPhee really managed to tame the Brown children? In this film, Colin Firth is his usual self and plays a similar character to that in Bridget Jones' Diary, but it fits the bill perfectly for this film. This well put-together movie with an engaging cast line-up and delightfully charming plot is a thoroughly enjoyable film suitable for, and appealing to, all ages. It consists of a large dose of magical escapism with plenty of bouts of laughter for good measure. Parents, like children will be enthralled by this magical tale. This has to be one of the best movies certified as 'Universal' I have seen in a very long time. The lively plot subtly entwines with the plot of Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, yet remains exclusive in its own category. Overall, Nanny McPhee is a splendid fantasy drama - a real feel-good movie with the occasional "Aww" (whenever the youngest of Mr. Brown's offspring, Agatha or Aggie uttered some words which were highly surreal to say the least, coming from a toddler) and traditional tear-jerkers involving Colin Firth and his fatherly loving nature towards his seven children. Definitely worth seeing! |
