Goodnight, Mister Tom

1998
7.8| 1h48m| en| More Info
Released: 30 May 1999 Released
Producted By: Carlton Television
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Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

We're in an English village shortly before Dunkirk. "Mr. Tom" Oakley still broods over the death of his wife and small son while he was away in the navy during WWI, and grief has made him a surly hermit. Now children evacuated from London are overwhelming volunteers to house them. Practically under protest, Mr. Tom takes in a painfully quiet 10-year-old, who gradually reveals big problems.

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Reviews

MoPoshy Absolutely brilliant
Ogosmith Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.
Brendon Jones It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
Aspen Orson There is definitely an excellent idea hidden in the background of the film. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find it.
MartinHafer "Goodnight, Mister Tom" is a lovely film but before you watch it, please be advised that the film has a few scenes involving child abuse that are a bit hard to watch. The film begins in 1939 with war being declared on Germany by the French and British. While his village is preparing for war, Tom Oakley (John Thaw) just seems grouchy and wanting everyone to leave him alone. However, try as he might Tom cannot avoid it and he finds a young boy deposited on his door. William (Nick Robinson) is one of thousands of children that were taken from the cities to live in the countryside in order to avoid the German Blitz. The film then becomes a nice story about the two slowly bonding...but it doesn't stop there. Where it all goes next and how does it relate to abuse, you'll have to see for yourself.This is the type of film I love, as it's all about characters and writing. No explosions, no boobs...just fine acting, a lovely story and a good use of Kleenex. Well worth seeing.
writers_reign Sentimental? Yes. Life-Affirming? Yes. Heartwarming? Yes. Mawkish? Definitely no. In short a wonderful effort with top marks to everyone involved beginning, of course, as always, with the writing, through directing to acting. I have a healthy streak of cynicism in my makeup and I'm usually among the first to spot 'manipulation' and, in the immortal words of Damon Runyon, deal with it accordingly. This time around, however, I was content to overlook contrivance - a saintly evacuee, illiterate and battle-scarred who utters not one word of complaint/reproach against the mother who has almost succeeded in scarring him (both mentally and physically) for life; a near hermit, embittered by his own tragic loss in the War before this one, turning his face against his neighbours, finding happiness almost against his will - and rejoice in great acting that is greater for being restrained. A must-see.
edwagreen Marvelous film again dealing with the trials and tribulations of World War 11 England. What makes this film so good is the touching of the human element.This film is definitely in the tradition of such British line classics such as "Mrs. Miniver" and "Hope and Glory." As is the case with this film, we see the desperation of people in the time of war.The performances are outstanding here especially by the embittered John Thaw, who is assigned a child who has been evacuated from the London bombing.We soon see why this child wets his bed. He comes from a lunatic mother who has abused him terribly.The old man takes to the child and brings happiness into his sad life. When the child is returned to his mother, the old man goes to London and seeks him out only to find tragedy. He literally kidnaps the boy and is able to convince a higher up that the child is better off with him than being in a boy's home.The picture is so good because it deals and builds on endearing relationships.
ninoguapo Sometimes I watch a movie and am really impressed by it – and still it is not easy to explain why I liked it that much. This is mostly true for the uncommon movies – the ones one can hardly compare with the rest out there. Goodnight Mister Tom is one of these special movies. There is a lot of emotion in that movie – and the acting was so good that while watching the movie, I was crying and laughing as the story went on. The young Nick Robinson – is a young boy (William) evacuated from London because of the air strikes there during the Second World War. Mr. Tom played by John Thaw is an old man leaving in the village the evacuated children were send to.At first Tom refuses to take any responsibilities - such as taking care for a troubled young lad – but accepts since he is left without a choice. During the stay Mr. Tom discovers how horrible the life has been for the William – alongside his luggage his mom sent a belt and written instructions to the host of her son – not to hesitate to use it. This belt is berried in the field – never to be used in such a brutal manner. Mr. Tom provides a real home for William, and the boy is happy with his new life, he goes to school, makes new friends and discovers hidden talents. All of the sudden a letter William is called home in London with a letter mentioning that she is not feeling well…and it starts all over again – only this time it gets much worse… There are many feelings you can sense in this movie – love, fear, sadness, happiness, pain, hope – and much more. Goodnight Mr. Tom is another masterpiece of the British cinema comparable only with others such as Dear Frankie and Billy Elliot – if one is to compare. I have truly enjoyed watching it and highly recommend it. Before finishing this review I would also like to mention the great performance of Thomas Orange in the role of Zac – reminded me of a friend of mine from my own childhood ( :