$28.45  Monsignor Renard (Box Set) - Video |
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 [Larger view] | Goodnight Mister Tom
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Average user rating:  | |
 True to the Book | |
| I really enjoyed Masterpiece Theatre's film adaptation of the book GOODNIGHT, MR. TOM because it portrayed the characters just as I had imagined them. For instance, the book described Willie as a small, quiet boy, and in the film, he is portrayed by a boy who speaks little and is much smaller than others his age. In the book, Zach was described as an outgoing, "look before you leap" sort of boy; in the film he is portrayed by a boy who talks a lot, always wears red, and says things like, "You do know all about sex, don't you?" and, "He chews his food--I usually just put it in my mouth and swallow" (these are not exact quotes). Finally, Mr. Tom is described in the book as a gruff old man who is soft inside. Similarly, in the first few scenes of the movie, Mr. Tom responds to the vicar's questions in a series of one word answers, yet has a tender, sad look on his face when he hangs Willie's coat on the hook he'd constructed for his own son, who is now dead. Although the movie necessarily changes some scenes and leaves some out, I recommend it to anyone who has read the book since overall, it remains true to the author's characters and themes. I also recommend this movie to those who have never read the book, since it tells a dark yet heartwarming story about violence, loss, grieving and recovery as they pertain to both children and adults, to both child abuse and the second World War. | |
 Goodnight Mister Tom - A Review of the Movie | |
| I disliked Masterpiece Theater's film based on the book Goodnight Mr. Tom for several reasons. Firstly, the characters were not portrayed in the movie as I had imagined them while reading the book. Mrs. Beech is portrayed in the book as an over-religious, ill, debauched woman who abuses her son ruthlessly. However, in the film, instead of behaving mercilessly towards Willie, she tells him "what a beautiful baby he was," and even cooks him his favorite meal. Secondly, many crucial parts of the book, such as the play, were omitted from the film. The play was essential to Willie's development as a character; and it illustrated one of the most important themes in the book-life must go on no matter what. Lastly, important characters in the book, such as Carrie, were not in the movie. Carrie is a meaningful character because she is a feminist who teaches us to always stand up for what we believe in, regardless of what other people think. In conclusion, the film Goodnight Mr. Tom, failed to capture the essence of the novel, and I would not recommend it to anyone who has read the book. | |
| ENJOYABLE | |
| goodnight mister tom was an enjoyable novel and video. it provided an insight into issues which are not as familiar and talked about as they should be. Good Night Mister Tom is a novel which focusues on the stresses and pressures faced by children affected by war, poverty and child abuse. It deals with 9 year old William who is a victim of child abuse, and is taken in by a man in a country town of britain after his mother is unable to take care of him during the war. Mister tom provides the love and care william deserves by simply treating him as he should be . |
