Nanny McPhee Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A really ugly nanny uses reverse psychology magic to turn a family of feral children into decent human beings while also scoring their widowed dad a wife that isn’t a total monster.

🍿 Nanny McPhee: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of the Brown Family

Cedric Brown, a widowed undertaker in Victorian England, struggles to manage his seven unruly children who have driven away seventeen nannies. The children, led by Simon, engage in elaborate pranks and misbehavior, making it nearly impossible for their father to maintain order or provide proper care. He receives financial support from his imposing Aunt Adelaide, but she threatens to cut off the allowance unless he remarries within the month.

The Arrival of Nanny McPhee

Desperate, Cedric hears a mysterious voice leading him to Nanny McPhee. She appears during a storm, an odd-looking woman with warts, a large nose, and a prominent tooth. Introducing herself as a ‘government nanny’, Nanny McPhee utilizes magic to instill discipline and teach the children valuable lessons. Her methods, though unconventional, prove effective in transforming their behavior.

Transformation and Lessons Learned

As the children learn each lesson, one of Nanny McPhee’s unsightly features disappears, symbolizing their growth and understanding. She teaches them to listen, be courteous, think for themselves, and take responsibility for their actions. Gradually, their behavior improves, and they begin to appreciate the values she imparts.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson): A magical nanny who uses her powers to teach the Brown children valuable lessons, transforming their behavior and her own appearance in the process.
• Mr. Brown (Colin Firth): A widowed undertaker and father of seven who struggles to control his unruly children and provide for them financially.
• Simon (Thomas Brodie-Sangster): The eldest of the Brown children, who instigates much of the nannies’ torment, but learns to take responsibility.
• Aunt Adelaide (Angela Lansbury): Mr. Brown’s wealthy and demanding aunt, who threatens to cut off the family’s allowance unless he remarries.
• Evangeline (Kelly Macdonald): The kind and gentle scullery maid who cares for the Brown children and ultimately wins Mr. Brown’s heart.
• Mrs Quickly (Celia Imrie): The gaudy and cruel Widow and a potential wife for Mr. Brown to secure his family’s allowance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nanny McPhee: “When you need me, but do not want me, then I must stay. When you want me, but no longer need me, then I have to go.” – Nanny McPhee explains the rules of her service and how long she will remain with the Brown family.
• Simon Brown: “We will never want you!” – Simon defiantly declares his dislike for Nanny McPhee, inadvertently ensuring her continued presence.
• Nanny McPhee: “Then I will never go.” – Nanny McPhee responds to Simon’s declaration, underscoring her unusual and magical contract.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $47,144,110
• Worldwide Gross: $123,276,807

💥 Nanny McPhee Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored Nanny McPhee! From the moment Emma Thompson appeared on screen with that crazy unibrow, I was hooked. The way she subtly teaches the children valuable lessons while also being hilariously stern is just brilliant. And let’s talk about the food fight scene at the wedding – pure comedic genius! The ending was so sweet, it made my heart swell. If you need a feel-good movie, this is definitely it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families with young children”
  • “Fans of fantasy and magical realism”
  • “Viewers who enjoy British comedies”
  • “People who like heartwarming stories with moral lessons”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril”
  • “Some thematic elements related to the death of a parent”
  • “Brief moments of slapstick violence”
  • “Occasional rude humor”

Professional Reviews

• Film Reviewer Magazine: “Emma Thompson’s Nanny McPhee is a delightful family film, blending whimsical magic with heartwarming lessons. The vibrant visuals and quirky characters create an enchanting world that both children and adults can enjoy. A few predictable plot points aside, the film’s charm and positive message make it a worthwhile watch.
• CineFile: “Nanny McPhee is a visually stunning movie with a classic storyline of redemption and family values. Emma Thompson delivers a memorable performance, and the supporting cast adds depth and humor. While the film occasionally veers into overly sentimental territory, its overall message of love and acceptance resonates strongly.
• Family Films Today: “A great family film for children that keeps all of its targeted audience engaged and entertained. ‘Nanny McPhee’ teaches family values and lessons that can be easily understood.

Audience Reactions

The dancing donkey scene had everyone in stitches!: Viewers loved the film’s blend of humor, magic, and heartfelt moments.

Emma Thompson’s performance was phenomenal!: Many praised Thompson’s ability to balance the sternness and warmth of Nanny McPhee.

Overall Consensus: Nanny McPhee is a charming and heartwarming family film that blends humor, magic, and valuable life lessons, making it a delightful viewing experience for all ages.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Emma Thompson spent nine years writing the screenplay, a longer period than it took her to write the screenplay for Sense and Sensibility, for which she won an Oscar.”
• “The film is based on the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand.”
• “The vibrant and colorful art direction and set design were intentionally over-the-top to enhance the film’s whimsical nature.”

🖥️ How to Watch Nanny McPhee?

Nanny McPhee is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV where you might find options to rent or purchase. Check local listings as availability may vary by region. Some retailers offer the DVD for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Nanny McPhee, you might like these similar films:

• Mary Poppins (1964): Both films feature a magical nanny who arrives to bring order and life lessons to a chaotic household.
• Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971): Another British film with magical elements, children, and a nanny figure during wartime.
• Paddington (2014): Shares themes of family, acceptance, and a whimsical British sensibility, with a touch of chaos and humor.
• The Parent Trap (1961): Features children trying to subvert the marriage of a parent. Also a food fight disrupts an unwanted marriage.

🛒 Nanny McPhee Related Products

• Nanny McPhee: The Complete Collection (Nurse Matilda): Discover the original stories that inspired the movie. This collection includes all the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand, filled with even more mischievous adventures.
• Nanny McPhee [Blu-ray]: Bring home the magic with the Nanny McPhee Blu-ray! Enjoy enhanced visuals and bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast.
• Nanny McPhee Inspired ‘Lessons’ T-Shirt: Show your love for Nanny McPhee with this custom-designed T-shirt featuring iconic quotes from the film, celebrating the lessons she teaches.
• Nanny McPhee’s Magic Wand Replica: Own a beautifully crafted replica of Nanny McPhee’s iconic walking stick. A perfect display piece for collectors and a fun prop for cosplay.

🎧 Soundtrack

Nanny McPhee features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Wedding March” – performed by Felix Mendelssohn
• “Nanny McPhee Main Theme” – performed by Patrick Doyle

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

You’ll Never Look at Nanny McPhee The Same Again!

Join Emma Thompson on The Graham Norton Show for a hilarious and insightful chat about her role as the magical nanny. Get ready for some surprising revelations and plenty of laughs!

Thomas Sangster – Nanny McPhee: Interview 2

Curious about what went on behind the scenes of Nanny McPhee? Dive into this interview with Thomas Sangster, where he spills the beans on the film’s production, his character, and his experiences working alongside the talented cast.

✨ Rate