Five Children and It Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Kids find a grumpy sand monster that grants wishes, but everything goes wrong because kids are bad at wishing, leading to the realization that maybe staying home and doing chores is the real magic.

🍿 Five Children and It: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Evacuation and Arrival

During World War I, five siblings – Robert, Cyril, Anthea, Jane, and the baby Lamb – are evacuated from London to the countryside. They are sent to stay with their eccentric Uncle Albert in his sprawling mansion. The children are soon introduced to the mansion’s many rules, chores, and the peculiar presence of their cousin, Horace, and the housekeeper, Martha.

Discovery of the Psammead

Ignoring their uncle’s warning, the children explore the grounds and discover a hidden passage leading to a secluded beach. There, they stumble upon the Psammead, an ancient and grumpy sand fairy (referred to as “It”). The Psammead reveals its ability to grant the children one wish per day, with each wish lasting only until sunset.

Wishes and Misadventures

The children eagerly begin making wishes, but soon realize that each wish comes with unexpected and often comical consequences. They wish to be beautiful, rich, and even to fly, but each wish leads to humorous chaos and valuable lessons about the importance of careful consideration. Their mischievous cousin Horace becomes increasingly suspicious of their strange activities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robert (Freddie Highmore): A curious and headstrong boy who instigates the adventures with the sand fairy and deeply misses his father.
• It (Eddie Izzard): An ancient and irritable sand fairy (Psammead) who grants the children one wish per day, with often unpredictable consequences.
• Uncle Albert (Kenneth Branagh): The eccentric and mathematically-obsessed uncle who cares for the children but struggles to connect with them.
• Mother (Tara Fitzgerald): The caring mother of the five children, serving as a nurse during World War I.
• Father (Alex Jennings): The absent father serving as a pilot in World War I, greatly missed by his children.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cyril: “Hello, Horace.” – Cyril greets his cousin, Horace, upon meeting him for the first time.
• Horace: “I was taught never to talk to strangers.” – Horace responds suspiciously to his cousins because they are strangers to him.
• Cyril: “But we’re your cousins.” – Cyril is confused about being considered strangers by his own cousin.
• Horace: “Yes, but you’re strange.” – Horace bluntly explains why he doesn’t want to talk to his cousins.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $5,072,125

💥 Five Children and It Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this movie as a kid, and it always stuck with me. The way the children interacted with the Psammead, trying to figure out how to make their wishes come true, was hilarious and relatable. The scene where they wished for wings and ended up causing chaos in the house always made me laugh, even years later. It’s a heartwarming film that reminded me of the importance of family and being careful what you wish for.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming adventure”
  • “Fans of classic children’s literature”
  • “Viewers who enjoy fantasy films with magical creatures”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes may be slightly intense for very young children (e.g., the T-Rex scene)”
  • “Deals with themes of war and separation from family”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A charming family film with a touch of magic. The children’s performances are engaging, and Eddie Izzard’s voice work as ‘It’ is a comedic highlight. While the special effects may not be groundbreaking, the story’s heart and humor make it a worthwhile watch for families.
• MovieWeb: “Set during WWI, five children find a sand fairy that grants wishes with humorous yet problematic results. It is a feel-good family film, especially for a rainy day. While not a new classic, it provides a good time for the kids and parents.

Audience Reactions

Eddie Izzard’s voice acting as ‘It’ is hilarious and unforgettable.: Viewers praise the charming story and the film’s heartwarming message about family and the importance of being careful what you wish for.

The old fashion tale of magic and mischief is refreshing.: This film evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reminding many of classic children’s stories like ‘The Railway Children’.

Overall Consensus: A charming and heartwarming family film, with memorable performances and a positive message, though some find it lacking in originality.

Awards

1. BAFTA Award (Anthony Asquith Award for Best New British Composer)- 2005

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robin Williams was originally offered the role of the Psammead but declined.”
• “The filmmakers aimed to create a visual style reminiscent of classic British children’s films while incorporating modern special effects.”
• “The film’s setting was shifted to World War I to add a sense of urgency and emotional depth to the children’s story.”

🖥️ How to Watch Five Children and It?

Currently, “Five Children and It” is available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these services for current availability in your region. Streaming options can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Five Children and It, you might like these similar films:

• The Railway Children (1970): Both films feature children evacuated to the countryside during wartime, dealing with an absent father and finding solace in their surroundings.
• Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971): Children are evacuated and discover magic, and find themselves in the middle of war time shenanigans.
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005): Features children evacuating from London who find a portal to a magical realm. They embark on a great adventure to defeat evil.
• A Monster in Paris (2011): During World War I, a monster is seen in Paris who possesses a secret power. A group of friends decide to find it before the chief of police can catch it.

🛒 Five Children and It Related Products

• Five Children and It (Puffin Classics): The original novel by E. Nesbit, this book captures the timeless charm and wit that inspired the movie. Perfect for fans who want to delve deeper into the story and explore the original source material. A great collector’s item for those who love classic children’s literature.
• Sand Fairy Plush Toy: A soft and cuddly plush toy of the Psammead, bringing the magical creature to life. This meticulously crafted collectible features detailed stitching and vibrant colors, making it a perfect companion for fans of all ages. Ideal for display or imaginative play, it captures the grumpy charm of ‘It’.
• Five Children and It – Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the movie’s original poster, perfect for decorating a kids’ room or a home theater. This eye-catching poster brings a touch of whimsical charm to any space. Printed on durable material, it’s a lasting tribute to a beloved family film. A must-have for fans and collectors.
• World War I Flying Aces – Action Figure Set: A set of collectible action figures of WWI pilots, inspired by the film’s backdrop. This set includes highly detailed figures with realistic accessories. Perfect for recreating scenes from the movie or creating new adventures. A great educational tool to learn about history while engaging in imaginative play.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Happy Birthday to You” – performed by Patty S. Hill and Mildred J. Hill
• “Original Score” – performed by Jane Antonia Cornish

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Five Children and It | Stories for Teenagers | @EnglishFairyTales

Ever wondered what the original story of *The Five Children and It* was like? This video tells the tale, and it’s interesting to see how the movie adapted (or didn’t!) some of the original elements!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=MHF3EEa4I6w

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