Nick Robinson Movies
A man hoping to win the favor of a King finds that his heart has gotten in the way in this lavishly-produced comedy-drama. In 1671, the Prince du Conde (Julian Glover) is a figure of French nobility who is deep in debt and suffering from gout. Hoping to buoy his fortunes and his reputation, du Conde wants to win command of the French Army in an anticipated conflict with Holland. When du Conde receives word from the Marquis de Lauzun (Tim Roth) that that King Louis XIV (Julian Sands) wishes to spend three days at his estate, du Conde is determined to pull out all the stops, and he asks Francois Vatel (Gerard Depardieu) to make the arrangements. Vatel is a master chef with a genius for arranging spectacular entertainments, and he is determined that this will be a weekend that the king will always remember. But that's before Vatel meets Anne de Montausier (Uma Thurman), a lovely courtesan traveling with the king's party. Anne is the king's new mistress, but that doesn't stop Vatel from falling in love with her, and he is determined to win her heart. Produced in both English and French language versions, Vatel was chosen to open the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Féodor Atkine, Hywel Bennett, (more)
In this adaptation of the novel by Michelle Magorian, John Thaw stars as Tom Oakley, an old man with a short temper who doesn't have much use for people. However, after the outbreak of World War II, Tom is forced to take in Willie Bech (Nick Robinson), a young boy who has been evacuated from London and sent to the small village Tom calls home. Willie is a quiet, withdrawn child whose childhood has not been a happy one; Tom learns to draw him out, tutors him in reading and writing, and encourages his creative gifts. An unexpected bond develops between Tom and Willie, and when the boy's mother wants him to return to a London that's been torn apart by the blitz, Tom doesn't want him to leave -- and neither does Willie. Goodnight, Mister Tom received its American premier on PBS's Masterpiece Theater in 1999. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Thaw, Nick Robinson, (more)
