Watch Goodnight Mister Tom

Goodnight Mister Tom is a heartwarming 1998 British drama film directed by Jack Gold, based on the novel of the same name by Michelle Magorian. The movie tells the story of William Beech (Nick Robinson), a young boy who is evacuated from London to the countryside during World War II, and his foster father, Tom Oakley (John Thaw). Tom is a cantankerous, solitary widower who lives in the small village of Little Weirwold. He becomes William's appointed guardian, and although reluctant at first, Tom soon takes a liking to the boy and affords him a level of kindness and understanding William has never experienced before.

William had a traumatic childhood in London, where he was physically and emotionally abused by his mother. He arrives in the village of Little Weirwold with no friends or close family and full of fear and mistrust towards others. However, with Tom's patient guidance and encouragement, William begins to open up and discover new experiences.

Throughout the movie, we watch as William settles into his new school and makes friends with other children, including a girl named Carrie (played by Annabelle Apsion). We also see his relationship with Tom develop as the older man becomes a father figure, teaching William about love, responsibility, and respect.

The movie deals with serious themes such as child abuse, war, and loss, but it is also uplifting and full of simple joys. There are humorous moments as well, such as when William is amazed by the wonders of the countryside, such as seeing pigs for the first time and experiencing the taste of freshly churned butter.

The performances by John Thaw and Nick Robinson are excellent, with Thaw portraying Tom as a gruff yet deeply caring man, and Robinson bringing nuance and depth to his role as William, showing his character's growth and transformation throughout the movie.

The movie also explores the impact of war on everyday people and families, as we see William's mother suffering from the effects of bombing during the Blitz in London. We also see how the war imposes discipline and collective responsibility, as the children are enrolled in air raid drills and learn to protect themselves in case of invasion.

Overall, Goodnight Mister Tom is a powerful and moving movie that depicts the struggles of a young boy in wartime England and the profound effect that kindness and love can have on a damaged soul. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to heal from even the most traumatic experiences.