Emma Thompson is one of those eternally graceful actresses who always offer class and sophistication to any role she takes on. With the arrival of "Last Christmas" (which she also co-wrote), I made a list of my five favorite Emma Thompson films.
**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**
#5
Nanny McPhee
Taking her cue from another famous nanny, Emma Thompson's passion project comes to light with "Nanny McPhee," based off Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda stories. She plays a magical nanny who's tasked with taking care of a gang of unruly kids who live with their father (played by Colin Firth), who tries to teach them good manners but ends up having to help rescue them from their evil relative, played with delicious brilliance by Angela Lansbury. While not as fantastic as "Mary Poppins," Nanny McPhee will still find a way into your heart due to Thompson's transformative performance.
#4
Saving Mr. Banks
Speaking of Mary Poppins, "Saving Mr. Banks" is the true story of how Walt Disney managed to convince author P.L. Travers to give him rights to her iconic character, and the relationship the two developed throughout their negotiations. Thompson and Tom Hanks share an impeccable chemistry as the two Oscar winners give their all in their performances, and the result is a heartfelt, humorous look behind the scenes of how Disney managed to bring one of the most beloved characters to the big screen.
#3
In the Name of the Father
It's never easy to act alongside the great Daniel Day-Lewis, but Emma Thompson more than holds her own as the lawyer assigned to defend Daniel Day-Lewis's Gerry Conlon, who was falsely accused of a terrorist bombing and sentenced to life in prison. She earned herself an Academy Award nomination for her role, and managed to be as captivating as her esteemed co-star.
#2
Howards End
In the film that earned Thompson an Academy Award for Best Actress, "Howards End" is a stirring period piece about the class structure of Europe and the unending bonds of love. Co-starring Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter, "Howards End" serves as a strong, stirring film that's endearing and timeless, especially Thompson's performance.
#1
Sense and Sensibility
Adapting Jane Austen's first novel to the big screen, Thompson not only stars as sensible sister Elinor (to her more sensibility-adapted sister Marianne, played by Kate Winslet), but she also adapted the novel to the screen, earning herself an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay - and becoming the first person to earn Academy Awards in both acting and writing. Directed by Ang Lee, the film is a star-studded period piece about love, life, and all the highs and lows that come from living in the lap of luxury before having to fend for themselves. The film stands tall due to the terrific performances as well as the true-to-form adaptation that Thompson spent five meticulous years perfecting.
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