After the death of the father of Hundred Calamity ( Charles Matthew Hunnam ), the family loses its financial support. He went to London with his mother and sister to seek refuge with his uncle Ralph. Ralph was a mercenary man, he just wanted to get the most from Nicholas. So Nicholas was sent to his uncle's friend Walkerford (Jim Broadbent), but the children in the so-called school were abused by the Walkerford couple. Angered, Nicholas taught Walkerford a lesson and left with the poorest Smack ( Jamie Bell ).
Along the way, they were helped by kind people. After learning that his sister Kate was in danger of being ruined by his uncle's relationship, Nicholas broke off ties with his uncle when he returned to London. Fortunately, he was appreciated by the Zerebo brothers and got a well-paying job. Unfortunately, Shi Mike, who had been with him for a long time, passed away due to illness.
Unwilling to be resisted, Ralph secretly tried to defeat Nicholas, but Ralph's assistant justly stood on Nicholas's side and tipped him off. When Nicholas falls in love with the beautiful Madeleine ( Anne Hathaway ) at first sight, Ralph tries to destroy their relationship. At this time, Ralph is facing bankruptcy, and he has learned a secret from Nicholas for many years: Smike is his biological son.
