Variety
A passable adaptation that does little to burnish the estimable screen legacy of a Dickens classic.
Full review
Great Expectations (2012)
Faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' mightiest novel, with Helena Bonham Carter as Miss Havisham and Ralph Fiennes as Magwitch. Directed by Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral).
Young orphan Pip (Jeremy Irvine, War Horse) is given a chance to rise from his humble beginnings thanks to a mysterious benefactor. Moving through London's class-obsessed world as a gentleman, Pip uses his newfound position to pursue the beautiful Estella (Holliday Grainger, Jane Eyre); a spoilt heiress he's loved since childhood. Yet the truth behind his great fortune will have devastating consequences for everything he holds dear...
Director Newell told Empire Magazine: "It has a different tone [to previous adaptations]. It's partly a thriller, but it's partly about treachery and letting people down that you shouldn’t let down."
2012Rating: M126 minsUK, USA
Drama
- Director:
- Mike Newell ('Four Weddings and a Funeral', 'Donnie Brasco', 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire', 'Prince of Persia')
- Writer:
- David Nicholls
- Cast:
- Ralph FiennesHelena Bonham CarterRobbie ColtraneJason FlemyngHolliday GraingerJeremy IrvineEwen BremnerSally HawkinsDavid WalliamsRalph Ineson
Great Expectations (2012) / Reviews
Urban Cinefile
Newell retains the core elements of the story and key characters as well as the authentic elements of the period, but still manages to make the film a fresh experience.
Full reviewTotal Film
Its glossy looks, first-rate playing and famous pedigree will be cat-nip to book-groupies.
Full review
The Guardian
An attractive and robust screen adaptation of the classic 1861 Dickens parable...
Full review
Little White Lies
It's all very Tim Burton - but eccentric Victoriana is a fitting spin on a familiar tale.
Full review
Hollywood Reporter
Vivid characterizations from Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter are the highlights.
Full review
Empire Magazine
Schoolteacher-friendly interpretation... makes no real case for going down this much-travelled road once more.
Full review
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