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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
This capable and intelligent adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel is one in a long line of Great Expectations put to film. But this two-part drama distinguishes itself with its faithfulness to the book and outstanding performances by the principal cast. Ioan Gruffudd plays the adult Pip, an orphan who lives with his sister and her kindly blacksmith husband. Pip's life changes when he is sent for by Miss Haversham (Charlotte Rampling), an eccentric and wealthy spinster who wears only her bridal gown, which she was wearing when she was left at the altar years before. Introduced to Estella (played later as a woman by Justine Waddell), Miss Haversham's contemptuous ward, Pip falls in love with the girl and spends the remainder of his youth attempting to be good enough for her--a state of affairs that suddenly seems possible when a mysterious benefactor makes Pip's education as a London gentleman possible. Gruffudd is a fine choice for the central character, and his naturally intense expression underscores Pip's problems with insecurity and sense of deservedness. Waddell is an appropriately solipsistic Estella, slightly reminiscent of Vivien Leigh, and Rampling's casting is an unexpected but terrific move on the filmmaker's part. The veteran actress's career-long air of mystery, vague suffering, and intense sexuality bring a potent power to Miss Haversham's baleful looks. Dickens would be proud of this one. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - good production . . bad dvd
This latest version of Dickens' sprawling novel of love, jealousy, betrayal, and redemption is a faithful (or as much as possible, even in a 3-hr production) rendering. It is well cast, with Ioan Gruffudd as the most handsome Pip on film, and Charlotte Rampling giving her usual regal performance as Miss Havisham.
Production design is good, with grim revisionist views of 18th century London typical of modern adaptations. Photography is first rate.
What is unacceptable ... Read More
Rating:  - Mood is the Strong Point in Jarrold's 'Expectations'
Julian Jarrold's adaptation shines not because of its faithfulness to the plot of the novel, but because of its effective use of character and mood. Both Abel Magwitch and Miss Havisham appear as ominous figures, much more so than in any other attempt to put Dickens' classic novel to film. Ioan Gruffuld's Pip, likewise, is more frightened as a child, more vulnerable as an adult, than we have ever seen him before. Estella is crueler and more beautiful. The mood throughout, from Pip's strange encounter ... Read More
Rating: - My expectations were groundless
I bought this DVD to see a very true interpretation of my favorite Dickens' novel. The movie itself is special and makes the wonderful mood. But this DVD contains the advertising - the big emblem which appeares every 15 minutes in the right bottom corner of your screen. It overlaps the picture and what is worse - you can't dip into the motion. It appeares twelve times all throughout the movie and is always very disturbing. I felt that I spent my money not well, because of this stupid interupting advertising. ... Read More
Rating:  - Mr. Dickens's divorce affected this story.
Actress, Justine Waddell, who was great as the sweet and wonderful Molly in "Wives and Daughters", co-stars. Here she plays an attractive woman dealing with a young man infatuated with her. Here her character is not so sweet and not so wonderful. She plays this part effectively as you feel the young man's emptiness. This sub-plot, with more focus, could tell a good moral about the difference between infatuation and true love, but I don't like the whole story this sub-plot is within, and the weird scene with the ... Read More
Rating:  - The Production is Great......But dont Buy this DVD
Even though I have never read the book I found this Production very good.
I would recommend this to any one who is a Dickens Fan but do youself a favour and dont buy this DVD release.
As a British review on Amazon uk site indicated this DVD looks as if it was copied straight off the TV and also the commentary in the beginning and end of the movie telling us about the Great Expectations novel made the DVD worse.
Masterpiece Theatre has spoiled this Great BBC Production of Dickens Great Expectations ... Read More
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