GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Review: A young orphaned boy named Pip suddenly becomes a gentleman with the help of an unknown benefactor.
Director: Mike Newell
Actors: Ralph Fiennes, Jason Flemyng, Sally Hawkins, William Ellis, David Walliams, Bernice Stegers, Ralph Ineson, Steve Morphew, Richard James, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Jeremy Irvine, Ewen Bremner, Sophie Rundle, Tamzin Outhwaite and Holliday Grainger
Year: 2012
Genre: Classics, Drama and Romance
Conclusion: 3/5
A really strong ensemble cast with each of them giving their own unique performances. I have to say that I did find Helena Bonham Carter a bit embarrassing although in her character she could have been more way over the top. I don’t know of another actress who could have done the part as well as her. Meryl Streep was approached for the role of Miss Havisham but had to turn it down due to scheduling conflicts. Also Rooney Mara turned down the role of Estella. I loved the beginning and thought it was all very well choreographed. The scenery was all so very Gothic. Two of the most important themes that come out of this story is affection and loyalty. One thing we have got to come to terms with is that there are going to be so many re-makes of Great Expectations and none of them will live up to the David Lean film and have got to move on from that. I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed this adaption. Great to see that such a classic story is being kept alive.