Modern Charles Dickens adaptation hailed as ‘brilliant’ but fans divided | Films | Entertainment

The 19th-century tale has undergone many adaptations through the years, but the period drama received a contemporary transformation in this 1998 film featuring a star-studded ensemble.

Transplanting the setting from Victorian London to present-day New York, the romantic drama divided opinion amongst Dickens devotees, though it undeniably generated considerable buzz upon its theatrical debut.

Great Expectations raked in $55 million worldwide at the box office, comfortably exceeding its budget by millions, largely thanks to the celebrated actors bringing the story to life.

The film reimagines Charles Dickens’s 1861 novel of the same title and chronicles the journey of a man called Finn who loves a woman seemingly far beyond his station.

It follows a man raised in humble circumstances who becomes smitten with a wealthy and stunning girl named Estella. When an enigmatic benefactor presents him with the chance to bridge that divide, he pursues every avenue to win her affections.

Their paths first crossed as youngsters, when he was an orphan helping to maintain her grand estate, but now, decades on as grown-ups, she re-enters his world, though she’s now married. That is until a wealthy patron approaches him, offering to purchase his artwork and revolutionise his circumstances, but will it prove sufficient to capture Stella’s heart?

One review on Rotten Tomatoes says: “This was a brilliant adaptation, a little slim on the values it is true. But wow! Gwyneth Paltrow – she needs to act so much more. She is amazing.”

Another viewer writes: “How on earth are the ratings on this movie so low? It’s criminally underrated and beautifully filmed! I know it’s far from the books story, but it’s a solid film. Bravo Cuaron!”

The 1998 film stars Ethan Hawke as Finn, alongside Gwyneth Paltrow as his love interest Estella. Rounding out an impressive ensemble cast are Hank Azaria, Chris Cooper, Anne Bancroft and, most notably, the legendary Robert De Niro.

Despite garnering considerable critical commentary over the years, the dark romance — directed by Alfonso Cuarón and penned by Mitch Glazer — has faced scrutiny over its themes and its modernisation of the original story.

One viewer said: “A solid dark romance drama, but a little more psychological edge and intensity could’ve made it something truly special.

“The score is beautiful, the leads are fantastic, and the story works well enough. Left me satisfied, but also with that feeling of, Uff… this could’ve been so much more.”

The film holds a modest score of 41% on Rotten Tomatoes, yet has continued to attract a devoted cult following over the years, with some admirers boldly claiming it surpasses even the original novel.

To decide for yourself, you can rent the 1998 adaptation of Great Expectations, now on Amazon Prime.