Watch Charles Dickens: Great Expectations - An Animated Classic

Charles Dickens: Great Expectations - An Animated Classic is a 1999 animated film directed by Toshiya Shinohara and produced by Kolbe Filmproduktions GmbH, Munich. The film is based on the classic novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and it follows the story of an orphan named Pip, who is raised by his cruel sister and her kind husband in a small village in England. Pip dreams of becoming a gentleman and leaving his humble origins behind, but his life takes unexpected turns when he meets Estella, a beautiful and sophisticated girl, and is introduced to the eccentric Miss Havisham, who is determined to mold him into a gentleman and break his heart.

The film's animation style is reminiscent of classic Disney animations, with colorful and expressive visuals that bring the story's characters and settings to life. The film's art style is faithful to the Victorian era, with intricate details and designs that capture the mood and tone of the story. The film's soundtrack is composed by Michael Csányi-Wills, and it features orchestral music that enhances the film's emotional moments and highlights the film's extensive action scenes.

The film's voice cast includes some notable talents, with Ioan Gruffudd voicing the lead character, Pip. Robert De Niro voices the character of Abel Magwitch, a convict who becomes Pip's benefactor, and Anne Bancroft voices the character of Miss Havisham, the bitter and vengeful woman who is determined to avenge herself against all men. The film's cast also includes Kim Thomson as Estella, Liz Smith as Mrs. Joe, and David Warner as Jaggers.

The pacing of the film is brisk and engaging, with the story moving quickly from one scene to the next without losing its coherence or depth. The film's dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the humor and irony of Dickens' original novel while also delivering powerful emotional moments that resonate with the audience. The film's themes of love, ambition, and social class are explored with great care and sensitivity, and the characters' journeys are compelling and involving.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to balance the expectations of its source material with its own artistic vision. While the film is faithful to the basic plot of the book, it also includes its own unique touches, adding new characters and expanding on existing ones to create a richer and more complex narrative. The film's climax is particularly impressive, with a thrilling action sequence that is both visually stunning and emotionally satisfying.

Overall, Charles Dickens: Great Expectations - An Animated Classic is a fine adaptation of a beloved classic. Its animation style and voice cast are both top-notch, and the film's story is engaging and emotionally resonant. While some fans of the book may find fault with certain aspects of the film's adaptation, overall, it is a worthy addition to the Dickens canon and an enjoyable film for viewers of all ages.