Watch Great Expectations

Great Expectations is a 2013 British film adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic novel of the same name. The movie features a star-studded cast including Jack Ellis, Christopher Ellison, and Paula Wilcox. The movie tells the story of an orphaned boy named Pip who, through a series of events, meets a wealthy woman named Miss Havisham and her beautiful adopted daughter, Estella. Pip falls in love with Estella, but their social and economic differences prove to be a constant hindrance in their relationship.

The movie is set in the early 19th century and begins with the young Pip (played by Jeremy Irvine) living with his abusive sister and her kind-hearted blacksmith husband in a small village. One day, while visiting his parents' grave, Pip encounters an escaped convict who threatens him into bringing him food and a file to saw off his chains. The convict is later caught and Pip is summoned to Miss Havisham's (played by Gillian Anderson) mansion, Satis House, where she requires his services to play with her adopted daughter Estella (played by Helena Barlow).

Miss Havisham is a wealthy and eccentric spinster who was jilted at the altar on her wedding day and has since then lived in isolation with her adopted daughter. She wants Estella to break the hearts of men as vengeance for the pain she suffered. Pip is infatuated with Estella and dreams of becoming a gentleman in order to win her over. Unknown to him, a mysterious benefactor sends money to provide for Pip’s education and to secure his place in society.

Pip is sent to London where he acquires a tutor, Mr. Pocket (played by David Suchet), who teaches him the ways of the aristocracy. He becomes friends with Herbert Pocket (played by Shaun Dooley) and also reconnects with Estella who is training to become a lady. They spend time together but Estella remains cold and unfeeling towards him, reminding him that they are from different social classes.

Meanwhile, Pip’s benefactor is revealed to him in a shocking turn of events, leading to a complete change in Pip's life plans. He realizes that his dreams and aspirations were not really his own and that he has been a pawn in someone else's game all along. The movie offers insightful commentary on the pitfalls of social climibing and a commentary on the influence of wealth and social status.

The cinematography and production design are noteworthy. The settings, particularly Satis House, are atmospheric and evocative of the Gothic and moody tone that Dickens was known for. The performances of the actors, particularly Gillian Anderson who gave a powerful and heartbreaking performance as the tragic Miss Havisham, were exquisite, and the period costumes were impeccable.

The pace of the movie is slow and deliberate but it accurately captures the mood of the novel. Some viewers may find the pace to be too slow, especially those accustomed to modern, fast-paced movies. However, the movie does well to capture the details of the story and character development, which are essential to the plot, so the pace of the film is authentic to the source material and the period.

Overall, Great Expectations is a well-made and faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel. Through its nuanced performances, exceptional cinematography and detailed production design, the movie offers an insightful portrayal of ambition, class, and redemption. It is a must-watch for Dickens fans and cinema enthusiasts alike.

Great Expectations is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.