Amazon.com video review:
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
