Watch Great Expectations

Great Expectations is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel of the same name. The movie follows the life of Finnegan Bell, a young boy who lives with his sister and her husband in a fishing village in Florida. One day, he meets an eccentric woman named Ms. Dinsmoor, who takes him to her decaying mansion and introduces him to her beautiful and cold-hearted niece Estella. Finn is instantly smitten by Estella and spends the rest of his life chasing after her.

Years later, Finn, now a struggling artist living in New York City, receives a mysterious phone call from an unknown benefactor who offers him a chance to become a successful artist in exchange for a promise to never question who his benefactor is. Finn reluctantly accepts the offer and soon finds himself living a lavish lifestyle and gaining recognition as an artist. However, he cannot help but feel that something is not right about his situation, and his thoughts are drawn back to Estella, who he hasn't seen in years.

When Finn finally reunites with Estella, he finds that she has become engaged to a wealthy businessman named Walter, played by Hank Azaria. Despite Estella's engagement, Finn is unable to resist her, and the two of them begin a romantic relationship. However, as Finn's success in the art world grows, he is confronted with the truth about his benefactor, and the consequences of its revelation threaten to destroy everything he has worked for.

Great Expectations is a beautifully shot film with stunning cinematography that captures the lush landscapes of Florida and the bustling metropolis of New York City. The film is also notable for its stellar cast, featuring Ethan Hawke as Finn, Gwyneth Paltrow as Estella, Robert De Niro as Finn's mysterious benefactor, and Anne Bancroft as the eccentric Ms. Dinsmoor.

The performances of the cast are outstanding, with Paltrow delivering a particularly captivating and complex portrayal of Estella. Hawke is also terrific as Finn, perfectly embodying the character's struggles with his passion for art, love for Estella, and the ominous truth about his benefactor. Azaria is excellent as Walter, portraying the character's arrogance and ambition with great nuance and skill.

The film's script, written by director Alfonso Cuarón and Mitch Glazer, is smartly adapted from Dickens' novel. The story is updated for modern times, but still retains the essential elements of the original story, including themes of unrequited love, class struggle, and the value of self-discovery. The film's pacing is also excellent, with the story unfolding at a steady and engaging pace that never feels rushed or forced.

The film's soundtrack is another standout aspect, featuring original music composed by Patrick Doyle. The score perfectly captures the mood and emotions of the film, providing a rich and evocative backdrop for the story.

In conclusion, Great Expectations is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that offers a fresh take on the classic novel. With superb performances by its cast, an engaging script, and masterful direction by Alfonso Cuarón, it is a must-see for fans of romantic dramas and literary adaptations.

Great Expectations is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 55.