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Moll Flanders is a 1996 British-American drama film directed by Pen Densham and starring Robin Wright, Morgan Freeman, and Stockard Channing. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Daniel Defoe, published in 1722. Set in the 17th century, it tells the story of a beautiful and cunning woman who struggles to survive in a world of poverty, crime, and exploitation.

Moll Flanders is born into poverty and learns early on that her beauty and charm are her only assets. She is raised by a kindly woman who teaches her to read and write, but when the woman dies, Moll is sent to an orphanage where she is subjected to abuse and humiliation. She runs away from the orphanage and becomes a servant in a wealthy household, where she is seduced by the eldest son and becomes pregnant. When she is discovered, she is thrown out and left to fend for herself.

Moll Flanders turns to a life of prostitution and theft to survive, constantly changing her identity and moving from place to place to avoid detection. She marries several wealthy men, including a smuggler, a banker, and a plantation owner, but each time she is discovered and ends up alone and destitute. She also falls in love with a handsome artist, but their relationship is doomed when he is falsely accused of a crime and sent to the colonies.

Throughout her many ups and downs, Moll Flanders remains determined to rise above her circumstances and create a better life for herself. She is a survivor, a woman of wit and courage who refuses to be defeated by the unfairness of the world around her. She is also a complex character, both sympathetic and flawed, who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.

The performances in Moll Flanders are excellent, with Robin Wright giving a standout performance as the titular character. She is both vulnerable and strong, portraying the contradictions of Moll's personality with skill and nuance. Morgan Freeman is also impressive as the kindly and wise Jemmy, Moll's loyal friend and confidante. Stockard Channing, playing Moll's scheming mother, brings a touch of humor and malice to the role.

The production design is also worthy of note, with the film capturing the look and feel of 17th-century England with impressive detail. From the costumes to the sets to the locations, everything feels authentic and lived-in. The cinematography is also beautiful, with the camera capturing the natural beauty of the English countryside as well as the sordidness of the city.

Overall, Moll Flanders is a well-made and engaging drama that explores themes of love, greed, and survival. It is a story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction as well as those who appreciate strong female characters. While the film does not shy away from the harsh realities of Moll's life, it ultimately celebrates her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Moll Flanders is a 1996 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.