Synopsis
Loosely based on the Charles Dickens' classic novel, "Great Expectations" is a sensual tale of a young man's unforgettable passage into manhood, and the three individuals who will undeniably change his life forever. Through the surprising interactions of these vivid characters, "Great Expectations" takes a unique and contemporary look at life's great coincidences.
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Cast
- Ethan HawkeFinnegan Bell
- Gwyneth PaltrowEstella
- Hank AzariaWalter Plane
- Chris CooperJoe
- Anne BancroftMs. Dinsmoor
- Robert De NiroPrisoner / Lustig
- Josh MostelJerry Ragno
- Kim DickensMaggie
- Nell CampbellErica Thall
- Gabriel MannOwen
Recommendations
- 88
San Francisco Examiner
Handsome, well-acted, well-written and beautifully directed movie. - 80
Salon
Great Expectations is a triumph because Cuarón's vision prevailed. He seems to be one of those artists capable of reminding us how we first experienced movies, as an overpowering enchantment. - 78
Austin Chronicle
Though Cuaron slips a time or two during his stylistic highwire act, his refreshingly original movie, aided by Hawke's career-best acting in the lead role, is a joy to watch. - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
Begins as a great movie (I was spellbound by the first 30 minutes) but ends as only a good one, and I think that's because the screenplay, by Mitch Glazer, too closely follows the romantic line. - 75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
You may well watch this film and not buy into a single frame. Me, I couldn't help myself. - 75
ReelViews
May not be an absolute triumph, but it's significantly better than just a good effort. - 70
The New Republic
Cuadron, at the helm, wanted to pitch his film in a terrain accessible to modern sensibility yet different from what that sensibility is generally fed. And he might have succeeded, except for his casting. [2 March 1998, p. 26] - 70
Newsweek
Great Expectations has great style; that's not everything we want from the movies, but sometimes it's almost enough. [2 February 1998, p. 61]
