Even in a lengthier presentation like this, there are elements of the story left out. Everyone knows the story of Phillip Pirrip (Pip) who grows up with his nasty, vengeful sister, and his Uncle Joe, the kind, patient one. Pip is assaulted in a graveyard by a convict named Magwitch (Anthony Hopkins) who threatens him and his family if he doesn't bring him food. Pip manages this at great expense to himself and Joe. The opposite of Pip's situation is the home of Estella, who lives with her Aunt (Miss Havisham) who was left at the altar in her youth and has never recovered. She is very rich but powerful and unhappy woman who taunts Pip's poverty by throwing Estella at him. Estella is a snob and, of course, Pip falls in love with her. The story then involves Pip becoming a gentleman (I think that means a guy that doesn't have to work for a living). He becomes a ward and believes it is Miss Havisham that is supplying his finances. There are numerous turns of events as Pip's "great expectations" are affected by gale force winds. The acting is excellent with a host of wonderful characters. I actually enjoyed this more than the David Lean film.
Review of Great Expectations
