- Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
- Language: English, French
- Subtitles: English, Spanish
- Region: (US and Canada This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Number of discs: 1
- MPAA Rating:
- Studio: Fox Video
- Release Date: Jun 7 2005
- Run Time: 111 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (142 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000035Z20
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#26,499 in DVD (See Top 100 in DVD)
- #60 in DVD > Drama > Love & Romance > Star-Crossed Lovers
- #99 in DVD > Special Interests > Art & Artists
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Product Description
From Amazon.com
The key ingredient in this modern-day version of Charles Dickens's classic is director Alfonso Cuarón, who made the glowing, estimable A Little Princess. If you saw that (and you should), understand that Expectations has those ingredients (great sense of time, place, and timing) but adds modern music and sex appeal; the latter personified by the long-legged Gwyneth Paltrow.
Finnegan Bell (Ethan Hawke as an adult, Jeremy James Kissner at age 10) is the new version of Dickens's Pip. He's a child wise beyond his years, befriending an escaped convict (Robert De Niro) in the warm waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Finn is also the plaything for Estella (Paltrow as an adult, Raquel Beaudene at age 10), the niece of the coast's richest and most eccentric lady, Ms. Dinsmoor (a fun and flamboyant Anne Bancroft). The prudish Estella likes Finn (catch the best first kiss scene in many a moon) but has been brought up to disdain men; she'll break hearts. As the object of Finn's desires, Estella unfortunately is a one-dimensional character, yet what a dimension! Clad in Donna Karan dresses and her long, sun-kissed hair, Paltrow is luminous. She and Hawke make a very sexy couple.
Mitch Glazer's script does better by Finn. He's a blue-collar worker with a gift for drawing (artwork by Francesco Clemente). Following his Uncle Joe's (Chris Cooper) honest ways, Finn grows up as a fisherman, thoughts of Estella and art drifting away in the hard work. When a mysterious benefactor allows him to follow his dream, Finn finds himself in New York, preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime art exhibit--and in the arms of the engaged Estella.
Filled with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki's golden-drenched light, the film has an irresistible, wildly romantic look. Dinsmoor's place is certainly gothic, Estella and Finn's longing encounters glamorous. Cuarón uses an MTV-friendly soundtrack with a confident touch. Songs by Tori Amos and the band Pulp--along with Patrick Doyle's silky score--create passionate scenes. It all ends far too swiftly with a seemingly tacked-on ending (reflecting the book, as it happens) but the film is splendid storytelling. It's a stylish, sweet valentine. --Doug Thomas
Description
The moment young Finn sets eyes on Estella, she becomes his inspiration and his obsession. Despite being warned, "she'll only break your heart," he vowed to win her love. Years later, thanks to a mysterious benefactor, aspiring artist Finn is off to New York, where he is reunited with the icy and beautiful Estella. When she agrees to model for him, Finn's dearest hopes may at last be realized-along with his darkest fears!
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
Great Movie
Mar 1 2012
Format:DVD
The movie is simply brilliant. It always keeps you on your feet from the beginning till the end. It is a spectacular movie and it deserves a lot more credit for the message that it is trying to convey towards the audience.
Great Movie, but NOT the book
May 22 2010
Format:VHS Tape
If you want to go see a competant modernized version of one of the best books of an era, then go see it, but do so with an open mind. If, however you want to read one of the best books ever written, then read the Dickens. I actually enjoyed the movie.(All of you wanna be negative professional critics can save it for something much more juicey to skewer. The book is what it is...a book. It will never be the ultimate motion picture, it just doesn't translate that well to the screen. Read the book a few times and you will become aware of it's absolute genius. If you don't (become aware) try Stephen King for reading ... For movies maybe Animated Disney Films might interest you more!
Brian F. Burke Jr.
Brian F. Burke Jr.
Where's the beef!
Nov 7 2011
Format:DVD
A young boy meets an escaped convict who threatens him with death so the boy helps the convict escape. The boy then meets an eccentric middle aged women with a pretty but bland daughter. The story now jumps to the boy as an unsuccessful man but successful artist. The movie ends with a recap of the boys life accompanied with all the plots and insights we weren't privy too during the previous hour of viewing.
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Most recent customer reviews
Great Expectations
The actors did a great job portraying the characters in this movie, especially loved Anne Bancroft from the Graduate, she was wonderful as the rich, eccentric, lovelorn aunt. Read more
Published 21 months ago by sirensart
no details
Excuse me but how can we buy this product with absolutely no detail or real description... Please help us poor costumers who just need some details before buying a title of this... Read more
Published 22 months ago by J. Noreau
AMERICAN EXPECTATIONS
I went into this not expecting a lot. But from the very first few frames I was drawn into the story. Yes, I have read the Dickens novel in High School. Read more
Published on April 12 2004 by Crabby Apple Mick Lee
Love Story
This adaptation of Charles Dickens` novel is an interesting watch, but the final result isn`t too engaging or surprising. Read more
Published on Feb 21 2004 by gonn1000
Great Expectations Revisited
Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow star as Finn/Pip and Estella in this modern day version of the Dickens' classic. Read more
Published on Feb 18 2004 by "glh04"
great cast , weak plot , adismal movie
i didn't like this movie. it was boring , unrealistic , and stupid.
Published on Dec 10 2003 by jj
Raising the Dickens
Remakes are risky business. Director Alfonso Cuaron's modernized Great Expectations proves the point. Read more
Published on Nov 30 2003 by KEVIN C MCHUGH
Beatiful movie-I love green too
I am ashamed to tell that I have not read the book, hopefully I will. But I liked this movie, it is beautiful and sensual. Read more
Published on Oct 28 2003 by "delila30"
What can I say, I LOVE this movie
Actually worship is probably more fitting. I never read the Dickens book, and don't plan to...this movie surpasses any great expectations about the book I have. Read more
Published on Oct 25 2003 by K. Hardaway
Dickens tale takes a whole new look
great new look at Charles Dickens great classic Great Expectations with Ethan Hawke, a grand and awesome Finnegan Bell and Gwyneth Paltrow, (nice looking) and sultry in the part of... Read more
Published on Oct 23 2003 by Michael Bolts
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