Customer Reviews

Moll Flanders [Import]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I saw this movie quite a few years ago and have been looking for it ever since. Thumbs up Amazon. It is a wonderful version of this classic novel, done up right by Masterpiece Theatre.

I stumbled on this movie by accident and after just a few minutes was riveted. What a gem! Moll as played by Alex Kingston is just fabulous. Nothing I've seen her in since allows her to showcase her talent so fully. The story has many robust twists and turns, the characters are ribald and more alive than most real people I know, and Alex is the glue that superbly holds it all together. Don't miss this one!

Terrific 4 part UK television production. Starts as just a light romp,
enjoyable, very well acted by Alex Kingston, but not much more.

But with parts three and four there comes increasing
emotional depth with the bawdy humor and social commentary.

Some of the production values are less than amazing, but I was
ever more caught up, and ended up really enjoying it.

Sort of a poor man's `Barry Lyndon'.

That said, the fact that this version seems to be missing some 20
minutes from the original cut, and has a different score is
disturbing. I wish that version was more readily
available for comparison. (There's an expensive, out of print
Anchor Bay version, but that apparently - while more complete
has some small, different cuts. Sigh...)

Per DVD Verdict, this is simply a re-release of the 2004 BFS version.

Terrific 4 part UK television production. Starts as just a light romp,
enjoyable, very well acted by Alex Kingston, but not much more.

But with parts three and four there comes increasing
emotional depth with the bawdy humor and social commentary.

Some of the production values are less than amazing, but I was
ever more caught up, and ended up really enjoying it.

Sort of a poor man's `Barry Lyndon'.

That said, the fact that this version seems to be missing some 20
minutes from the original cut, and has a different score is
disturbing. I wish that version was more readily
available for comparison. (There's an expensive, out of print
Anchor Bay version, but that apparently - while more complete
has some small, different cuts. Sigh...

I watched the miniseries when it came on PBS and I was excited when it came on DVD but have been disappointed. Several scenes have been omitted from the DVD version including Roland's first romantic overture to Moll in a beautiful circlular garden, and when she finds herself spiraling into wickedness she prays to God for help and then turns to the camera and says "do you think He helped me, has He ever helped you?" They're small omissions but I considered them important and with no subtitles of any kind, I can't recommend this edition and regret buying it myself instead of seeking out the PBS version.

I have seen this movie many times. I own a VHS copy of it, however, I do want this new, special edition DVD. Alex Kingston performs superbly as the lead performance of Moll Flanders: our sexy, lusty and resourceful heroine. She is a woman who grows up with a strong passion for sexual enjoyment, looking for the best and richest of all men. When she marries them, she serves them with sexual pleasures. Usually, her husbands die, so she is left with their fortune. Daniel Craig is Moll's greatest love, Jemmy Seagrave. Originally, she meant to do the same thing with him: gain power and become a grand gentlewoman. However, as Moll says in the finished film, "Jemmy spoke to my heart, and to other parts too." There are many sex scenes in this BBC film, and many people call them repetitive. However, if you watch the movie, and listen to Moll when she turns to the camera and speaks to you, you will find that the sexual interaction only adds to the personal nature of the film. There is one thing I want to know about this special edition DVD set. The following is my question: does this edition of the BBC film include the extra sequences like in the UK video release? I saw this Moll Flanders on PBS and there was some scenes I didn't see after buying it on video. I really wish somebody would tell me if those scenes are on this DVD... One of these extra sequences is a shot of Jemmy and Moll on their wedding night of Jemmy kissing Moll's breasts. On the VHS version I own, this breast-kissing shot is replaced with a shot of Moll holding up her arm and then Jemmy running his hand down it and holding her breasts. I really prefer the breast-kissing as it was the shot I originally saw when I first saw this film. Someone tell me if that is on this DVD!!
Overall, this movie is probably one of my favourite movies of all time. Every genre comes together to make a mastepiece! Every frame is amazing! Not a single scene is boring! A real treat for all!

My 5 star rating applies to the "program" on this 2 DVD set, not the set. I have already wrote my positive review of this program on the no longer available one double sided disc copy, so I won't repeat myself. Go there if you wanna see my commentary (not to mention that Amazon sold it to me for borscht at the time I wrote it :-).) The only plus this 2 disc copy may have is that the credit crunches from my copy on the WGBH label will be removed (opening credits on part 2 slightly crunched, and closing credits for both halves are back to back at end of side 2) and well the DVD rom novel, but that to me is no big deal. My copy (the fore mentioned 1 disc version) also includes something you don't find usually on pre-records (disc or tape) of Masterpiece Theater shows, Russell Baker's opening and closing commentaries. I even actually like the way they "merged" his closing of part one into his opening on part 2 at the beginning of side 2. So I don't know what (other than above mentioned) differences this new 2 single sided disc version will have, so I will just say to y'all, see my other review. It's a great show, much better than the theatrical release of the same year (1996), but is definitely not meant for the kiddies. Parental discretion advised. :-).

I reviewed this movie two times already when I was 9 and I thought that it was all that before. Now, I really see that it is a big bunch of ignorant scenes put together. Like my cousin, Michelle said, the repetitive nudity in this movie is completely unnecessary and just the constant sex alone is so unneeded.
I am find myself more to like the big screen version starring Robin Wright. It's o.k., BUT I HAD TO FAST FORWARD SO MANY FRIGGIN' TIMES!!!

Based on the classic book by Daniel Defoe,this adaptation of "Moll Flanders" is quite good.The main character is played by Alex Kingston who is good at her role.The whole cast is good as well...
It's a compelling story,and sometimes funny.Moll even interacts with the viewer! it differs in some ways from the book,but not like the Robin Wright Penn movie version,it's so diferent you don't even recognize! This version-let me forewarn you with you're going to watch with your family!-,has a LOT of sex scenes,and i just thought that they used that a bit too much.But don't get me wrong,this movie is good,and is worth watching...
*** 1/2

I must admit, I find it quite curious that other reviewers let their kids watch this movie, let alone the fact that kids themselves are reviewing it. I don't mean to sound like a prude, but the themes of this movie are not intended for kids to comprehend, in my opinion. And I just feel the whole movie is over-rated by these reviewers. I found the movie interesting and even a little funny at times, but for one thing, I do not think the actress who plays Moll is that pretty. And she acted adequately but certainly no oscar-winning performance- come on! An o.k. movie, interesting, but I would hardly rate it as high as many of the previous reviewers. I guess I just find the story-line unappealing and unconvincing but that is a personal preference. I also agree with one young reviewer, that I don't think the too- frequent nudity was really that necessary. Some is o.k., but it was overdone, in my opinion. I prefer more positive, uplifting, inspirational stories. This one was entertaining, though, I must admit. BUT FOR GOD'S SAKE, DON'T LET YOUR KIDS WATCH IT ! END