Taking several pages out of the classic novel written by Charles Dickens, "Great Expectations" captured a slice of literary history in ways that were equally emotive and evocative.
It brought a multi-layered approach to retelling the original "Great Expectations" story while adding a touch of modern dramatism to give it a signature 'oomph'.
Great acting and superb costumes further entrenched the credibility of the show. A distinct sense of subtext prevailed through the plot. One could, if time permits, draw numerous parallels to modern day from the 2023 "Great Expectations" mini-series.
London 1839, and thereabouts, came to life. They went to 'great' lengths to recreate every detail from this era. I loved how lush and intricate everything looked.
The story stayed true to its original form by tracking the troubles and travails of an orphan boy named Pip Gargery. As a kid, he served as a blacksmith's apprentice.
His future took a turn for the fortuitous when a mysterious benefactor took him under her wing and brought him to London where he was taught the ways of high society to fulfill a tricky social agenda.
There were other character arcs as well, rife with revenge, murder, corruption, crime, deceit, and more. Watching this show made me appreciate the book even more. It still surprises me how Dickens created a tale so fictious yet so rooted in reality.
Abuse of privilege, class differences, and the sheer hypocrisy of human beings all captured a relatable and relevant picture, as seen through the eyes of Dickens back in the day and these show-creators in recent months.
Exceptional performances from Olivia Colman (as Miss Havisham), Johnny Harris (as Abel Magwitch), Trystan Gravelle (as Compeyson), Hayley Squires (as Sara), Rudi Dharmalingam (as Wemmick), Ashley Thomas (as Carmichael J. Jaggers), Matthew Needham (as Mr. Drummle), Shalom Brune-Franklin and Chloe Lea (as Estella; older and younger versions), and Fionn Whitehead and Tom Sweet (as Pip Gargery; older and younger versions) defined "Great Expectations" in all the right ways.
Bear in mind that every character and event in this story was based on a bygone era where the social norms were almost alien compared to modern times. Beliefs and so-called 'great expectations' were markedly different back in the day. When seen through that lens, this adaptation certainly took on a life of its own.
The mini-series succeeded in capturing the manifold vices and shortcomings of humankind in intriguing and, at times, bone-chilling ways. I enjoyed everything they did with this show, though its finale was slightly rushed.
All said and done, "Great Expectations" season 1 seems to have become another under-rated gem from the world of literary adaptations.
It brought a multi-layered approach to retelling the original "Great Expectations" story while adding a touch of modern dramatism to give it a signature 'oomph'.
Great acting and superb costumes further entrenched the credibility of the show. A distinct sense of subtext prevailed through the plot. One could, if time permits, draw numerous parallels to modern day from the 2023 "Great Expectations" mini-series.
London 1839, and thereabouts, came to life. They went to 'great' lengths to recreate every detail from this era. I loved how lush and intricate everything looked.
The story stayed true to its original form by tracking the troubles and travails of an orphan boy named Pip Gargery. As a kid, he served as a blacksmith's apprentice.
His future took a turn for the fortuitous when a mysterious benefactor took him under her wing and brought him to London where he was taught the ways of high society to fulfill a tricky social agenda.
There were other character arcs as well, rife with revenge, murder, corruption, crime, deceit, and more. Watching this show made me appreciate the book even more. It still surprises me how Dickens created a tale so fictious yet so rooted in reality.
Abuse of privilege, class differences, and the sheer hypocrisy of human beings all captured a relatable and relevant picture, as seen through the eyes of Dickens back in the day and these show-creators in recent months.
Exceptional performances from Olivia Colman (as Miss Havisham), Johnny Harris (as Abel Magwitch), Trystan Gravelle (as Compeyson), Hayley Squires (as Sara), Rudi Dharmalingam (as Wemmick), Ashley Thomas (as Carmichael J. Jaggers), Matthew Needham (as Mr. Drummle), Shalom Brune-Franklin and Chloe Lea (as Estella; older and younger versions), and Fionn Whitehead and Tom Sweet (as Pip Gargery; older and younger versions) defined "Great Expectations" in all the right ways.
Bear in mind that every character and event in this story was based on a bygone era where the social norms were almost alien compared to modern times. Beliefs and so-called 'great expectations' were markedly different back in the day. When seen through that lens, this adaptation certainly took on a life of its own.
The mini-series succeeded in capturing the manifold vices and shortcomings of humankind in intriguing and, at times, bone-chilling ways. I enjoyed everything they did with this show, though its finale was slightly rushed.
All said and done, "Great Expectations" season 1 seems to have become another under-rated gem from the world of literary adaptations.