Great Expectations (1998)
Great Expectations (1998)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 38%
Main Cast: Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert De Niro, Anne Bancroft, Chris Cooper
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Plot Summary:
A bold, contemporary reimagining of Charles Dickens’ timeless novel, Great Expectations (1998) transforms the classic story into a visually stunning modern drama. The film follows the journey of Finn Bell (Ethan Hawke), a talented artist from a humble background in Florida who becomes entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and ambition.
As a young boy, Finn helps an escaped convict (Robert De Niro), an act of kindness that unknowingly sets the course of his life. Years later, he’s introduced to the wealthy and eccentric Ms. Dinsmoor (Anne Bancroft) and her cold yet mesmerizing niece Estella (Gwyneth Paltrow). Finn falls deeply in love with Estella, even as she warns him that she cannot return his affection.
When an anonymous benefactor sponsors Finn’s move to New York City to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist, he seizes the chance to reinvent himself. But as he ascends in the art world and reconnects with Estella, he discovers that the truth behind his success is far more complicated—and devastating—than he imagined.
