“Great Expectations” (1999)

Great Expectations

Brief Description:

A young boy called Pip stumbles upon a hunted criminal who threatens him and demands food. A few years later, Pip finds that he has a benefactor. Imagining that Miss Havisham, a rich lady whose adopted daughter Estella he loves, is the benefactor, Pip believes in a grand plan at the end of which he will be married to Estella...

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 1999

Genre: period drama television serial adaptation

Running time: 2 hours 48 minutes (2 episodes)

Cast: 

Ioan Gruffudd: Pip

Gabriel Thomson: Young Pip

Justine Waddell: Estella

Gemma Gregory: Young Estella

Emma Cunniffe: Biddy

Laura Aikman: Young Biddy

Charlotte Rampling: Miss Havisham

Bernard Hill: Magwitch

Clive Russell: Joe

Lesley Sharp: Mrs. Joe

Ian McDiarmid: Jaggers

Laila Morse: Molly

Daniel Evans: Herbert Pocket

Laurence Dobiesz: Young Herbert

James Hillier: Bentley Drummle

Tony Curran: Orlick

Nicholas Woodeson: Wemmick

Director: Julian Jarrold

Production company: BBC Worldwide & WGBH

Based on: 

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Wikipedia page

Watched on Tubi

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I had my eye on this and finally watched it because Tubi was about to take it away (same as Tenant of Wildfell Hall, haha). I'm so glad I did, because I loved it! The setting and aesthetic was so beautiful and felt very accurate—I loved the victorian dresses, of course. Satis House was perfect, and I loved the scenery around Pip's house. The soundtrack was good too!

Characters: 5/5

Pip was perfect. Young Pip and Older Pip—perfect. Gruffudd looked and acted like Pip. I loved it. Justine Waddell didn't fit my idea of Estella at all, but she was very pretty and I enjoyed her acting. Russell was basically perfect as Joe; and Lesley Sharp was the PERFECT Mrs. Joe—I never realized what a horrid person she was, though I've read the book so often. Emma Cunniffe as Biddy was awesome; Miss Havisham (Charlotte Rampling) was somehow horribly young and horribly old—excellent; and Magwitch (Hill) made my skin crawl at first, and then made me so terribly sad... just like in the book. Evans as Herbert was awesomeeee and though I don't remember Drummle well, Hillier made me hate him as much as I should. The only cast problem I really had was McDiarmid as Jaggers—so, so wrong. He had Jaggers' personality, somewhat, but really didn't look or act like the man. And Woodeson was not a very good Wemmick. But Curran was the perfect Orlick. Ugh. 

Plot: 5/5

I have read the book many times, so I'm fairly familiar with the plot. I was delighted by how close they stuck to it! Naturally they had to pick and choose their scenes, but they did so well. The only added scene I disliked was when Pip got drunk at the ball, fought with Estella, and insulted Drummle, which I don't recall happening...? I think there was another added scene I wasn't a fan of because it was confrontational but I forget it. They changed the ending a bit, so it was pretty open-ended (clever) and they may have added a couple more confrontational scenes, but overall it was very accurate and I loved that they even added Wemmick's romance. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Like the book, this film highlights that women can be domestic abusers as well as men can. And I love how like the book, it also highlight that revenge hurts no one more than oneself and you often fall in the pit you dug for someone else. Also, it brought back to mind the importance of not living above your means 😆 

Romance: 5/5

Since Pip & Estella don't officially get together, there's not a very strong romance line; but Herbert & Clara are cute—the little you see of them, haha. There is only 1 cheek kiss between Estella & Pip as children; I can't recall anything else. 

Content: 4/5

Take note a few ball dresses were fairly low, and Miss Havisham's consistent dress certainly was, though I only noticed it once or twice because she was not the centre of interest at all, haha/ There's some drinking, probably some smoking; maybe language, though I can't recall any right now. The one thing that takes off a point is after the fire scene, where Miss Havisham is burned, they show Pip's badly burned hands and it was horrific. 

Violence: 

2 scenes where Estella's face is bruised and red, as Drummle physically abuses her; an early on scene where Magwitch terrorizes Pip but does nothing; a fistfight between boys; physical and verbal abuse by Mrs. Joe towards Joe and Pip. 

Overall: 5/5

Overall, this was fantastic and I want to rewatch it again asap! It would probably be considered heavy; I personally don't have a problem with it. :) 

“The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” (1996)

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Brief Description:

A mysterious young woman arrives at Wildfell Hall, an old house of the Elizabethan era, with a young son. She is determined to lead an independent existence, but her new neighbours do not want to leave her alone. Only one of them, a young farmer, Gilbert Markham, succeeds in finding her secrets.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 1996

Genre: period drama television serial adaptation

Running time: 2 hours 42 minutes (3 episodes)

Cast: 

Toby Stephens – Gilbert Markham

Tara Fitzgerald – Helen Graham Huntingdon

Rupert Graves – Arthur Huntington

Sarah Badel – Rachel

Jackson Leach – Arthur Huntington Jr.

Sean Gallagher – Walter Hargrave

Jonathan Cake – Ralph Hattersley

Joe Absolom – Fergus Markham

Kenneth Cranham – Reverend Millward

Pam Ferris – Mrs. Markham

Cathy Murphy – Miss Myers

Paloma Baeza – Rose Markham

Aran Bell – Richard Wilson

Miranda Pleasence – Eliza Millward

James Purefoy – Frederick Lawrence

Kim Durham – Benson

Dominic Rowan – Lord Lowborough

Beatie Edney – Annabella Wilmot, Lady Lowborough

Janet Dale – Mrs. Wilson

Susannah Wise – Millicent Hargrave

Karen Westwood – Jane Wilson

Director: Mike Barker

Production company: BBC & WGBH

Based on: 

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I'm just a beginner when it comes to period dramas, so I don't have very much to compare this to. I was not a fan of the vocalizing in the beginning and the end, which felt super modern; but I was very impressed by the clothes and hairstyles, which looked pretty accurate to me. Of course I also loved the aesthetics and settings... overall, I was pretty satisfied. I loved the dresses, anyways 😉 

Characters: 5/5

Judging purely off of looks: I think Tara Fitzgerald was a pretty good Helen. It's been a while since I read the book (only did so once) but I really liked how innocent and sweet her face looked. Graves was not as handsome as I thought Huntingdon would look, but I have no other quibbles. Stephens was a FANTASTIC Gilbert, I thought—looked like him and talked like him. And little Arthur was just cute :)

Plot: 4/5

I have mixed feelings on the plot. While they stuck pretty well to the actual story (as far as I recall; as I said, I only read the book once) they did snuck some extra themes in and remove the christianity. More on that later! It was, as expected, heavy and a little violent, dealing as it does with domestic violence and adultery; and I HATED the minister (I can't recall if I did in the book, or if this was exaggerated in the story). I did enjoy the however-will-they-get-together aspect again, anyways. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

While Huntingdon still complains bitterly of Helen's morality, and she does object to his vices, it came across as more of a "she's just a good person" and much less "the power of Christ in her." She never explained why she chose to do these things, as she does in the book, nor ever discussed salvation with him (again, like the book) though he does complain of going to hell. The other theme they worked in was much more domestic violence. I can't recall how much physical violence is hinted at or plays on-screen in the book, but in this film Huntingdon is much more verbally and even occasionally physically abusive, and there's rarely a scene where he isn't screaming at Helen once they're married. They also added a good bit of sexual assault. I would have preferred to see it implied and not played out; but I understand it's something important to talk about and probably happened in the book, and it's certainly a part of domestic violence. 

Romance: 2/5 (high)

As mentioned before, there are several scenes of Huntingdon forcing himself on Helen in episode 2. 1 scene happens in bed; in another, he throws her to the floor in a room; and then there are multiple scenes where he forces a kiss. There's also a scene where a friend of his forces kisses on her in episode 3. In episode 2, as well, you get a very wet kiss scene between Huntingdon and Helen before they're married. Later, after the wedding, comes a scene where he kisses her bare stomach and begins to undress her while talking of her beauty, immediately following which comes a scene where they're in bed together, quite bare, discussing how Huntingdon slept with a married woman. Later on, still in episode 2, there's a somewhat graphic birthing scene. Finally, in episode 2 or 3 (I forget) there's a scene where Huntingdon makes out with a friend's wife, but the camera pans quickly enough that all you see is them kissing and him shoving her to the wall (you can hear a few sounds for a few seconds after). Personally, I'm not sure if episode 2 is absolutely necessary to watch as I already know the plot of the book; but definitely if I rewatch it I would skip several scenes. Not just fast-forward, but actually physically skip. 😆 There's 2 kisses between Gilbert and Helen (episodes 1&3) but they're not very intense. 

Content: 2/5 (high)

Apart from everything else mentioned, there's a lot of drinking and drunk people, possible 2-3 instances of swearing; and a very nasty preacher who in one scene preaches a violent sermon, implied to be against Helen, as the townsfolk are convinced she's having an affair. (Spoiler: the man who visits her at bight is her brother, and Helen is not one bit unfaithful.) Huntingdon wishes she was having an affair later on. He becomes ill in episode 3 and coughs blood; his eye bleeds in a certain shot. In another scene, he paints blood from a dead bird on his son and sends him to see Helen; Arthur Jr. then sees a canary in a cage and for one scene hurts it (the bird is seen dead shortly after).

Violence: 2/5 (medium)

Apart from everything else mentioned, there's a scene where Gilbert fights Helen's brother and cuts him about the face with a riding crop; also a scene where one of Huntingdon's friends starts to get physically abusive with his wife but Helen speaks up and the men ask him to stop, which he does. 

Overall: 4/5

Overall, it's definitely for ages 18+ and not to be watched lightly, which I already suspected. As I mentioned, I'd skip some scenes, but I think I'd watch this again. I did enjoy a lot of it and it certainly makes me want to reread the book, which is totally fantastic. (You can read my review of that here.)

“The Fox & the Hound” (1981)

The Fox & the Hound  

Brief Description:

A fox named Tod and a hound named Copper vow to be best friends forever. But as Copper grows into a hunting dog, their unlikely friendship faces the ultimate test.

Date:

Genre: American animated buddy drama film

Running time: 1 hour 23 minutes 

Cast: 

Mickey Rooney (Tod)

Keith Mitchell (Young Tod)

Kurt Russell (Copper)

Corey Feldman (Young Copper)

Pearl Bailey (Big Mama)

Jack Albertson (Amos Slade)

Sandy Duncan (Vixey)

Jeanette Nolan (Widow Tweed)

Pat Buttram (Chief)

John Fiedler (Porcupine)

John McIntire (Badger)

Dick Bakalyan (Dinky)

Paul Winchell (Boomer)

Director: Ted Berman, Richard Rich, & Art Stevens

Production company: Walt Disney Productions

Based on: The Fox & the Hound by Daniel P. Mannix

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

Cute little American southern backwoods setting. :)

Characters: 3.5/5

Copper and Tod are nice enough fellows, and I like Widow Tweed, especially when she faces off Amos. He’s pretty nasty but the ending gives me hope for him. ;) Big Mama is nice, and D & B are so much fun. XD

Plot: 3.5/5

Meh. The first time I watched this, I was super disappointed because I thought it was a super sweet, sad film. It’s a comedic, dramatic film. The second time, I enjoyed the comedy but still felt the drama was through the roof, especially for a kids’ film. Though I understand why it’s there. I really like the subplot of Dinky, Boomer, and Squeaks though. 

Romance: 3/5

They’re cute. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

Letting go of friends after a certain season, even best friends… that touched me though. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Mild language (gosh, darn, etc). 

Violence: 3/5 (medium)

Amos, Chief, & Copper are hunters; guns, traps, skinning, attacking, etc, galore. Plus a wild bear fight at the end. 

Overall: 3/5

It’s fun enough, it’s just not my favourite and I don’t know if I’ll rewatch it. 

“The Man Who Invented Christmas” (2017)

The Man Who Invented Christmas 

Brief Description:

In 1843 London, author Charles Dickens finds himself in financial trouble after writing three unsuccessful novels in a row. Desperate for a hit, Dickens relies on real-life inspiration and his vivid imagination to bring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters to life in “A Christmas Carol,” forever changing the holiday season into the celebration known today.

Date: 2017

Genre: Christmas biographical comedy-drama film 

Running time: 1 hour 44 minutes 

Cast: 

Dan Stevens (Dickens)

Ely Solan (Young Dickens)

Mark Schrier (Presenter)

Patrick Joseph Byrnes (Stage Manager)

Miriam Margolyes (Mrs. Fisk)

Morfydd Clark (Kate Dickens)

Justin Edwards (John Forster / Ghost of Christmas Present)

Cosimo Massimo Fusco (Signor Mazzini)

Jasper Hughes Cotter (Walter Dickens)

James Heffernan (Charley Dickens)

Aleah Lennon (Mary “Mamie" Dickens)

Ella Mai Delaney (Katey Dickens)

Donna Marie Sludds (Maid)

David McSavage (William Hall)

Ian McNeice (Edward Chapman)

Miles Jupp (Thackeray)

Pat Mooney (Garrick Club Waiter)

Anna Murphy (Tara / Ghost of Christmas Past)

Jonathan Pryce (Dickens’ father)

Ger Ryan (Dickens’ mother)

Sam McGillicuddy (Young Charles’ Brother)

Rory O’Neill (Young Charles’ Brother)

Nancy Quinney (Young Charles’ Sister)

Alanna Manning (Young Charles’ Sister)

Glynis Casson (Society Lady)

Amelia Crowley (Mrs. Grimsby)

Bill Paterson (Mr. Grimsby)

Derek Hanna (Toothless Man)

Derek O’Sullivan (Grave Digger)

John Delaney (Grave Digger)

Christopher Plummer (Scrooge)

Gerard Lee (Cleric)

Stephen Ball (Clerk)

Martin Philips (Pawn Broker)

Donald Sumpter (Haddock / Jacob Marley)

Kevin McCormack (Bailiff)

Aideen Wylde (Charlotte Wigmore)

Simon Callow (John Leech)

Katie McGuinness (Fanny Dickens / Mrs. Cratchit)

Marcus Lamb (Rev. Henry Burnett / Cratchit)

Pearse Kearney (Henry Jr. / Tiny Tim)

Paul Kealyn (Warren’s Foreman)

Richard Coombs (Punch / Judy)

Michael Judd (Pie Man)

Eddie Jackson (Scam Artist)

Anthony Morris (Newsagent)

John Henshaw (Butcher / Mr. Fezziwig)

Annette Badland (Butcher’s Wife / Mrs. Fezziwig)

Linda Gough (Charwoman)

Jack Gunning (Cratchit Child)

Christina Martina (Cratchit Child)

Ava May Taylor (Cratchit Child)

Adam Dolan (Warren’s Factory Boy)

Cameron Simpson (Poll)

Degnan Geraghty (Christmas Tree Vendor)

John Colleary (Constable Copperfield)

Sean Duggan (Mr. Grub)

James Daniel Wilson (Grip the Raven)

Desmond Bird (Lover)

Fabiano Roggio (Ghost of Christmas Future)

Franco Moscon (Nobleman)

Mark Quigley (Middle Class)

Roisin Whelan (Maid)

Samantha Kelly (Minor Role)

Séamus Hanly (Audience Member)

Valeria Bandino (Tart)

Director: Bharat Nalluri

Production company: Parallel Films & Rhombus Media

Based on: The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Another film I watched in March with friends, and it stayed with me for weeks. I LOVED THIS. The 1843 aesthetic is ON POINT! The flashbacks to the past were super well done and the home & warehouse fit the scenes so well (and I want Dickens’ study). 

Characters: 5/5

Okay, Dickens was the absolute best. Dan Stevens CARRIED this film. He was the perfect Dickens. Such an amusing guy—such a writer—and yet very deep and complex. I never expected the analyzation and exploration of his childhood traumas, and how it would affect not just his relationships but his life habits and his writing. The writing portrayal here was absolutely legendary. I have never seen writing portrayed so well in any film, maybe even any book! So many little things, like not being able to find the character until you had the right name… or how books stall because they hold a message you are figuring out yourself just then… it was amazing. So amazing. 5/4ths of my favourite part of the movie. (Yes, I mean 5/4ths). 

All the other actors were great and played splendid supporting roles. All-around amazing cast. 

Plot: 5/5

It was fantastic. Hilarious. Deep. So, so writerly. Historical. Just checked all the boxes and made me understand Dickens so much better. I don’t remember much about it anymore but I know I loved it. 

Romance: 4/5

I felt like the romance between Dickens & Kate was a little lacking—he was very dismissive—but he realized his issues and did try to work on them. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

The messages of forgiving, especially one’s parents for the past, and understanding people’s personalities—amazing. I don’t recall others but I remember being VERY well satisfied with the messages. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

I don’t remember anything but these are the few notes I have: 

Language (Da**ed; Bl**dy; G**’s teeth; G**’s sake; D**il ; G**). Champagne, mentions of fairies & ghosts, drinking. 

Violence: 5/5 (n/a)

I can’t recall. 

Overall: 5/5

I need this film. I need to rewatch it every year. I. love. it. so. crazy. much. I cannot wait to rewatch it someday—hopefully soon!!! 

*To be updated upon rewatch. 

“I Heard the Bells” (2022)

 I Heard the Bells

Brief Description:

Known as America's Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life...until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it's the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet's lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith.

Date: 2022

Genre: Drama biographical family film 

Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes 

Cast: 

Stephen Atherholt (Longfellow)

Jonathan Blair (Charley)

Rachel Day Hughes (Fanny)

Zach Meeker (Ernest)

Carl Anderson (Josiah)

Jacob L.T Bates (Civilian on Porch)

Jared Frederick (Massachusetts Infantryman)

Jeremiah Hornbaker (Man at train station)

Daniel Stargel (Sumner)

Wes Wise (Richard)

Director: Joshua Enck

Production company: Sight & Sound 

IMDb page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Okay, so to be honest I watched this ages ago, back in March, with friends, and forgot to write a good review then. So I may have forgotten things. But I do remember I loved this! The setting was sooo 1850/60 and beautifulllll…. I loved the houses (and their details!) and the dresses, and the beautiful churches… it was amazing. 

Characters: 5/5

To be honest, I struggled with Longfellow’s character after he gave up on his kids. I realize the reason and empathize with him but he was their father. I felt a couple times that he could have exerted himself a little at certain places. I also felt the actor over-dramatized him at times? Be that as it may, he was a fantastic portrayal of a writer and this made me want to study up about him. And his arc was well done overall.

Fanny was the sweetest, prettiest, most amazing thing ever. <33 Enough said. 

Charles made me mad (hello, oldest sibling, YOU CAN’T JUST RUN FROM YOUR DUTY) but I couldn’t help linking him, overall. But my favourite was Ernest. HE WAS AMAZING. <33 Just an all-around amazing son and brother. Very, very responsible. 

Plot: 5/5

I don’t remember the plot all that well, but I remember absolutely LOVING the adorable home/daily life scenes (my heartttt) and then the drama ramped up during the Incident (which wasn’t too drawn out or too awful on screen, and fortunately I knew it was gonna happen or else I would have been SHATTERED) and the war and Longfellow’s depression and then the CLIMAX and the ending was sososososo well done and wrapped up perfectly and touched so many threads and YESSSSSS. 

Romance: 5/5

Fanny & Longfellow are the cutest thing ever. <3 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

UGH YES! Okay, I need to read Longfellow. First of all, I love I Heard the Bells and The Children’s Hour and several other of his poems, which I already knew. But this one introduced me to some new ones, like “the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts.” The messages on hope and forgiveness and Christmas and Christianity and salvation were all EPICCCCC and beautifully woven in. 

Favourite Quotes:

The world need poets, not politicians. 

Look not mournfully into the Past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the Present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy Future, without fear, and with a manly heart.

Content: 5/5 

none! 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Mild war violence & wounds, nothing graphic. 

Overall: 5/5

One of my top favourite films ever and I need my own copy so I can watch it again and again. <33

*Review to be updated when I rewatch!

“Wanted for Murder” (1946)

Wanted for Murder

Brief Description:

A classic Gothic thriller about the psychotic grandson of a Victorian-era hangman who copies him by strangling women and tries not to kill his new girlfriend.

(from Tubi)

Date: 1946

Genre: British crime film 

Running time: 1 hour 42 minutes 

Cast: 

Eric Portman (Victor)

Dulcie Gray (Anne)

Derek Farr (Jack)

Roland Culver (Conway)

Stanley Holloway (Sullivan)

Barbara Everest (Mrs. Colebrooke)

Bonar Colleano (Mappolo)

Jenny Laird (Jeannie)

Kathleen Harrison (Florrie)

Bill Shine (Ellis)

Viola Lyel (Mabel)

John Salew (Walters)

John Ruddock (Glover)

Edna Wood (Miss Kemp)

George Carney (Boat Rental Agent)

Wilfrid Hyde-White (Guide in Madame Tussaud’s)

Director: Lawrence Huntington

Production company: Excelsior Productions

Based on: Wanted for Murder by Terence De Marney & Percy Robinson

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

Another classic 1940s films. I love that setting so much. And of course it’s London, and during the war, which is referenced slightly through things like soldiers everywhere, some of them foreign; or rationing, which causes people to finish unattended food, drink, and smokes. 

Characters: 4/5

Victor is… complex. I feel very sorry for him and like it’s not quite his fault. But I also think he refused to get any help, and he knew he was getting deeper into it. So I don’t know. I think it’s acted out quite well though. I quite liked Anne, and she was very fair and nice and honest, which is a huge relief! Jack is a great guy too, and was understanding of Anne’s wishes (something Victor wasn’t!). Conway was a great portrayal of the dry, clever inspector, and Sullivan was an amusing sidekick that wasn’t too dumb—Ellis, too. And I liked Mabel and Mrs. Colebrook, too… they were also well done. 

Plot: 4/5

You find out pretty early on who the bad guy is, but it’s very fun to see the cat-and-mouse game the Inspector and villain play—specially the coat scene. I enjoy the bits of humour scattered throughout, but it’s a more serious, sad film… the ending is pretty perfect in my opinion, but I do feel so sorry for Mrs. C! 

Romance: 4/5

Jack & Anne are the cutest! :) 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Smoking, drinking.

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Brief attempted onscreen murder. Partly onscreen murder (non-graphic, only choking heard). Mention by a guide at Mme Tussaud’s that someone “murdered her rival and the poor little baby.” 

Overall: 4/5

It’s rather a long film, but I haven’t much more to say that that… I like it, but it’s too saddening to rewatch often. It’s fascinating, though, hearing about the villain’s father and how they were both so heavily affected by their predecessor…