Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This handsome adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic gets something that any adaptation of Dickens should understand -- Dickens was more than anything really funny. His stories are grim and gothic on paper, and he had serious things to say, but he wanted us to be laughing as he said them.David Lean, who before becoming the preeminent director of epic blockbusters made a series of smaller, quieter films in the late 1940s, captures Dickens's tone perfectly. This "Great Expectations," while it looks like a film noir, carries a screwball vibe all the way through. John Mills plays Pip, our dog-eared hero who is taken up by the famous Miss Havisham and whose fortune comes at the hands of an escaped convict turned gentleman. A truly satisfying adaptation would have to be much longer than movies in the 1940s were allowed to be, so this film almost by definition feels truncated -- I think even if you hadn't read the novel you'd still be able to tell that the film is racing through it at breakneck speed. But it's probably as satisfying a version as anyone from that time period was capable of making."Great Expectations" captured the Oscars for black and white art direction and cinematography, and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.Grade: A-

One of my favorite novels. I read it when I was 12 years old. All films at extremely beloved novel by Charles Dickens take with a huge grain of salt and skepticism. All except one. GREAT EXPECTATIONS is almost perfect film. I may be a little subjective, but I will review damage. Photos is almost magical. Specific atmosphere without photos do not make sense. Set design is at a high level also. All compliments go to the director.Of course, the director had to shorten the literary material, but my joy is not denied curious spirit and atmosphere that I experienced reading the novel. Even those who have not read the novel, one can enjoy the warm, sensitive and exciting adventure. Everything was done sparingly and with a lot of taste, and this can be observed in the music, costumes and acting. Especially when we see the game between the frightened boy and haughty girl.John Mills as Pip as an adult, nice to see an actor who accepts the role with relish. Mills had 38 years, but it obviously did not bother him in the magical performance. Pip was gracious and cheerful young man, calm and restrained behavior that has captured the hearts.Estella, „younger and older". Both versions are decent. The character that I, as a child, a little hate, now somewhat understand. The girl (Jean Simmons) was pretty tough, rude and arrogant. The older girl (Valerie Hobson) was perverse, but determined. Both are..... beautifulOther actors are very good fit. Alec Guinness as Herbert Pocket is playful friend. Finlay Currie as Abel Magwitch was convicted and benefactor at the same time. Francis L. Sullivan as Mr. Jaggers is good lawyer who accidentally pulling all the strings and keeps some secrets. Martita Hunt as Miss Havisham is unfortunate and crazy "Miss".A graceful, magical and intelligent film. Great characterization, very good acting, dialogue and narration.

John Mills, Valerie Hobson, Alec Guinness, Jean Simmons and Martita Hunt star in this exceptional film adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel. Period. More lines to say how "great" this film really is? From setting the mood right from the opening scene to all the supporting actors, including the young man as Young Pip, this is one Grade A++ film to not miss. If you claim to like British movies and have not seen this, then you have missed the boat. This is one of director David Lean's earliest masterpieces. All of the major stars shine, but Martita Hunt was particularly good in her role. And, Alec Guinness, who is more of a supporting character in this tale, stands out in his own inimitable way. Oh, the plot? Well, if you've never read the book, it's better to watch it knowing nothing. Just sit back and immerse yourself in the imagination of Charles Dickens. Care, precision, and love was taken to translate Dickens' story onto celluloid. Miss this and you're not a lover of film.

"Great Expectations" is another Dickens novel adapted for the screen and directed by David Lean. I recently saw "Oliver Twist" and thought it was exceptional in all respects, and I would put "Great Expectations" in the same category. Both pictures excel especially in two areas; acting and photography, and I should also mention their faithfulness to the original story.David Lean said he wanted no other actor for Pip than John Mills, and it would seem he was right, as Mills captured the essence of Pip to the last jot. Martita Hunt as Miss Havisham was an inspired choice, but the best choice was Francis L. Sullivan as Jaggers. Sullivan elevated any film he appeared in with his bigger-than-life characterizations and his elegant speaking voice, a George Sanders sound-alike.It's all been said in many other reviews, so I just wanted to weigh in with these few comments above. With Cineguild and The Archers, British film production reached its zenith during the 40's to mid 50's, and since that time the movie industry has not been able to recapture the same standard of excellence on either side of the Atlantic, form over substance being the rule nowadays.