Critic Reviews

• Cath Clarke, Time Out

  The chief reason to watch Newell's film is for the impeccable acting.

• Justin Chang, Variety

  A passable feature-length adaptation that does little to burnish the estimable screen legacy of a Dickens classic.

• David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter

  Vivid characterizations from Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter are the highlights of Mike Newell's traditional retelling of the classic Dickens novel.

• Jim Schembri, 3AW

  Helena Bonham Carter does something with Miss Havisham that Martita Hunt couldn't quite manage in the brilliant 1946 David Lean film; namely, make it feel as though she never changed out of that damned wedding dress.

• Matthew Toomey, ABC Radio Brisbane

  I enjoyed the gloomy English setting and was impressed by how many subplots they were able to explore.

• Ed Gibbs, The Sunday Age

  A fresh rendering of the Dickens classic, designed to mark the 200th anniversary of the writer's birth, plays it far too safe to ever challenge Lean's definitive take.

• David 'Mad Dog' Bradley, Rip It Up

  Suitably grimy (if not as filthy as last year's Wuthering Heights), this is notable for its performances.

• Don Groves, sbs.com.au

  Remaking a literary and cinema classic can be a Dickens of a job.

• James Croot, Flicks.co.nz

  Hits all the themes, twists and turns without ever really providing anything memorable.

• Simon Miraudo, Quickflix

  You know what you're getting with this movie. Perhaps some will appreciate a nicely decorated, predictable take on a beloved book. I'd rather something riskier.

• Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile

  Newell retains the core elements of the story and key characters as well as the authentic elements of the period, but still manages to make the film a fresh experience

• Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile

  With its authentic production design and lilting tempo that seems to reflect the times, I really enjoyed this version of the film and the storytelling elements weave together naturally

• Ed Gibbs, The National

  Faithfully and tastefully performed, without ever threatening the legacy of David Lean's definitive 1946 version.

• Alistair Harkness, Scotsman

  Even with lowered expectations it's far from great. What a shame.

• Philip French, Observer [UK]

  Above all, this handsomely designed, unobtrusively edited and thoughtfully acted film moves at quite a clip ...

• MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher

  I love it when a film that is 'supposed' to be all stuffy and classic turns out to be this electric and alive...

• Graham Young, Birmingham Mail

  There's plenty of verbal exposition to try give it some gas, but even from this launch pad, the finale lacks an emotional kick.

• Henry Fitzherbert, Daily Express

  It may lack surprise and freshness but with so much talent involved you certainly wont be bored.

• Alex Zane, Sun Online

  Enjoyable - as long as your expectations aren't too great.

• Stella Papamichael, Radio Times

  [A] grim and cheerless adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.

Read all 23 critic reviews