Moll Flanders (1996)
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43% of critics liked it
(21 reviews) -
70% of users liked it
(4,090 ratings)
An orphaned young woman struggles to overcome a difficult childhood and her later experiences as a prostitute in this period drama set in 18th century London. Drawing only loose inspiration from the Daniel Dafoe novel that provided the film's title, writer-director Pen Densham creates a new… More An orphaned young woman struggles to overcome a difficult childhood and her later experiences as a prostitute in this period drama set in 18th century London. Drawing only loose inspiration from the Daniel Dafoe novel that provided the film's title, writer-director Pen Densham creates a new story surrounding the title character of Moll Flanders (Robin Wright). The daughter of a thief, young Moll is placed in the care of a nunnery after the execution of her mother. However, the actions of an abusive priest lead Moll to rebel as a teenager, escaping to the dangerous streets of London. Further misfortunes drive her to accept a job as a prostitute from the conniving Mrs. Allworthy (Stockard Channing). It is there that Moll first meets Hibble (Morgan Freeman), who is working as Allworthy's servant but takes a special interest in the young woman's well-being. With his help, she retains hope for the future, ultimately falling in love with an unconventional artist (John Lynch) who promises the possibility of romantic happiness. While Densham's script reflects the intricate plots and varied characters of the period's novels, the often deliberate film stresses Moll's self-determination and emotional journey over the narrative's melodrama. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Directed By
- Pen Densham
- Genres
- Drama, Romance
- In Theaters
- Jun 14, 1996 Wide
- Studio
- MGM Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online
It takes an exceptionally talentless screenwriter-director to make such a foul, boring, worthless descreation of DeFoe's witty, insightful and entertaining novel, and Densham is that incompetent.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Salutes the hard-won bounties of hope, enduring friendship, and the quality of mercy.
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David N. Butterworth, rec.arts.movies.reviews
More bore-dy than bawdy.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Robin Wright
as Moll Flanders
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Morgan Freeman
as Hibble
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Stockard Channing
as Mrs. Allworthy
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John Lynch
as Artist
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Aisling Corcoran
as Flora
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Brenda Fricker
as Mrs. Mazzawatti
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Jeremy Brett
as Artist's Father
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Geraldine James
as Edna
- Cathy Murphy
- Ger Ryan
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Britta Smith
as Artist's Mother
- Birdy Sweeney
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Jim Sheridan
as Priest
- Maria Doyle Kennedy
- Paul Hickey
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Ardal O'Hanlon
as Gentleman From East Chiswick
- Harry Towb
- Robin Wright Penn
