Customer Reviews

Moll Flanders [VHS]

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I first read the *book* Moll Flanders when I was in eighth grade, and I loved it. Then I saw the Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of the novel, and loved that. When I saw this title at the video store, I thought I'd give it a try.

First off, as other reviewers have stated, it is nothing like the novel save the name of the main character and some of the "adventures" she has. HOWEVER, as a story it is not bad. Take a movie adaptation like "The Scarlet Letter" (with Demi Moore) or "Queen of the Damned" (with Aaliyah)--those are horrible adaptations of great books. This movie, however, is a good story in its own right, and not really an adaptation at all. The acting is good, the sets and costumes are pretty, and the plot, while not life changing, is moving and interesting.

My advice: 1)Read the book. 2)Watch the Masterpiece Theatre adaptation. 3)Watch this version, but keep an open mind and don't expect to see the same story that you read in the novel.

I have never read the novel of Moll Flanders, and besides, that's not what we're reviewing anyway. We're reviewing the movie itself. From my unbiased opinion, I think it was a great movie, well executed from the cast members. The little girl was an astounding actress for her age, and I'm quiet surprised that I haven't seen her in any other movies. Robin Wright did very well, because, I take it, Moll is a very challenging part. Moll is a multi-faceted character and I think any actress would have a very hard time pulling off. So congradulations to Wright. And, as usual, Morgan Freeman pulls off a wonderful performance. Stockard Channing is also very good at being evil, so the part suited her well. All in all, it's a good film to rent when all of the modern stuff seems like trash.

This film has rather little to do with the novel it is supposedly 'based' on.
At this point, why not make it an original story? Why pretend that this has anything to do with Moll Flanders? To tap into an existing market because of its name recognition factor? Shameful.

If you are going to do your own thing, then do not pretend it is something else.
And having decided to do "something else", then do something that is actually worthwhile! This is a disappointing film. A predictable plot which does not stir much of anything. Truly shameful in the end - especially when considering that the novel is quite a masterpiece.

And lets not even get started about the abysmal soundtrack...

If you are a fan of period piece movies and only care about the movie, not the book, this is a nicely done period piece movie. It is nothing like the version of Moll Flanders starring Alex Kingston which I also liked very much. I have a huge collection of period piece movies and am glad I added both versions to my collection.

I liked the movie. Don't get me wrong. However, this version of Moll Flander's tale deviants so dramatically from the version written by Defoe in the 18th century. Instead of our heroine, his the early version being the victim of money's intense seduction, of trading her morality for money and compassion for commodification, Densham's version of Moll Flanders is a frosting-type Cinderella whose beauty and innocence give her her just reward, money. I'm not exactly sure what the director, screen writer is trying to say here. That virtue isn't it's own reward, but that with luck and good looks, eventually you'll get the cash you need to own a estate in the Bahamas?
Either way, the movie's romance hooked me. I love to see true love conquer all.
It was a good movie.
I just wouldn't try to watch it and compare it to Defoe's version.

To take this movie as a separate entity from the book! The book is absolutely fantastic and yet this movie is also equally good! If like me, you love a well produced and well acted period movie, you will enjoy this movie immensely. It offers all the things a good movie does and all the appropriate things a "period" movie should: decent storyline, love, death, money, status, cinematography, wonderful accents and great, great costumes! It's in my DVD collection and I watch it from time to time! The book is a giant in its own right..but this movie can and does stand on its own merits! Go in with an open mind.

This is a wonderful story of one woman's journey toward true understanding of love, of God, and of her place in the world. Robin Wright Penn, Morgan Freeman and Stockard Channing all give excellent performances, and the score, costumes and sets are a beautiful backdrop for this outstanding cast. I have never read the book, but this film has merit all its own. You will admire Moll for her unflagging courage, her pluck, and her devotion to those she loves. Moll Flanders is one of my favorite movies of all time.

Personally I prefer the masterpiece theater version to the Moll Flanders story, but I don't believe that this one should be cast aside. Yes it doesn't follow the book, but for what it was written to be, it was excellent. The acting, costumes, and sets were wonderful. I just watched it last night as a matter of fact. Stockard Channing brings radiance to the screen as always. There is much to be appreciated. If you want better accuracy to the story, buy the masterpiece theater version. If you have an appreciation for great acting and art direction, buy both.

I knew nothing about this movie or the book that it's name is taken from when I watched it. I'm a big fan of both Morgan Freeman and Stockard Channing and that was all I needed to know. I found it charming and moving. Excellent casting and good performances by all characters. Having enjoyed the movie so much, I was anxious to read Defoe's novel of (basically) the same title. As a fan of classic literature, I enjoyed the book and could not see how the name had been lent to the movie. You cannot compare the two except for VERY MINOR similarities, so don't bother trying! I think this movie will be enjoyed by any fan of period films; any fan of the main stars; and any fan of a touching drama. If it didn't share the name of a great novel, it might have been well known as a great movie.

Robin Wright gives an outstanding performance as Moll Flanders. She portrays Moll as a strong, independent woman on the outside with a tender girl looking for love on the inside. The support of Morgan Freeman and Stockard Channing add the spice to the movie, as Hibble with a heart of gold and Mrs. Allworthy with a heart of ice. The cinematography sets the tone for the world that Moll lived in, the streets of 18th Century London, which was not pretty. This has a twist ending which you may not expect, which makes me love the movie even more.