On M List of Movie Reviews
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Moll Flanders (1996)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
5/25
5/25:
I stayed away from Moll Flanders because of the negative reviews.
For Morgan Freeman, I decided to go ahead to watch it and got surprised by the quality of the writing
within five minutes which should've resulted in an Oscar nomination. It's a fine story with
first-rate costumes and wonderful cinematography, being on the same level as
Angels & Insects and Rob Roy, in
spite of showing little in common with Daniel Defoe's book.
This is really Robin Wright's film. She gives a commendable performance as the strong-willed heroine who puts
up with the hard conditions and finally sees the light at the end to get out of her desperate situation. In
other words, it's a classic story of one's fall and eventual redemption (think of
The Count of Monte Cristo). I'm just glad Robin Wright's role didn't go to Geena Davis; that would've
been bad. The supporting cast elevates the material as well, and extra points go to Stockard Channing, Morgan
Freeman, and John Lynch.
One reviewer said, "I loved how believable they made it. It was nothing crazy, no far-fetched fiction, just
every day people trying to find their place and worth in the world." That's true. I also like the narrative
style with Morgan Freeman reading the diary to the girl that brings back memories of
The Princess Bride. Everything was shot on location in Ireland.
All in all, I'll be seeing Moll Flanders again.