GREAT EXPECTATIONS

GREAT EXPECTATIONS is an adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel about a poor orphan boy called Pip who becomes the beneficiary of an unknown patron. The film is rated 12A for moderate violence and occasional gory moments.

During a flashback, a woman is seen attempting to strangle a sleeping woman. The victim wakes up quickly and grabs a knife, which she then uses to slash her attacker's arms. Blood is seen splashing over the attacker's arms and the victim's face. The scene is brief and there is no clear sight of injuries. Another scene shows a falling candle igniting a woman's dress and setting her alight. There is brief sight of the woman on fire before her body is smothered. Her blackened face and hands are subsequently shown before she briefly speaks and dies. There are a few scenes of milder violence, including a man being beaten and a fight between two men. There is brief use of weapons, including knives.

The film also contains infrequent scary scenes, most notably the opening scene in which Pip meets a menacing escaped convict in a graveyard.

There is a brief scene of domestic violence in which Pip's older sister canes him. This is undetailed and serves to establish his miserable home life.

Adult characters occasionally smoke pipes, reflecting the period in which the drama is set.

There is one use of mild bad language ('bastard').

No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video or DVD.