Let's be realistic.

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

(note: not really spoilers, but this review contains basic information about the plot) It IS well directed & acted. Dialogue is well written. But the characters bring little sympathy as they are all flawed and selfish. Everyone was so corrupted by lies and immorality that I couldn't relate personally and I tired of all Moll's bad decisions. I come away feeling like no one was admirable in this.Sex scene after *explicit* sex scene makes it more like porn that art. This movie would be NC-17 if it were rated. There must be 15 sex scenes. You can get the gist of the fact she's having sex with lots of people without showing us every single one, in detail.If you like period movies, there are many better ones. Try North and South or Cranford by Gaskell, or there are many excellent Charles Dickens movies like Nicholas Nickleby and the newest Oliver Twist.

Years ago when this aired on Baton Rouge's WLPB PBS station it was HEAVILY edited! Only after someone reminded me that it was being re-shown on WYES in New Orleans UNCUT I eagerly tuned in! Totally changed the entire direction of the movie! I don't think stations should be allowed to run cut movies. Show it at a later time but don't hack up good movies, especially a classic just for someones Puritanical nonsense! Have to say...even cut up as it was the first time I saw it, it was still a 10.

Entertaining but flawed screen version of Dafoe's novel. Kingston is excellent as Flanders and the rest of the cast does well also. The claustrophobic sets and many close-in shots add to the personal (and earthy!) nature of the story.The only problem I have with the movie is the pacing (I didn't read the book, but most movies based on books seem to have this same problem). Some sequences are given too much screen time and other elements are glossed over. The "theme" is given more importance than the story, which is a shame because there are some really good things here.

You may find yourself watching this entire 4-hour movie all in one sitting like I did. Although it is a Mobil Masterpiece Theater presentation, it is also available on video. If you think you're in for some boring English drama, brace yourself, as it is very fast-paced, erotic, and often shockingly funny. Alex Kingston (now on "ER") delves into this role with a ferocity we rarely see on the screen. Although Moll does many bad things, we root for her the whole way. Diana Rigg is also a hoot as a mother-in-law that reveals herself to be something more. Daniel Defoe's condemnation of society as unforgiving of the monsters it creates is still as relevant today as when it was written. As long as you have an open mind about sex, nudity and immoral behavior onscreen, prepare to be fascinated.