I don't know what I was expecting, having only read the children's adaptation, but it wasn't this. I'm led to believe through some of the reviews that they've taken a couple liberties with this version, but that it wasn't so far outside of context. Now I really want to read the original, because I can't believe a classic could be this daring.
The characters are unique and complex. I loved almost every one except the antagonists, who were still very entertaining. The debtor family, the husband with his hilarious way of speaking like Shakespeare. Emily and her restlessness, her longing for the sea and adventure. Aunt Betsy, curiously predictable in her unpredictableness, hot-headed and fiery and the perfect supporter for the nephew she didn't even want. Dora, even though I think she would be driven me crazy in real life; she had a deeply sacrificial love, and it made her admirable. Alice—kind, gentle, always there to listen and help—the best bestfriend David could ask for. Steerforth… well, as David said, “To know you, Steerforth, is to know how downright astonishing a human being can be.” I honestly cannot believe that man.
I still don't quite know what to think of it. It was such a wild ride. I'll be thinking of it for a while.