Ultimately, a satisfying film

Having read the book, I found the first third of the film rather disappointing. I always try to judge an adaptation on its own merit. However, the film raced ahead, action-packed for the first hour, without ever establishing the characters fully. Key features were glossed over (the fingersmith business, pornographic book collection, characters of Mrs Sucksby, Gentleman et al and the build up to the first lesbian encounter) leaving the remainder of the film to pick up the pieces.

Later in the film come the many twists and turns, which make for compelling viewing and many surprises. This is a great story and all the threads are pulled together toward the end. Ultimately, it's satisfying, complete and thought-provoking, but a shame about the start.