I have just watched the two part adaption of this Thomas Hardy classic novel on TV in the UK and thought it very good indeed. Living in the very area where the film was made and written, I certainly connected with the story and its surroundings. In fact, I was in Casterbridge (Hardy's name for Dorchester) only today!
Spoilers. The acting was top notch for a TV movie, with all the leads putting in fine performances. As with many of Hardy's works, it ended very sadly indeed, with the final demise of Henchard and tears from my wife.
It was difficult not to feel real pity to Henchard. He was a drunk made good, only to loose everything through petty jealousy.
I thought the fines performances came from Jodhi May, a fine young actress destined for greater things.Her performance as Elizabeth Jane was quite excellent, and the dispair on her face throughout the film was very real.
8.5 out of 10
Spoilers. The acting was top notch for a TV movie, with all the leads putting in fine performances. As with many of Hardy's works, it ended very sadly indeed, with the final demise of Henchard and tears from my wife.
It was difficult not to feel real pity to Henchard. He was a drunk made good, only to loose everything through petty jealousy.
I thought the fines performances came from Jodhi May, a fine young actress destined for greater things.Her performance as Elizabeth Jane was quite excellent, and the dispair on her face throughout the film was very real.
8.5 out of 10