"I am a kind of paranoid in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy."
- J....
"I am a kind of paranoid in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy."
- J.D. Salinger :)
Member since:10.10.2005
Reviews:17
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I've always been a big fan of the Bronte sisters - in particular, Charlotte. Jane Eyre is probably her most well-known work, and so it's not surprising that there have been several versions of it made on film. But out of all of them, the one that I've been able to watch straight through, enraptured at every moment, has been this version, with Charlotte Gainsborough and William Hurt. I can't officially compare it to the other versions since I haven't seen them in their entirety (though now I'm convinced I have to at least try) - so this review is strictly on this DVD.
For a quick synopsis of the story - Jane Eyre is a young girl living with her nightmare aunt who treats her terribly, and ends up sending her to a boarding school. Young Jane is portrayed by Anna Paquin, who does it brilliantly. The loathing for her aunt, her innocence (though accused of so much), and at last her love and loyalty to her only friend Helen Burns - suffice it to say, the movie starts out on the right foot. We're then taken to Jane as a young woman, about to set off to fill the role of a governess for a little girl. As she comes to her new post we see her character develop so much. As this is her first time away from the horrible boarding school she grew up in, her appreciation for her surroundings is very evident. It's beautiful to see how the smallest things seem to touch her and make her stand in awe. As the story continues, we meet Mr. Rochester (Hurt), the master of the home and see a love story progress between the plainest of girls (Jane) and this intricate and mysterious man. There is much struggle going on in Jane with her feelings and it's overall quite an emotional story. I won't go into the end details so that I don't give away the ending... that's something you have to see for yourself - but let's just say that things take a turn and there is much to be seen!
The story of Jane Eyre is filled with themes and messages that are brought out very well through this version. It focuses a lot on the idea of beauty - mainly brought out through Jane herself, a very plain and "nothing-to-look-at" girl, and yet the most beautiful character. It also brings out the message of forgiveness (between Jane and her aunt), loyalty, betrayal (a complicated story-line of Mr. Rochester and his family), and so much more. This movie really has it all.
This DVD version is fantastic. The acting is great - each character is very deep and the actors manage to bring forth the traits of them so well. I find myself engulfed in them every time I watch. The scenery and location of the film is awesome - it's beautifully filmed. And last, but not least, the music throughout is an absolute draw. A beautiful soundtrack that finishes off the perfection of the movie.
One note about the DVD however, is that it does not include much in the area of special features, etc. Which can be somewhat of a disappointment to those who especially look for that on a DVD.
If you're a fan of Jane Eyre - the book or other movie versions - this version is a must-see. It may not bee totally as the book; but you won't want to look away from the screen nonetheless!
It's a tad hard to find it to buy here in Canada - I found it at Best Buy after much searching. But it was well worth it. The price was only about $17. If you find it, get it... I highly recommend it.
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Production Year: 1999 - Drama - Director: Dick Maas - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: William Hurt, Jennifer Tilly, Denis Leary, Michael Chiklis, Francesca Brown
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1945 - Drama - Director: David Lean - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey, Cyril Raymond
Nice op. Welcome to Ciao too, hope you have fun here! I really liked the novel, and I've seen a film version of this before but unsure if I've seen this one. It's a great story. Didn't know it had been put onto DVD. :O)
xx maj xx
missy0303 12.10.2005 20:54
I also love the novel but yet to see the movie....Think i will pop onto play.com for a look now......Michelle x
Advantages: Great acting, a real passionate atmosphere, good tension between main characters Disadvantages: A lot of material has been cut out concerning Jane's ealry years
Gemma_hayes82 20.07.2007 (20.07.2007)
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