Tess of the d'Urbervilles
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Movie Reviews of Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Movie Review: "I must tell you of my past..."
Summary: 5 Stars
A&E's "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" is an excellent made-for-TV adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel. A powerful story about the true nature of honor and the futileness of running from one's past, "Tess" is no less relevant today than when it was written over one hundred years ago.Justine Waddell stars as Tess Durbyfield, an innocent country girl who goes to live with wealthy relatives. After becoming pregnant by her rakish cousin (well played by the smirking Jason Flemyng) and then losing her baby, she attempts to embark on a new life with the upright Angel Claire (gorgeous Oliver Milburn). Fate, however, has no intention of letting her off the hook.
Great performances (especially by Milburn, in a tricky role), lush photography and good production values make this well worth checking out. The plot follows the book fairly faithfully, with only a few minor changes, and the Hardy spirit remains intact. Highly recommended, especially for fans of A&E's Literary Series.
GRADE: A-
Movie Review: Beautiful, Faithful Adaptation of Hardy's Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched the movie yesterday, one week after I finished reading the book "Tess of the D'Urbervilles." I was blown away by the acting and the faithfulness of the movie to the book. Some minor scenes were cut, but only lines were added in, not scenes, and even then the added lines did not detract from the integrity of the story.
That said, the movie follows the story and events pretty much flawlessly, and I would say, presents the characters' personalities and feelings flawlessly as well. But that, or course, is mostly all because of the talent of the actors involved, especially the main three. Also, by the strength of the novel alone, you could tell that if the movie followed the book in both characterization and plot, it couldn't go wrong. And since the movie does just that, it's just right. You ache for Tess because of what she has to go through, yet you admire her because of her strength in the face of so many obstacles. Such a lovely, lovely movie. Tragic and so bittersweet.
Movie Review: Waddell Gives an Oscar Worthy Performance as "Tess"
Summary: 5 Stars
Justine Waddell captures the soul of Tess Durbyfield, a young, naive, somewhat conflicted, and yet deeply loyal woman residing in the 19th century English countryside. This simple country girl, sent to claim kin with the rich D'Urbervilles, is badly used by her "cousin" Alec. Ashamed and stigmatized, Tess reconciles herself to a loveless life -- until she meets Angel Clare, who is intent on capturing this elusive, complex girl. Torn between her fear that she's unworthy and her love for Angel, Tess finally relents. But for Hardy's characters happiness is haunted, unsteady and tragically short-lived. After confessing her "sin" the night of their nuptials, Angel abandons poor Tess. Weighed down with the hope of his return, her loyalty and her plight, Tess struggles on. Waddell beautifully portrays Tess as she unravels emotionally and heeds the violent impulses of her ancient family -- the D'Urbervilles.Movie Review: Absolutely Stunning Tearjerker
Summary: 5 Stars
Like the equally magnificent Mayor of Casterbridge, A&E has done another wonderful job with this immensely entertaining adaption of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles.
Everything from the casting to the sets to the acting is superb, and Justine Waddell truly shines as Tess. Not only is she breathtakingly beautiful in the role, but she conveys Tess's spirit and pluck as few other actresses could. Jason Flemyng as Alec D'Urberville is also a standout, and plays the role with a devilish charm that is irresistible. The rest of the cast is likewise great.
The movie, at a running time of about three hours, moves along at a fast pace; anyone will most likely watch all of it in one sitting.
Although the ending is depressing (as most of Hardy's novels are), the film is truly a treat that you won't want to miss out on.
Bravo!
Movie Review: Stays true to the spirit of the book
Summary: 5 Stars
In this version Of Tess of the D'Urbervilles, the very essence of the book is caught in a way that is but too often unseen. Tess, Justine Waddell is the perfect actress to play this role. Not only are the physical apperances remarkably alike but so is every emotion expressed by Waddell which are just like the ones Hardy describes. The rest of the cast does a superb job as well. Especially Jason Flemyng who plays the seductive yet repulsive Alec Stoke D'Urberville. Perhaps the only complain I have is leaving out the book's ending in which Angel and Tess' sister, 'Liza-Lu a "spiritualized image of Tess" whom Tess had asked Angel to marry and teach her the things Angel had taught her, witnessing from a far the raising of the black flag in honor of Tess' execution and joining hand in hand as they run on. Overall this video is a rare treasure.