Under the Greenwood Tree
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Movie Reviews of Under the Greenwood Tree
Movie Review: dvd of under the greenwood tree
Summary: 5 Stars
Product arrived fine and was a good dvd for viewing. No problem.Movie Review: Quick, Easy
Summary: 5 Stars
It was very easy to buy the product and I received it on time!Movie Review: Charming adaptation of the Thomas Hardy classic novel...
Summary: 4 Stars
I read the charming novel by Thomas Hardy during my "classics phase" ten years ago, a phase that has come back in full force not only in rereading the classics, but in watching their film and miniseries adaptations. Under the Greenwood Tree is a lovely film that captures the romantic feel of the novel and the setting of the simple village of Mellstock in Dorset, England. Miss Fancy Day (Keeley Hawes) is a new arrival in Mellstock, where she becomes the new schoolmistress. Her arrival causes dismay among the Deweys, members of the church choir who are replaced by Day and the vicar's new organ. Well, all members of the choir are upset except for the very handsome Dick Dewey (James Murray). He and Miss Day develop feelings for each other, but his humble upbringing makes him less than a desirable suitor. Dick has a lot of competition, for Miss Day has other suitors, like wealthy landowner Mr. Shiner (Steve Pemberton), the only one Mr. Day approves of, and the village vicar Reverend Maybold (Ben Miles). She receives marriage proposals from all three men. Will she do what is expected of her, or will she follow her heart?
This is considered to be Thomas Hardy's more lighthearted novel. I have always enjoyed the aforementioned Victorian love story's simplicity and charm. This BBC adaptation has captured all of the things that made the book endearing. One cannot help but feel envious when the heroine is being wooed by two very hot men. (I know there are three suitors, but Mr. Shiner is quite old and not so very good looking.) The production quality is top-notch, and the simple wardrobe and sets are easy on the eye. Keeley Hawes, who I had seen in BBC's Wives and Daughters, does a wonderful portrayal of the beautiful, innocent and irresistible Fancy Day. She manages to capture Day's torn feelings of duty vs. desire. So many other actresses would have come across as a woe-is-I-beautiful-woman-courted-by-so-many-handsome-men sort, but Hawes handles the role with grace and dignity. I enjoyed Ben Miles as the handsome local vicar. He played the role of himbo Patrick in the former BBC sitcom Coupling. I enjoyed seeing a different side of this actor. And I am very impressed with James Murray. He is gorgeous and oh so charismatic! He is also quite talented and adds such a romantic touch to the characterization that I couldn't picture someone better playing the part of Dick Dewey. I enjoyed this wonderful film. However, it is too short, only 90-something minutes long. That is why I take away a star. Other than that, this is a production like only the BBC could create and it will be kept on my ever-growing DVD shelf to be watched again and again. I recommend this gem.
Movie Review: A Kinder, Gentler Hardy
Summary: 4 Stars
This is one of Thomas Hardy's early novels, one I admit I have not read. If you, too, are unfamiliar with Under the Greenwood Tree yet familiar with Hardy, let me advise you that this novel has none of the darkness and heavy drama of his more famous works. Nobody is murdered, commits suicide, or is executed, for example. This is a sweet, light story of love in a Wessex village. Fancy Day, a native of rural Mellstock, has been away becoming an "educated lady," but now returns to town to care for her aging father while also doing double-duty as the school-mistress and church organist. Her beauty and aura of relative sophistication make her an exotic flower here amongst the rustics. Like other Hardy heroines, her unsurpassed beauty quickly earns her three possible suitors: a rich farmer, a pompous pastor, and handsome but poor Dick Dewey. Class conflict is in evidence as the town's new pastor dismisses the church choir in favor of a new "harmonium" played by the elegant Fancy and some of the choir members vow not to go quietly. Fancy finds herself confused by her conflict of feelings versus duty. She is undeniably attracted to Dick, but her father is making quite a case for the rich farmer, and the pastor (though a terrible class snob) sometimes does seem to be the only person in town who understands what life is like for her. I enjoyed the sweet love story with its little twists and turns heading for a predictable ending. My whole family watched this together, and it had lots of humorous moments where we all were laughing out loud. This movie lacks depth and much real passion, but as an entertaining, light-hearted, family-friendly tale, it has lots to recommend it.Movie Review: 4 1/2 stars...and yes, this happy film is by Thomas Hardy!!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
Believe it or not, Thomas Hardy did write the novel, set in the 1820s, on which this light hearted story is based. There is not a hint of doom, blight, or desperation, despite Hardy's usual flair in this direction.
This is a happy, light hearted story about an engaging, energetic young woman (named "Fancy") who has returned to her small village after obtaining an education. She's returned to teach the village school so that she can take care of her father. Fancy has forgotten some of the routines of village life after being "away" and her re-adaptation to situations and to assumptions and beleifs is part of the entertainment of this "G-rated" film.
She also returns to face a number of marriage proposals from "eligible" men, and the theme of "eligibility" vs. suitability is well represented. As a woman with an education, the villagers understand that an "offer" must come from someone with an educated background, which, again, is more the focus than on similarity of personality or interests, never mind attraction/love. Would it be better for Fancy to be married (unhappily) and have some economic/social status or to be single, with few economic resources, but an existence free from loathing....or is there an unexpected romance "under the greenwood tree" that would surprise everyone's expectations? The unexpected romance involved in an innocent hand washing basin is a scene few will forget. Enjoy!