This is not an easy story, the 1800's were extremely regimented and difficult times. Not for nothing is Thomas Hardy one of the 19th century's greatest writers. Contemporary of Lawrence, Trollope, James and Dickens he probes, illustrates and questions the points we now find intolerable.
This is a fine film, it looks right, captures the essence of rural society, is paced well and honours the book.
Carey Mulligan is wonderful as Bathsheba Everdine, she'll define the role for a generation.
Matthias Schoenaerts acts well, but I'm with the comment that he physically is out of place. He looks like an Austrian Olympian.
Domhall Gleeson, maybe?
Michael Sheen very good, honourably tortured.
Tom Sturridge seems a bit young for the role, but an effective rake.
UK casting is usually on the money, and so it is again.
There is hope for those of us who were appreciative of the Merchant-Ivory collaborations. This ranks with the best of those, and that's as big a accolade as I can give.
Good, very good, Thomas Vinterberg gives us a worthy addition to film's better literary interpretations.
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