Jane Eyre [DVD] [2006]

Having grown up in a non-English speaking country I only recently came across the 2006 Jane Eyre movie - by way of recommendation from Amazon. I was doubtful at first whether I should buy the DVD as four hours seemed quite a lot of time to invest in something I had never even heard of. However, after reading all the glowing reviews on Amazon (US and UK), most of them being 5* reviews, I decided to order it. Am I ever glad I did! I loved every single second of it and really, the chemistry and sexual tension between Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens was absolutely sizzling. Both of them have truly expressive faces and eyes that can convey the most complex feelings with just one look! I felt every emotion they were going through. It was a revelation and a joy to watch - especially since this is so rare in today's world of plastic, expressionless "beauties" on TV or in movies. And of course the entire story of how Jane and Rochester fell in and found the love of their lives is so beautiful it makes me want to watch it again and again (which I do!!). I found them both so perfectly suited for their roles (contrary to some of the weird 1* reviews I read condemning the entire movie simply because Toby and Ruth were no carbon copies of what these reviewers imagined Mr. Rochester and Jane should look like ... mindboggling really!). I have one recommendation for these people and in Jane's words too: "It is the character inside that determines a person, not the outer shell"! Might be worth thinking about! What I don't understand either is the total obsession some of the so called purists have that Toby Stephens was too handsome or too young to be Mr. Rochester. To me he IS Mr. Rochester. I read the book after I saw the movie - I must have read a totally different book than the purists however, because I never saw an ugly man, certainly not by looking at him through Jane's eyes. Need proof? I think it is best to let Jane herself do the talking, so here she is "... And was Mr. Rochester now ugly in my eyes? No reader: gratitude and many associations, .... made his face the object I best liked to see ...." and further "Most true is that "beauty is in the eye of the gazer". My master's colourless, olive face .... firm grim mouth - all energy, decision, will - were not beautiful, according to rule; but they were more than beautiful to me ....". He also had beautiful eyes as Jane mentions at least twice "... in his great, dark eyes, for he had great, dark eyes, and very fine eyes, too ..." and again as she was drawing him while staying with her aunt before she died "Now for the eyes ... I drew them large, I shaped them well: the eyelashes I traced long and sombre, the irids lustrous and large ...". He was only "ugly" when compared to such inbred (the result of generations of cousins marrying cousins) "beauties" as Mr. Mason for example - Jane again "... fine-looking man, at first sight especially. On closer examination, you detected something in his face that displeased; or rather, that failed to please ..." and then she concludes "... no power in that smooth-skinned face of full oval shape, no firmness in that aquiline nose and small cherry mouth; there was no thought on the low even forehead; no command in that blank, brown eye." Who on earth would want a man with a "small cherry mouth" or as Jane says "a sleek gander" if you could have a "fierce falcon"? True, Mr. Rochester didn't seem to be very attractive when they first met but he was in a very bad mood and bitter, as he confesses to Jane after their botched wedding. I have never seen anybody looking good under such circumstances! And as to Toby Stephens being too young ... Well, when Jane met Mr. Rochester after his accident she thought he was approximately 35 years old, and later on she told Mrs. Fairfax "... Mr. Rochester looks as young, and is as young as some men at five-and-twenty." Toby Stephens was able to make him look older and world weary at the beginning of the movie and he seemed to become younger and more playful the more he fell for Jane. I truly believe that Charlotte Bronte's imagination skipped a few generations in the character of Mr. Rochester and she created a thoroughly modern, 21st century man. Of course Edward Rochester was flawed and imperfect (aren't we all?) but at the same time he was owing up to his mistakes, he was all man, considerate, not afraid to show his feelings, treated Jane (a woman!!) as his equal partner, had an athletic body (broad shoulders and narrow hips) and instead of being "ugly" was ruggedly handsome and had a great and sarcastic sense of humor (the best there is!) - In other words, he was the perfect modern man way ahead of his time!

Very good. Good interpretation of a very dark love story

I often feel let down by adaptations of novels but this one managed to edit the story down to its essentials making it enjoyable for a viewer who knows the novel, and accessible for a viewer who does not. This is the best 'Jane Eyre' adaptation I have seen, and one of the best novel adaptations too. The book was adapted with respect for the novel and caught the spirit of the book really well. The cast was extremely well chosen especially the roles of Jane Eyre and Bertha Mason. Jane was played by Ruth Wilson, who gave her all the spirit and intelligence that you would expect from Jane Eyre. Wilson's look was absolutely perfect, it seemed like her face was different every time you saw her sometimes plain, sometimes beautiful, always expressive. It was very unusual to have Bertha Mason played by a beautiful, 'sane-looking' woman, normally she is styled as a stereotypical crazy hag, which doesn't really make sense. This choice made it easy to see why Mr Rochester had been fooled by her family, and the contrast between her appearance and her violent tendencies made her all the more menacing. The only weakness in the series is the opening. Jane's childhood is dealt with a little two quickly, the suffering she endured is not really made clear, so the strength, independence and liveliness that she has as an adult does not come across as the accomplishment that it really is. The scene in the red room is particularly weak, the director failed to take us into the mind of the child as Bronte manages to do so well. I appreciate however that `Jane Eyre' is a very long novel so some parts must be condensed and Jane's adult life is dramatised so well that it certainly compensates.

This is a wonderful BBC adaptation of the famous Charlotte Bronte 1847 novel. In four episodes, the series remains relatively faithful to the book to chart the unpredictable course of Jane Eyre. As a young girl, Jane is raised as a poor relation in the household of her aunt, Mrs. Reed. Then, as a young woman, Jane, is hired to be a governess for young Adele of Thornfield Hall. The owner of the estate is Mr. Rochester, who is close to marrying a beautiful upper-class woman Blanche Ingram. Jane becomes close to Mr Rochester, but her path to being with him is long and winding. The two main actors are fantastic. Ruth Wilson is striking as the composed and earnest Jane - you really feel her competing against the British class system and lots of misfortune to hold out for true love. And Toby Stephens portrayal of Mr Rochester is tremendous - he really shows that it is a struggle to break away from social expectations regarding his personal relationships, but he never gives in to what society expects. Stephens manages to combine a masculine and aggressive air to his portrayal, but also shows he is very vulnerable and is desperate to be in a wonderful relationship with the right woman. The BBC series deviates from the novel mainly at the start. The novel has much longer passages relating to Jane's time at Lowood School. This was probably a sensible decision, as a young actress was playing Jane for this time period, and the continuity and relevance may have been lost if it had been longer. And Jane's flight from the Rochester estate is a significant part of the book, but plays out as a brief flashback sequence in the series. Furthermore, the romantic relationship between Jane and Mr Rochester is given more weight in the BBC adaptation - probably a wise decision given the quality of the two leading actors. Overall, a wonderful BBC adaptation with two outstanding performances from Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. Well done to the BBC!

well packaged, arrived on time, value for money

This production has all the usual hallmarks of the best BBC/WGBH Boston co-produced period dramas, boasting high production values, a superb cast and a worthy story. The set comprises two DVDs. The first contains episodes 1 to 3; the second contains episode 4, cast and crew interviews, trailers, photo gallery and deleted scenes. The set also has an audio commentary. For those unfamiliar with Charlotte Brontë's novel, the story follows the life of orphan Jane Eyre, as she progresses unloved through childhood, and into adult life as pious and solitary governess at Thornfield, where she meets and falls for its owner, Mister Rochester. The story is often seen as a feminist tome, though it also functions as a social and gothic moral commentary. With any drama based on a famous novel, the screenplay is under scrutiny, and will be pelted with criticism if it omits something major from the book. In this case plenty of plot has fallen by the wayside, but this is inevitable and done rather well in Sandy Welch's screenplay. For example, early in the story, Jane is packed off to Lowood Institution, where appalling treatment is meted out to the inmates, due to the misbehaviour of those in charge. Much of this story is omitted, and instead we focus on the emotional elements of Jane's plight that will later inform her adult character. Jane is played by Ruth Wilson, who at the time was new to the screen. She acts with tremendous and compelling intensity from start to end, giving us a fresh take on this classic character. In interviews on the second DVD we hear that she was cast because she was a plain and not obviously attractive new face, but I think they've got that wrong. Her look is certainly understated and offbeat, but she has definite charm and presence. The brooding passion in her on-screen character is palpable and believable, conveyed in no small way by the way she looks. She is no plain Jane. I reckon she gives (in episode 3) one of the most powerful (and tear-streaked) speeches I've ever seen, when she finally reveals her true feelings to Mr Rochester. Wilson is supported by Toby Stephens, who amazingly plays Rochester as a sort of Hugh Grant character. His mannerisms, character and voice are so like Grant throughout, it's quite comical (in a good way) to watch him. Stephens makes a first-rate romantic lead, and throws at us all Rochester's directness and guileless romanticism with gusto. That said, even he cannot out-act Wilson when they get together in the big and dramatic scenes. I looked out for Ruth's later work, expecting her to have made her way onto the big screen but, alas, that hasn't happened. However, she has since acted to good effect opposite the likes of Ian McKellen (The Prisoner) and Maggie Smith (Capturing Mary) in TV dramas. The denouement of the series feels unhurried. The threads of plot come together nicely, and we get a brief look into the future before the closing credits. It was a very satisfying watch. I really liked it.

Great Video

I asked if this DVD has subtitles. The virtual assistant said yes. Actually, there are no subtitles, either in German or English.

Wie die meisten von der BBC produzierten Period-Serien ist auch diese rundum gelungen. Besonders erwähnenswert ist dabei die Anpassung des Dialoges an das Medium. Selten habe ich die Sprache Charlotte Brontes- oder eigentlich noch nie- so authentisch als auch werknah umgesetzt gesehen. Die Drehbuchautorin hat hier wirklich eine Meisterleistung vollbracht. Dennoch hat auch diese Version ihre Kritiker bzw. Kritikerinnen. Besonders die Figur des Mr Rochesters scheint zu gespaltenen Reaktionen zu führen. So finden einige Toby Stephens zu jung oder zu hübsch für Mr Rochester. Auch scheint er deutlich emotionaler, freundlicher und weniger aufbrausend als einige seiner Vorgänger. Ich finde diese Interpretation sowohl angemessen, werkgetreu als auch zeitgemäß. Der Zuschauer erfährt deutlich mehr aus dem Seelenleben von Mr Rochester und es lässt die Figur plastischer und authentischer wirken als viele seiner Vorgänger. Nicht zuletzt wird durch diese moderatere und modernere Interpretation deutlicher, warum sich Jane zu diesem mysteriösen und dunkelmütigem Mann hingezogen fühlt. Im Einklang damit erhält auch die Beziehung von Jane und Mr Rochester ein anderes Gewicht. Nicht nur scheinen ihre gemeinsamen Szenen quantitativ mehr als in vielen anderen Umsetzungen, auch haben ihre Begegnungen eine andere Qualität. So sind ihre Unterhaltungen zunächst noch vom Master-Governess-Verhältnis dominiert; es findet jedoch graduell eine Verschiebung statt, die dem Zuschauer deutlich macht, das sich hier zwei Geister gefunden haben, die in der Tat viel gemeinsam haben. Und die einander verstehen. Janes Proklamation als "Equal" trotz faktischer Stellungsunterschiede wird zum erstenmal richtig einsichtig, ohne dabei aufdringlich zu sein. Auch wird die Entwicklung einer romantischen Beziehung bzw. leidenschaftlichen Zuneigung dem Zuschauer auf fesselnde, unplumpe Weise nahegebracht. Ja, man kann die Anziehung nachvollziehen und die auch erotische Stimmung des Romans wird eingefangen. Ruth Wilson ist eine großartige Jane Eyre. Sie ist zurückhaltend, klug aber auch stark und ungebrochen. Diese Jane ist eine besondere Person, und das merkt auch der Zuschauer. Hinreißend im Kontrast dazu sind auch ihre Anwandlungen von teenagerhaftem Geschwärme, etwa wenn sie die Hand, die Mr. Rochester gehalten hat an ihren Mund drückt oder sie sich angesichts eines großzügen Geschenks ernst ermahnt: "Jane Eyre will not be overwhelmed". Ja, man vergisst ja allzu leicht, das Jane in der Tat noch sehr jung ist als sie nach Thornfield kommt und bereits eine ganze Menge Unangenehmes hinter sich hat. Da sind solche Momente der unzensierten Freude schon mal erlaubt und für eine 18-Jährige vielleicht auch angebracht. Diese Jane Eyre Verfilmung ist großartig. Sie transportiert die Inhalte des Romans vollkommen, ohne einen eigenen Ansatz vermissen zu lassen. Modernisierung der Dialoge ohne Anachronismen, deutlich psychologischerer Blick auf die Charaktere als viele Vorgänger, als auch das fabelhafte Spiel aller Darsteller macht diese Version nur um so sehenswerter. Erwähnenswert ist auch die Integration der gothic Elemente, die in vielen 90 Minuten Versionen zu kurz kommt. Nebel, Grusel, Stimmen in der Nacht sorgen in der Tat für gruselige Szenen, die ungeheuer spannend sind, obwohl ein Großteil der Zuschauer die Geschichte bereits sehr gut kennt. Ich kann diese Version absolut empfehlen, denke aber dass Puristen sich an manchen Elementen stoßen werden. Ob zu recht oder nicht ist Geschmackssache. Für mich ist diese Verfilmung mit Abstand die gelungenste und überzeugendste.

Sono un'appassionata di Jane Eyre dal giorno in cui realizzai che questa storia, scritta oltre un secolo fa, era più moderna che mai! Jane e' decisamente un'eroina senza tempo in cui molti possono riconoscersi. Io l'ho amata per la sua anima ribelle ed inquieta, la sete di conoscenza, la consapevolezza di essere sola ma di non volersi ne' potersi arrendere all'idea di esserlo. Ho amato la sua fiera indipendenza e la grande capacità di amare ma anche la fame d'amore che guida i suoi passi. Questa trasposizione della BBC e' senz'altro tra le più belle che ho visto e vi potete fidare perché le ho viste praticamente tutte. La storia è quasi del tutto fedele al libro tranne che per qualche scena che, si capisce bene, e' stata aggiunta per meglio rendere il tormento di due anime gemelle che cercano, disperatamente, la loro strada l'una verso l'altro. Interpreti credibilissimi sia quelli principali che quelli di contorno. Ruth Wilson è una splendida Jane e Toby Stephens un Mr Rochester tra i migliori che ho visto sullo schermo, e non sono molti. Difatti io amo solo 3 tra le 18 versioni televisive e cinematografiche: questa, quella del 1983 con Timothy Dalton e Zelah Clarke e quella del 2011 con Michael Fassbender e Mia Wasikoskawa. Insomma bellissima storia e bellissima lettura per la tv con un'ambientazione meravigliosa e una splendida colonna sonora. Il dvd e' composto da due dischi con i quattro episodi più scene tagliate e interviste agli attori ed autori. La lingua è l'inglese come anche i sottotitoli. Arrivato senza problemi con anticipo sulla data attesa. Da possedere se amanti del genere o anche solo se si è degli inguaribili romantici e si sogna la propria anima gemella. Ah, se solo esistesse davvero un Mr Rochester anche per me...

I am from Canada and cannot watch the DVD I received not adapted to my tv and computer. This Jane Eyre is one of my favorite one.. It is quite unfortunate.! Fortunately I have other Jane Eyre productions. Thank you for your good attention of your clientele. You get 5 stars for that. Thank you.

Qué, decir, de, esta gran, produccion, como siempre, con, el, sello, de, BBC, lo, mejor, en, TV, recuerdo, que, en, casa, es, de, la familia, desde, la gran producción, de poldark, Verdi, coproducción, BBC /RAI /canal, Bavaro, concerniente, a, Verdi /Wagner. Bien, lo, primero, es, aplaudir, la iniciativa, de Suzanne y, su, equipo, un, Sr. Rochester, guapo, y, el casting, la elección, fue, la, mejor, Toby Stephens, esa, sonrisa de cínico y canalla,es, un, actor, al, cual, he, seguido, mucho, un, papel increíble, Eugenio Oneguin, es,, digno, hijo, de, su madre, Maggie Smith, Un cadáver, a, los, postres, la bruja buena, en Harry Potter y la, piedra filosofal. LA, Escena, es, Ldwing, de, mi, amado, Visconti, me, refiero, a, jane Eyre.!!!

Very good. My second favourite version of Jane Eyre.