Jane Eyre (1997)

The fascinating British actress Samantha Morton stars as the titular heroine in this provocative version of Jane Eyre, based on Charlotte Bronte's oft-filmed, 1847 novel. The familiar contours of Bronte's story are all here: Jane, the unhappy orphan, grows up to become governess at Thornfield, a gloomy estate owned by the imperious and worldly, but curiously desperate, Mr. Rochester (Ciarán Hinds). While the latter's grasping attentions stir the inexperienced young woman, the gothic goings-on at Thornfield suggest layers of unwholesome secrecy in Rochester's life. Most productions of Jane Eyre carefully reflect Bronte's absorbing balance between romance, horror, and Jane's psychological passage to adulthood. But this 1997 television movie is interesting for its near-reckless emphasis on Jane and Rochester's mutual obsession and galloping jealousies. The dramatic strategy throws off the story's overall tone, but such problems are worth it to see Morton and Hinds explore Jane Eyre's darkest possibilities. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

A different view of a classic.

I thoroughly enjoyed this version of one of my favourite novels. Both of the main actors gave credible and passionate performances to their characters. August 29, 2008

Jane Eyre (A&E, 1997)

Not a great version. Both Jane and Edward come off as angry and hard instead of the sympathy inspiring characters they are in the book. The Timothy Dalton version is much better and truer not only to the book, but to the spirit of the book. Jane does not leave Thornfield because of her pride as intimated in this version, she leaves because it would be morally wrong to stay. The whole book is about doing the right thing despite the main character's own personal desires. That in the end is what brings her happiness. Check out the other version before you buy this one. June 26, 2008

A&E does it again?

I am most certain that the dvd release is an A&E abridged version; which they usually broadcast in their reruns and for their Classroom series. There is a more complete version which had originally aired encompassing Jane's school experiences. I'd guess that approximately 30-45 minutes of material are missing from the beginning of the story and was replaced with quickly edited scenes with a voice-over. I've heard this before about other A&E releases I just wish the official description would clarify...I would not have purchased it if I knew this was the case. June 3, 2008

Excellent Jane and Rochester

A finely cast Jane (an early role for Samantha Morton) and Rochester (a gruff, wry Ciaran Hinds) make the difference in what is quite a short retelling of the story. In particular, the verbal fencing that goes on as they sound each other out in the early part of the film - an important element in the book - is played expertly. The 2006 version (Ruth Wilson) has more time to develop detail and a first-class Jane, but perhaps too civilised a Rochester. May 4, 2008

Best production of Jane Eyre ever!

I love this story and this production is absolutely wonderful. I watch it frequently, whenever my husband is out of town!

April 27, 2008

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