The Mayor of Casterbridge (2003)

Common sense suggests that no good can come of auctioning off your wife in a drunken fit, but Thomas Hardy's classic novel The Mayor of Casterbridge turns this dark story, set in rural England in the mid-1800s, into a compelling, compulsive ride. The discarded wife (Juliet Aubrey) returns after 19 years with her daughter (Jodhi May) in tow, only to discover that her former husband, Michael Henchard (Ciarán Hinds) has risen as a merchant and a politician. But though he welcomes her back and arranges to renew their bond without public shame, Henchard's pride and fear remain intractable; the struggle for love and happiness collides with shame and secrets as Hardy's complex tale unfolds. While the 1978 miniseries with Alan Bates is much less abridged and gives a fuller immersion into the novel and life at the time, the swiftness of this two-part adaptation makes it more immediately emotionally engaging, and the superb, compact performances by the entire cast (including Polly Walker and James Purefoy) give this version a potent punch. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Has All My Wonderful Rome Stars In It!

I am still reeling that my favorite stars from Rome are in this movie! It was actually filmed before Rome but I didn't see it then. It is a wonderful understated story of a man who sells his wife and child for 5 guineas in a drunken rage and she comes back after 19 years. The story weaves and turns as a it did because it was originally a serial in a magazine. The story and acting is magnificent and I cried in all the right places. July 27, 2008

Great Entertainment

This is an exceptionally well-acted period piece. Ciaran Hinds (Rome, Phantom of the Opera, Persuasion)is perfect for the role of the Mayor, who, as a young man, and completely inebriated, auctions off his wife and baby daughter to the highest bidder. (A passing sailor takes her and the baby, and they leave the area). When he sobers up, he realizes what he has done, and makes a promise never to drink for 21 years. 19 years later, the wife is now a widow, and she comes to find him, in hopes of obtaining help. She finds that he has done quite well as a merchant, and is now the mayor of the town of Castorbridge. The movie moves on through the next few years, with twists and turns in the plot. Ladies: get out your Kleenex for the ending, because it jerks a few tears, but the movie is very enjoyable, and well worth it. The scenery and costumes are splendid, and the supporting actors do a fantastic job in rounding out the cast. This movie is a worthy addition to any collection. April 24, 2008

wonderful

Loved this version of the movie. Well cast and kept my attention, the story bobs and weaves all over the place so you have to pay attention, sad but true to life............ March 30, 2008

No Closed Caption or Subtitles - Shame on You!

When will film and TV distributors recognize that there is a growing audience of viewers that require either closed caption and/or Subtitles for Home Viewing? They are capricious to discriminate against those who have a physical impairment that is not of their own doing. In fact, I would be so bold to suggest that Amazon (and others selling Video Products of this nature) BOLDLY LABEL these products as either friendly or non-friendly to the hearing impaired.

March 29, 2008

Best I've seen

I've only recently started watching all the British mini-series I've missed over the years. The best one I've seen (and we see quite a few!)-- the best MOVIE I've ever seen-- is The Mayor of Casterbridge.

Ciaran Hinds IS Michael Henchard. He's absolutely amazing and, despite his sad and deeply flawed character, he keeps our empathy. That is a very difficult task, too, since he creates some horrible situations for himself and for others. Yet, he's human and is trying to do what he deems best, though what he deems best at the time is so very very wrong.

His performance kept me riveted throughout the film and kept me thinking about the movie for a long while afterwards, as well.

Every performance in this was outstanding. The cinematography was gorgeous and the music was haunting. I looked for the sheet music to this theme afterwards, but couldn't find it. I'll keep looking.

What a wonderful film. You will absolutely not be disappointed. Definitely one of the most beautiful,touching and bittersweet movies I've ever seen. February 28, 2008

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