ClassyWas
Excellent, smart action film.
WillSushyMedia
This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.
Yash Wade
Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.
Kristie
After seeing about 7 different adaptations of JANE EYRE, I always find myself coming back to this one. If you're protective of the novel, as I am, and desire to see a film that is very faithful to it, THIS one is the BEST.Best is not perfect, but it is pretty darn close. You can watch this mini-series with the novel on your lap and practically follow along scene for scene.Let's talk about the fabulousness that is Timothy Dalton.He was born to play Mr. Rochester. Physically, emotionally, the highs and lows of his personality--all done with sheer excellence. Every scene he's in becomes his own. Every word spoken is perfection. Sometimes he is handsome, other times not, sometimes he's amiable, other times not. It is that changeability that makes the viewer constantly deciding, "Do I like Rochester? Or do I not?" Jane never knows which version of Rochester to expect and neither does the viewer.When I was younger and first read the book and then saw this mini-series, I did not like Zelah Clarke's portrayal of Jane. Years later I have new appreciation for her. Timothy Dalton has a very strong presence as Rochester. Many actresses would be overshadowed by him, but Zelah Clarke holds her own in every scene they share.Aside from the excellent acting, which stays true to the novel's characters' personalities, this version paces itself out extremely well. I love that the hilarious "gypsy scene" is included. I love that you see the real development of the relationship between Jane and Rochester. But mostly, I love that the ending is not rushed. The novel's ending is one of the best ever written and this adaptation does it terrific justice.
choro72
LOVES-Bessie. In most adaptations, Bessie is depicted as a nice person. Here, as in the book, Bessie wasn't always nice to Jane. She scolded her for no good reason just as everyone else did. However, she was the only one that showed any kindness to Jane at all.-The girls. Georgiana and Eliza were not cut! I wish they showed what happened to them, but I'm just glad they weren't cut.-Mr. John, Mr. Briggs, and John Eyre. These are secondary characters. I completely understand why they are usually cut, but it's nice to see the reference.-St. John Rivers. I loved Bicknell's depiction of St. John Rivers! He is perfectly cold and single minded as I imagined him to be.-Main characters. I thought Clarke's Jane was superior to Fontaine's. I could sense her reserved passion, and she burst at the right spots. I thought Orson Welles was the best Mr. R depicted on film, but Dalton's delivery still convinced me. He captured his internal conflict spot on. Dalton and Clarke had great chemistry.-The Gypsy. I'm so glad they kept that in!-Script. They kept most of my favorite lines from the book.The BAD-Helen Burns. Cut to grave stone? Really!? Also, her Christian beliefs were not completely depicted. This was an important point in shaping Jane's character, and it was skimmed over.-The hair. Oh the hair. I can't believe they gave Mr. R a mullet! St. John Rivers had the 70's flowing hair! This was the single, most reprehensible thing done to the book, which is why I only gave 9 stars.-Ending. I wish they showed what happened to the other characters. St. John, Mrs. Fairfax, Diana and Mary, etc.
oldrockhouse
I have loved the Bronte novel Jane Eyre since I was a little girl and have read it many times. I own many editions and have seen every movie. The haunting John Williams music in the George C. Scott Version made that one my favorite for years, but I had never seen this one until last night on Netflix. It was so beautiful. So close to the novel. I loved the use of the lines from the book verbatim. The setting, characters and acting didn't try to push false emotion. But mostly I was blown away by the acting of Timothy Dalton. He was so real...Haunted, downtrodden, a little mad from the pressure and grief of betrayal. But then his fierce love and devotion and hopefulness were disarming. And yes he is very handsome, but also his ferocity lends him a wild look at times. This is the best part I have ever seen him play. Zelah Clarke was perfect. Young in looks and knowledge, but old in experience and hardship. She has the perfect sweet face for Jane. Not really plain, but I don't really know anyone plain when they have such a beautiful vibrant spirit. They didn't feel like they were acting. It felt like it was them. Their passion for each other and chemistry were tangible. Well Done!If you haven't seen or heard the Broadway version of Jane Eyre, you should. The music mirrors the language of the novel in the lyrics. I can't wait to see this again! Magnificent!
janet_joseba
This review comes nearly 30 years late. Nevertheless, it has to be mentioned that I chanced by a copy of this movie sometime in early 2008 and watched it repeatedly for 4 months straight! I just had to write about it! I got smitten and forgot anything else existed once I saw this movie. How ironic it is to see Literature's ugliest male protagonist portrayed by the handsomest man! yet, what a welcome irony! It suited me perfectly and more so because Timothy Dalton did full justice to his role. He delivered an astounding and triumphant performance! I have never seen anything like it! All the other actors are very good too. The whole movie was put together beautifully. I don't care what anyone says about this movie. I just love it and love it! It made me happy and satisfied. It crushes me a bit to say this but I prefer Jane Eyre 1983 to A&E's P&J, which I believe is the ultimate mini-series. The excerpts from Jane Eyre spooked me a little back in school. I never got around to reading the book seriously knowing the story line so well. Seeing this particular production made the story come to life for me and drove me to a near frenzy. The scenes and Mr. Dalton's voice haunted me endlessly and finally led me to read the book seriously, which, of course is a masterpiece. Bravo to the whole team and especially to Mr.Dalton!! This movie is now a part of me.I give it 10/10 rating.
