Under the Greenwood Tree [DVD]

I love adaptations of period dramas, especially those produced this side of the Atlantic. This one was 90odd minutes of enjoyment. Good casting, good acting and great location: not to mention the superb cinematography. I am just an ordinary person who wishes to be entertained. I am not a scholarly egghead who always seem to insist on the filmed adaptation sticking strictly to the book from whence it was born. I have no idea whether or not this film was accurately portrayed or not...does it matter? I get a little tired of reading, usually, screenfulls of critique from clearly well educated, well read individuals and good luck to them. But they are missing the point. These visual productions, mostly intended for social viewing are intended to be entertainment. If one wishes to study literature in depth go to the library! It beggars belief that there often exists a general opinion that a book, sometime hundreds of pages in length can be brought to the screen for a two hour or so depiction with all the associated production difficulties and costs that necessarily go with it. Let us all just be thankful that that book usually provides a skeleton to work on and the rest is left to talented people, in front of and behind the cameras who bring us such pleasure. This story is one of Thomas Hardy's ,shall we say, 'quieter' novels, but none the worse for that. There is no complex theme to follow, it is just a simple, straightforward love story. And one that we just know is going to turn out fine! It is all very enjoyable. The only thing that surprised me about this film is how little I know about Jersey C.I. where the filming took place. I had no idea the countryside was so idylic in such a small island. The film 'snow' was a little bit dodgy but who cares.

Beautifully filmed and the only screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy that I think is more substantial than the rather slight novel it portrays. Theme music too is very atmospheric. OK it's not Tess but what else is? Very enjoyable.

Have watched this many times. Fantastic reproduction of the novel. Very plausible. Love it!

I can understand the other reviewer's frustration and usually I am a terrible purist about adaptations of novels; but in this case, I'm afraid, it was necessary. I had not read the novel before seeing this adaptation and I must say that the writers extracted a charming love story from what is actually a very boring novel. Hardy clearly found the love story getting in the way of the point he wanted to make, which was his mourning for the loss of the rural and simple in the name of progress. The quire is doomed to fall before the harmonium, the reaper will fall before the threshing machine. But actually the love story is more interesting to a modern reader. [...] [...]

Apart from some lack of continuity - ie. Keely Hawes looks down from the window with her hair up, then chats to the vicar with it hanging down and then miraculously its up again in the next take. The trees still have all their leaves on when they are covered in snow tho and its a shame it wasnt filmed in England. I love it tho - wish it was longer - have bought the book but of course it is rather a tough read.

Keeley Hawes plays her role brilliantly (as she always does). Most of the other characters were also good. Unfortunately I found the rendition by James Murray not quite believable. He seemed to polished and clean-shaven. I also think he "tried too hard" to appear genuine. It was one of those too clean and tidy period dramas, where sets are just too pristine to be genuine. Not quite in the Sue Birtwistle league. That said, I will probably watch it again.

This adaptation of Hardy's novel about change in rural society needs to be watched on its own terms. Although the novel is not as tragic as many by this author, it is far more serious than this version suggests, because a great deal more of it is taken up with the fate of the gallery choir at the church, and the struggle against the vicar. In this adaptation that plot thread is reduced to something of a humorous sideshow, with Tony Haygarth being more amiable than perhaps he should be. The main focus is definitely on the romance element, with the new school mistress beset by three suitors. The balance between comedy and sentiment in this situation is well enough handled. Ms Hawes is of course a capable and attractive lead but she is perhaps too mature for the role and this turns her into a more independent figure than should be the case (for instance, you wonder why someone so evidently over 21 is asking her father's permission to marry). There is some good work among the smaller roles, eg Alethea Steven as the beautiful farm girl cast aside for Miss Fancy Day. Some reviewers have complained about the film being made on Jersey. This seems irrelevant to me; all that is needed is a convincingly pastoral setting, and this is provided. It is a good enough substitute for Dorset.

A joy to watch, despite those who have poo-pooed it - compering it with 'Far from the Maddening Crowd'. Under the Greenwood Tree is well made includes a variety of excellent actors, who portray a very pleasing and often humorous storyline.