Far from the Madding Crowd

Far from the Madding Crowd is a real treat for lovers of romance, history and classic literature. I took a great delight in watching a new adaptation of Thomas Hardy's story tonight. 
Carey Mulligan (must remember her name, she's so gifted) gives a perfect performance as the independent, strong-willed Bathsheba Everdene, a Victorian lady of exceptional beauty who inherits a huge estate from her uncle and sets about running it with determination and strength, much to the amazement of men who aren't used to women acting quite so sure of themselves.

Bathsheba definitely isn't your average 19-th century girl. She is determined to remain single, claiming the unforgettable lines: "You will never be able to tame me..."; "I grew accustomed to be on my own".
She is a woman in her own right: instead of being governed by the need to please others she takes responsibility for her own actions, choices and passions.

The film explores the very nature of love, relationships and the themes of determinism and free will. Details of a bygone world: Victorian lavish fashions, music and elegant dances, velvet scarlet outfits, farming ways, delightful manners are evocatively brought to life in this great production.

I was brought to tears within the first 10 minutes....loss, misfortune, anguish, helpelessness in the face of tragedy were portrayed so movingly that I found it hard to control my emotional reaction. If a film inspires and stirs our emotions it means only one things - it is a good film. We love films that make us feel something. Far from the Madding Crowd is a film that will make you feel a whole range of emotions.

Far from the Madding Crowd

Director: Thomas Vinterberg

Starring: Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge, Mathias Schoenaerts