The Woodlanders
1997
Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy, WOODLANDERS tells the compelling tale of unrequited love and irrepressible passion. Giles Winterbourne (a dashing Rufus Sewell) has been promised the hand of the lovely and elegant Grace Melbury since he was a child. However, once his family loses its fortune and she moves up in .. Read more
| Starring | Emily Woof, Rufus Sewell, Jodhi May, Tony Haygarth |
|---|---|
| Director | Phil Agland |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
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The Woodlanders
Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy, WOODLANDERS tells the compelling tale of unrequited love and irrepressible passion. Giles Winterbourne (a dashing Rufus Sewell) has been promised the hand of the lovely and elegant Grace Melbury since he was a child. However, once his family loses its fortune and she moves up in status, their engagement is called off. Though another beautiful young woman named Marty is madly in love with Giles, he continues to pine for the snobbish, unattainable Grace, who has meanwhile become involved with a handsome doctor.
| Starring | Emily Woof, Rufus Sewell, Jodhi May, Tony Haygarth |
|---|---|
| Director | Phil Agland |
| Studio | PATHE DISTRIBUTION |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 34 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: not available Production year: 1997 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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Director Phil Agland made his name with the exceptional Channel 4 documentary The People of the Rainforest. Consequently, he could not have chosen more appropriate material for his feature debut than this Thomas Hardy tale of fickle passion and betrayed devotion. Yet, while Agland admirably captures the atmosphere of the woodlands, he struggles to bring the drama to life. Much of the problem stems from the length and pacing of the scenes, although a hesitant cast, cinematographer Ashley Rowe's gloomy interiors and George Fenton's glutinous score don't help. The decision to give the ending a feminist slant is also dubious. Earnest, but undistinguished.
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Best known for spending a year in a remote Chinese village for his documentary series Beyond the Clouds, Agland comes... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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6 out of 7 people found this review helpful
The most depressing thing about Hardy is his ability to portray random, meaningless tragedy with such lush realism.
Bleakly stunning landscapes; complex characterisation - all very Hardy. The virtuous, but rather 'wet' heroine has her head turned by the educated, urbane stranger who has come to serve as doctor in her home woodland. She is encouraged by her ambitious self-made father to abandon her promise to a childhood friend, that they will marry. In true Hardy fashion, the stranger does not fit into the simple Woodland landscape and brings a cycle of pain and betrayal to the little community. The end leaves one feeling flat. Not a movie to watch if you're feeling depressed, but not strong enough to induce a satisfying bout of weeping.
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Most recent members' review
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6 out of 7 people found this review helpful
The most depressing thing about Hardy is his ability to portray random, meaningless tragedy with such lush realism.
Bleakly stunning landscapes; complex characterisation - all very Hardy. The virtuous, but rather 'wet' heroine has her head turned by the educated, urbane stranger who has come to serve as doctor in her home woodland. She is encouraged by her ambitious self-made father to abandon her promise to a childhood friend, that they will marry. In true Hardy fashion, the stranger does not fit into the simple Woodland landscape and brings a cycle of pain and betrayal to the little community. The end leaves one feeling flat. Not a movie to watch if you're feeling depressed, but not strong enough to induce a satisfying bout of weeping.
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The Woodlanders
Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy, WOODLANDERS tells the compelling tale of unrequited love and irrepressible passion. Giles Winterbourne (a dashing Rufus Sewell) has been promised the hand of the lovely and elegant Grace Melbury since he was a child. However, once his family loses its ...
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