The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall on DVD (1996)

A customer from Nowhere near Bronte country , 30/06/2005

This is a wonderfully filmed production, which does not submit to the glossy high production values of so many dramas, by which I mean that it retains a sense of authenticity rather than the 'picture book' way in which such films are often shot.

The story is an important one in many ways: it was much criticised at the time for being 'too dark' and it presents some of the fundamental struggles people encounter in their relationships. Anne Bronte wrote the novel on which this drama is based and it is a remarkable story of marital discord. I don't want to give away the main plot, but in synopsis it concerns a young woman who is married to a frequently drunken, violent and hateful man and in order to save her son from his influence and his (and society's) double standards, she tries to escape. There is a bleakness to the landscape and to the drama, but there are moments of beauty. All the actors are excellent in performance, especially as Bronte gives such psychological insight into their characters. There is love, social commentary and a gripping storyline. If you are looking for an excellent drama or period drama, then look no further.

This is one of the BBC's gems, like Persuasion and shouldn't be overlooked.

  11 out of 11 people found this review helpful

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Zee from Redhill [Highly rated reviewer] , 31/01/2008

Did not like the story line.

  8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

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Trionon from London [Highly rated reviewer] , 21/07/2008

...of these 'sexed up' versions of the period classics, for those unfamiliar with the source novel it'll hardly compel them to read it, and those who have read it will find it does not do justice. Tara Fitzgerald is so awful at times that I found myself cringing, and what's with the orange make up and Emmerdale accent of Toby Stephens???Rupert Graves was good though

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

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Michael LLOYD from Devon , 15/01/2008

Another brilliant period drama, well worth watching.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

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Trionon from London [Highly rated reviewer] , 21/07/2008

...of these 'sexed up' versions of the period classics, for those unfamiliar with the source novel it'll hardly compel them to read it, and those who have read it will find it does not do justice. Tara Fitzgerald is so awful at times that I found myself cringing, and what's with the orange make up and Emmerdale accent of Toby Stephens???Rupert Graves was good though

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

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Ethomson2002 from Edinburgh , 05/07/2008

If you like period dramas, one for you

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