The Woodlanders (1997)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Phil Agland

Writers:

Thomas Hardy (novel)
David Rudkin (writer)

Release Date:

6 February 1998 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A timeless tale of passion and desire.

Plot:

The story is set in late 19th century rural corner of South England. The daughter of timber merchant Melbury...

Plot Keywords:

Love | Costume | First Love | Marriage Problems | Costume Drama

Awards:

3 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Emily Woof	...	Grace Melbury
Rufus Sewell	...	Giles Winterbourne
Cal Macaninch	...	Dr. FitzPiers
Tony Haygarth	...	Mr. Melbury
Jodhi May	...	Marty South
Polly Walker	...	Mrs. Charmond
Walter Sparrow	...	Old Creedle
Sheila Burrell	...	Grandma Oliver
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Emily Joyce	...	Libby
Dawn McDaniel	...	Woodland Wife
Amanda Ryan	...	Sukey damson

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language.

Runtime:

98 min | Singapore:95 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Spain:T | Australia:PG | Singapore:PG | UK:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Breamore House, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England, UK

Company:

Arts Council of England

Quotes:

Grace Melbury: [to her husband's mistress] See him as much as you want. Until you wish you had never known him.

Don't underestimate this special film - give it the time it deserves.

I haven't the slightest idea what a spoiler is and I doubt whether many folks who are not film buffs will know either, so I'll just have to hope that my comments don't enter that category and request that you use a non-jargon word in order that us ordinary punters can understand.

I cannot agree with comments made concerning the scenes dragging or the film itself lacking cinematic scope. Some critics have taken this view but I believe this is rather an indication of how susceptible critics can be to saying what they think people will expect them to say (whilst conveying the distinct impression that they are the most bravely objective critics in the world).

No, this is a film which refuses to go at the pace expected of it but, rather, courageously moves at the precise pace demanded of it by the overall direction and approach. I am glad I haven't read the book because it might have tempted me to try to make a like-for-like comparison and thereby go on to make erroneous deductions.

The two mediums, film and literature, demand different approaches and, to me anyway, this thoughtfully filmed tale is at ease with itself and that is all we can ask of it. It is not trying to be Gone With The Wind or even Pride and Pejudice, nor should it make the attempt.

Like Bleak House, it will completely glide past the attention span of the viewer who is anxious for untimely progression or who is not mentally prepared for its purposely ponderous and understated theme. What I would suggest, most humbly, is that anyone with doubts set aside a whole evening with nothing else planned and no interruptions possible. Then forget anything you have previously experienced concerning this tale and view it afresh. Put away any cynical prejudgement and consciously assume that the film's understated acting is fully intended as such. Then I believe your experience and enjoyment of this film will improve no end.

The director was no doubt under immense pressure to make this tale more paced and juicy. I, for one, fully commend him for resisting this and producing a magnificently restrained U film, a truly English shared countryside, domestic and subtly romantic experience - at least for anyone allowing it the space to embrace them. VNP.