The Return of the Native

Rating:
Summary: Attempt at Thomas Hardy almost reaches it.
Review: Anyone who has read the novel will see that this movie is far truer to the storyline than average. Where the movie "almost" reaches success is in its portrayal of the characters. The egocentric nature of Eustachia is portrayed well until the death scene, when, from that point, she comes off as too much of the unforgiven, tragic, heroine. Wildeve's passion never quite attains to the pinnacle reached in the Hardy novel, Venn's homespun nobility isn't as evident, nor does Clym's "martyr complex" ever really emerge. The flick has much to recommend it however, especially in the first 2/3 of it. The setting is magnificent and appropriately stark, the subordinate characters (Grandfer Cantle, Susan Nunsuch, Mrs. Yeobright, etc.) are accurately displayed. This is one film in which I would recommend for the viewer to see the movie first before reading the novel. This would eliminate some of the sense of loss in the character displays and help one appreciate the "love-never-dies, beyond-the grave" finale.

Rating:
Summary: Attempt at Thomas Hardy almost reaches it.
Review: Anyone who has read the novel will see that this movie is far truer to the storyline than average. Where the movie "almost" reaches success is in its portrayal of the characters. The egocentric nature of Eustachia is portrayed well until the death scene, when, from that point, she comes off as too much of the unforgiven, tragic, heroine. Wildeve's passion never quite attains to the pinnacle reached in the Hardy novel, Venn's homespun nobility isn't as evident, nor does Clym's "martyr complex" ever really emerge. The flick has much to recommend it however, especially in the first 2/3 of it. The setting is magnificent and appropriately stark, the subordinate characters (Grandfer Cantle, Susan Nunsuch, Mrs. Yeobright, etc.) are accurately displayed. This is one film in which I would recommend for the viewer to see the movie first before reading the novel. This would eliminate some of the sense of loss in the character displays and help one appreciate the "love-never-dies, beyond-the grave" finale.

Rating:
Summary: A great film
Review: I have never read the Hardy novel so I probably missed out on some of the important character developments and story elaborations, however, I think this is one great movie. What a relief it is from the stereotypical Hollywood movies that are becoming more and more predictable and less and less entertaining. The dialogue, itself, was a major character, I found myself fascinated by each and every scripted word. To be honest I only knew of this film b/c I am a huge fan of Catherine Zeta-Jones (Eustachia Vye) but I am so grateful for being introduced to such a timely piece of work. Once again, the script was remarkable, the acting fantastic, and the stroy unbelievably relevant to things that go on today, years after it took place. I highly recommend this movie to all of Catherine's fans and anyone who desires to see a movie that is both unique and inspiring. (Damon Wildeve rocks my world!)

Rating:
Summary: exciting...
Review: I loved this film and I thought that all of the scenes were easy to follow and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this to anyone, fan of the actors and actresses or not.

Rating:
Summary: exciting...
Review: I loved this film and I thought that all of the scenes were easy to follow and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this to anyone, fan of the actors and actresses or not.

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating adaptation of my favourite Hardy novel
Review: I LOVED this movie! It was almost exactly like the novel, except for some missing parts b/c of the time factor. The actors weren't quite as I had pictured them in my imagination, but the acting was good anyhow. The Eustacia character was particularly excellent. I liked the music as well. Overall, a tremendous work (but the novel was, as always, better). If you read this novel, then you will probably like the movie.

Rating:
Summary: great for catherine fans
Review: i only liked this movie because of zeta-she is great in it and young-24 yrs old

Rating:
Summary: Clive Owen could become the next "James Bond 007".
Review: I saw this Hallmark television movie when it originally aired. I lost interest in the story because a character was said to be a witch. I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to watch this film. But Hallmark is a name the presents the best, quality films. Now, there is a reason to give this film a second look. Clive Owen who plays "Damon Wildeve" just might have a chance to be selected as the next James Bond 007 when Pierce Brosnan passes it on. Clive Owen might have to wait until the year 2008. The other reason is the female lead is Catherine Zeta-Jones is now a celebrity (she was unknown at the time) and became an Academy Award winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2003. Joan Plowright as "Mrs. Yeobright" is also in this film. I like the opening line in the film: "Deliver my heart from this fearful, lonely place. Send me a great love from somewhere or else I shall die, truly I shall die".

Rating:
Summary: Clive Owen could become the next "James Bond 007".
Review: I saw this Hallmark television movie when it originally aired. I lost interest in the story because a character was said to be a witch. I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to watch this film. But Hallmark is a name the presents the best, quality films. Now, there is a reason to give this film a second look. Clive Owen who plays "Damon Wildeve" just might have a chance to be selected as the next James Bond 007 when Pierce Brosnan passes it on. Clive Owen might have to wait until the year 2008. The other reason is the female lead is Catherine Zeta-Jones is now a celebrity (she was unknown at the time) and became an Academy Award winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2003. Joan Plowright as "Mrs. Yeobright" is also in this film. I like the opening line in the film: "Deliver my heart from this fearful, lonely place. Send me a great love from somewhere or else I shall die, truly I shall die".

Rating:
Summary: Poorly done.
Review: I suppose it's to be expected, seeing as the movie is never true to the book, but this movie was incredibly disappointing. Completely pointless details are emphasised too much (Eustacia supposedly being a witch comes to mind), whereas important plot details are lacking. The woman cast as Thomasin neither resembles the character in Hardy's novel, nor ever truly becomes the suddenly "practical woman" she is depicted to be as a result of the plot. The heath looks like a golf course instead of a complete wasteland, and reddle definitely doesn't wash off in water. It's completely inaccurate. I'd save my money and buy the book for $5.