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Product Description
Television adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic novel, set in his fictional county of Wessex. Tess (Justine Waddell) is a poor maid who is sent to work for distant relatives following the death of her parents. She is pursued and eventually becomes pregnant by Alex D'Urberville (Jason Flemyng). Tess flees, and finds work as a milkmaid. She falls in love with the handsome Angel Clare (Oliver Milburn), who proposes marriage, but tragedy strikes when Tess decides to confess her past to him the night before their wedding.
Synopsis
Tess Of The D'Urbervilles is a television adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic novel of the same name. Set in the Victorian era, the story revolves around a peasant girl, Tess, who becomes torn between two men. Her predicament and the hypocrisy of the era leads only to tragedy.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
78 of 78 people found the following review helpful
By J. Neely
Format:DVD
Sometimes when you watch films based on classic books you are too busy comparing between the book to fully appreciate the film version. Well this scores full marks on both accounts. It both succeeds in creating an accurate version of the book, and works well as a film in its own right. Whether you have read the book or not. Whether you are a fan of period dramas or not. This is a film you should watch.
It is both beautifully acted and is visually impressive. The photography is detailed and intelligent. The acting is top draw, the characters being portrayed with authenticity which easily involves you in the pathos of the story. As is ever with Hardy, you won't be expecting a typical "happy ending", what you will get however is much, much, more. You will get something that is genuine. Something that you truly moves you, gaining an experience that will stay with you for a long time. Trust me, buy it or rent it today.
It is both beautifully acted and is visually impressive. The photography is detailed and intelligent. The acting is top draw, the characters being portrayed with authenticity which easily involves you in the pathos of the story. As is ever with Hardy, you won't be expecting a typical "happy ending", what you will get however is much, much, more. You will get something that is genuine. Something that you truly moves you, gaining an experience that will stay with you for a long time. Trust me, buy it or rent it today.
46 of 47 people found the following review helpful
By Gone Native
Format:DVD
A wonderful film, unbelievably well acted and directed.Beautiful shots of the " Wessex" countryside alongside the grim reality of rural squalour, and the unrelentless drudgery of agricultural labour. The smells and the sounds are all there; one is transported and locked into a world as seen by Hardy.Incredibly well done - the highest praise for all the production team.
See the film, enjoy it but be prepared to be emotionally moved. How fickle fate is; what monstrous consequences did the Vicar set rolling with that seemingly innocuous greeting " Sir Jack "
Tears are permitted, and ideed louder than well deserved applause.
See the film, enjoy it but be prepared to be emotionally moved. How fickle fate is; what monstrous consequences did the Vicar set rolling with that seemingly innocuous greeting " Sir Jack "
Tears are permitted, and ideed louder than well deserved applause.
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By "tez_b65"
Format:DVD
I bought the DVD, being a little pessimistic whether it would do justice and adhere to the original story-line. There is often the risk that a novel can be ruined by a poorly dramatised version of the story. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised by this excellent interpretation of what I believe to be Hardy's most touching novel. The actors were perfect for their parts and played the characters superbly. I cannot imagine a better-suited cast of the characters.
It is sentimental without being cliched, the settings are extremely well chosen and the film is just the right length. The only criticism I can make about the production is the slightly cheesy narrative parts, which makes it sound like it is aimed at a child, though I must admit that it is necessary in order to keep it a suitable length.
It is sentimental without being cliched, the settings are extremely well chosen and the film is just the right length. The only criticism I can make about the production is the slightly cheesy narrative parts, which makes it sound like it is aimed at a child, though I must admit that it is necessary in order to keep it a suitable length.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Matt
Format:DVD
I think this adaptation was simply stunning. It remained, as far as I could see, true not only to the spirit of the book but also to the main events described there. In a brief reply to those who may find this depressing, that's Hardy's 'bag' - Plus, I don't think it reflects that Hardy 'hated' Tess. Rather, he told the tale of a young, independent-spirited girl who holds to her set of values despite the people around her. Her parents do love their daughter but are hopelessly naive about what the D'Urberville name might bring, and send Tess off as a young, vulnerable girl; being pushed into the path of Alec D'Urberville, who abuses Tess's naivete, her innocence is stolen and, as is characteristic of the whole story, fated events carry Tess on against her will. When she finds the thing she wants, love and marriage with Angel Claire, fate deals another blow to set her off course. The story is really about the cruelty of fate and the inability of humans to resist its power. But Hardy also considered a loss of religious faith which reflected his own and this is portrayed really well in this film. Other key themes were the effects of the industrial revolution on the countryside culture and life -
this is well depicted in the film.
The acting, beautiful music and good use of lighting / scenery also recommend this film - its so nice to see an adaptation which might inspire you to read the book (probably still the best way to enjoy this tale) than one which puts you off.
this is well depicted in the film.
The acting, beautiful music and good use of lighting / scenery also recommend this film - its so nice to see an adaptation which might inspire you to read the book (probably still the best way to enjoy this tale) than one which puts you off.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Morena
VINE™ VOICE
Format:VHS Tape
This video had been knocking around my local charity shop for a while, and I'd been vaguely debating whether or not to buy it. It was only £2 but I was just so tired of hammy, thespy, unsubtle adaptations of beloved books, which reduce sub-plots and characters to tokens and use completely rewritten, overly 21st century dialogue. I love the novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles, and I didn't want to see it ruined.
Just five minutes in, as soon as Justine Waddell appeared on screen, I knew this adaptation was going to do the book justice. Justine Waddell is exactly how I had pictured Tess and at the beginning exuded the simple but dignified country girl sweetness of Tess (also, she is absolutely beautiful in a natural way, just like Tess. The camera loves her). She proves to be a very skilled and subtle actress throughout Tess' trials and tribulations; compelling and heart-breaking. In her scene with Alec towards the end, there is something positively Old Hollywood about her. Her voice is an instrument well-used, too. I honestly can't imagine a better performance of Tess; what an achievement.
Her male leads don't let her down either. Oliver Milburn is wonderful as Angel Clare. Although Angel is flawed and unwittingly cruel, Oliver Milburn helps bring out his appeal (it helps that he's radiantly attractive with strawy hair and a kind voice!) so we can empathise with Tess' idealisation of him and feel his neglect even more cruelly. Watching this adaptation actually helped me to understand their relationship better, because in my reading of the book Angel had come off as rather anaemic and sexless. In the last few scenes, his idealism falls away to let his love shine through so strongly; another heartbreaking performance!... Read more ›
Just five minutes in, as soon as Justine Waddell appeared on screen, I knew this adaptation was going to do the book justice. Justine Waddell is exactly how I had pictured Tess and at the beginning exuded the simple but dignified country girl sweetness of Tess (also, she is absolutely beautiful in a natural way, just like Tess. The camera loves her). She proves to be a very skilled and subtle actress throughout Tess' trials and tribulations; compelling and heart-breaking. In her scene with Alec towards the end, there is something positively Old Hollywood about her. Her voice is an instrument well-used, too. I honestly can't imagine a better performance of Tess; what an achievement.
Her male leads don't let her down either. Oliver Milburn is wonderful as Angel Clare. Although Angel is flawed and unwittingly cruel, Oliver Milburn helps bring out his appeal (it helps that he's radiantly attractive with strawy hair and a kind voice!) so we can empathise with Tess' idealisation of him and feel his neglect even more cruelly. Watching this adaptation actually helped me to understand their relationship better, because in my reading of the book Angel had come off as rather anaemic and sexless. In the last few scenes, his idealism falls away to let his love shine through so strongly; another heartbreaking performance!... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
DVD
Really loved this DVD watched it years ago but it still as good as the first time. It is timeless
Published 4 months ago by sylbob
5.0 out of 5 stars
tess
fast dilvery and what a film over four hours and very well entertaned all the way throu well recomed to watch
Published 5 months ago by Mr. A. Squibb
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not bad, but book is better
After reading Tess of the D'urbervilles, I was looking forward to comparing the DVD version to my own imagination of characters' appearances, execution of events etc. Read more
Published 9 months ago by BlueHippo
2.0 out of 5 stars
Dodgy Narration!!!
On the whole this isn't a bad version of this beautiful classic story. My main gripe is the extremely cheesy narration throughout the film which really spoiled my enjoyment. Read more
Published 9 months ago by singer
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good interpretation of Hardy
"Is it as good as the book?" is a question often asked about films based on or purporting to be the film of the book. Read more
Published 18 months ago by RR Waller
1.0 out of 5 stars
UNWATCHABLE
This dvd was simply AWFUL. The cimematography made me cringe and I would have given it zero stars if I could've.
Published 18 months ago by Michy28
4.0 out of 5 stars
As expected
Arrived in good time. Was film I had selected and was enjoyable period drama. A pleasant non violent film with a pleasant story line.
Published 20 months ago by alex
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
It is a beautifully acted movies with familiar actors doing an fine, fine job. The screen play is well done too. Read more
Published 21 months ago by pdwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hardy TRAGEDY adaptation
You will notice my capitals in my review title. The reason being that I wish to warn those who have not seen it that this is what it is and I feel dismayed at those who gave it a... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Celia B
2.0 out of 5 stars
Tess of The D'Urbevilles
Was enjoying it for a while, the costumes and cinematography was great but then, it just got worse and worse, left us feeling flat and depressed!
Published 22 months ago by Shelley
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