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Synopsis
Powerful, haunting and disturbing, Anne Bronte's classic story is as unforgettable as those of her more famous sisters. In a remote village on the Yorkshire moors, a beautiful widow and her son move into the near-derelict Wildfell Hall. Befriended by a handsome young farmer, she remains mysteriously silent about her past and why she is afraid - until she becomes the focus of malicious village gossip.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
57 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
While not wholly faithful to Anne Bronte's novel of the same name, this BBC adaptation has much to commend it. Excellent cinematography, as well as strong performances by the entire cast, makes this a must see production for all lovers of period pieces.
An intriguing widow of mystery, Helen Graham (Tara Fitzgerald), moves into a crumbling residence known as Wildfell Hall. There, she sets up house with her very young son. Plain spoken, independent, and seeming to lack charm, she rebuffs the initial, friendly overtures of the local townsfolk and manages to alienate most of them. Gilbert Markham (Toby Stephens), a young and handsome yeoman farmer, is not put off by her manner, however, and being smitten by her sets off in hot pursuit, hoping to gain her affections. Soon, however, the townsfolk begin gossiping about her supposed assignations with a wealthy, local gentleman, Mr. Lawrence (James Purefoy), the owner of Wildfell Hall. There comes a point where even the steadfast Mr. Markham wavers in his belief in her. It is then that Mrs. Graham tells him the true nature of her relationship with Mr. Lawrence and reveals her dark past.
Rupert Graves steals the show as Arthur Huntingdon, the charming rake who captures and seduces Helen's young, romantic heart. Once married to her, however, he reveals himself to be a brutish, dissolute, and depraved philanderer, who causes her to flee their home with their young son. The role of Huntingdon is, undoubtedly, the juiciest. The film uses the narrative contrivance of flashbacks in order to explain the events that led Helen to take the extraordinary measures that she did. It tells the viewer of the sad story that brought Helen and her son to this sorry pass. Ultimately, Helen takes the high road, when an event occurs that causes her past to collide with her present. In that decision, however, lies the key to her future.
Toby Stephens is wonderful as the yeoman farmer, whose tender heart is captured by the beautiful Helen. Tara Fitsgerald, while indeed beautiful, plays the role of Helen a tad too harshly, which, while serving to alenate the townsfolk, serves also to alienate the viewer somewhat. Even though the flashbacks serve to explain her present manner, and the viewer sees her in happier days, Helen is still not as simpatico a character as she could or should be. Still, this is a handsome, though somewhat dark and somber production that those who love period pieces will appreciate and enjoy.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
An excellent cast ensures that this adaption of this Bronte novel captures the right tone to tell a rather dark story. It is NOT Austen & you will be disappointed if you have seen Pride & Prejudice & expect more of the same! This story of a woman hiding from her past is tautly told, especially the first third when the audience is kept at bay with only a few mysterious flashbacks to hint at why Helen is so withdrawn and hostile. Once the floodgates are opened though a lush and evocatively shot story is told of love, hope, patience, pity and eventual forgiveness. I loved this mini-series. Rupert Graves particularly impressed me as Helen's husband with his erratic mood swings, and disturbing charm, as did the score - if only it was available on disc!
A beautifully told story particularly suited for dark Winter days.
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Having fallen under the charm of Toby Stephens during a visit to Stratford where his performance as Coriolanus was breathtaking (I cried for that poor Roman soldier and the injustice of it all!) I was very curious to see this movie when I saw he was in the cast. And I have not been disappointed. The music, the lights, the unbelievable settings, the costumes and the acting were perfect. Huntington was very believable and despicable. As for Toby Stephens, he made a very intense and sexy gentleman farmer. I was NOT disappointed. The only thing I felt a bit sorry about was that somehow I did not really like Tara Fitzgerald (although I liked her deep voice very much and thought it gave strength to her character) and had trouble feeling sorry for her... It is a brilliant adaptation of the work of Anne Bronte and a very entertaining romantic movie. I had prepared myself a nice pot of tea to drink watching it but the whole thing was so gripping, I completely forgot about it! That is a good sign isn't it?:o)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Anne Bronte Understood People
This is a first-rate adaptation of the novel by Anne Bronte. It's well acted by all involved with Tara Fitzgerald giving a bravura performance in the role of Helen Graham. Read more
Published 7 days ago by H. A. Weedon
It Has its Virtues, But It Won't Be to Everyone's Taste: It's Not to...
"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," a feature-length 1996 television costume drama produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation, was seen in the United States on broadcast TV in... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Stephanie DePue
A good adaptation of Anne Bronte's novel
SAFE READING - NO SPOILERS
For those who like costume dramas, the BBC does them best and, for those who enjoyed the Jane Austen's, e.g. Read more
For those who like costume dramas, the BBC does them best and, for those who enjoyed the Jane Austen's, e.g. Read more
Published 5 months ago by RR Waller
tenant of wildfell hall
Really enjoyed , the theme is as appropriate today as it was back then not usually a fan of Tara Fitzgerald but She was outstanding in her role highly reccommend its viewing
Published 6 months ago by grainne
Very good, but there were frustrating hints of greatness
This 3 part BBC adaptation of the Anne Bronte novel runs 160 minutes
total.
Nicely shot, with a lot of surprisingly modern camera techniques for a
Bronte... Read more
total.
Nicely shot, with a lot of surprisingly modern camera techniques for a
Bronte... Read more
Published 7 months ago by K. Gordon
19 year old view
I'm a 19 year old male and my favourite films are Rocky, Rambo, Titanic, etc and I bought this after watching Jane Eyre on ITV3 about a month ago and I was blown away by that. Read more
Published 10 months ago by M. ONeill
Well created atmosphere of novel
The novel was well represented by the dvd and it created the atmosphere, time and place in which the book is set in a very graphic manner. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Christine Harris
Doubt
Please, can someone tell if this dvd really has audio or subtitles in portuguese, as described?
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
Published 18 months ago by Carolina A. Pereira
Don't like it
First I must admit that I haven't read the book and I don't particularly like the works of the sisters. However I do love a good costume drama. This however I didn't like. Read more
Published 21 months ago by HH
A fabulous adaptation
This is a captivating classic. This has always been my favourite of the Bronte books and this is an honest adaptation of it. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Dottie33
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