VHS : Far From The Madding Crowd [1998]

Rating: - Far From the Madding Crowd - Paloma Baeza
I thoroughly enjoyed this production - it is closer to Hardy's novel than the earlier version starring Julie Christie. Baeza's reading of Bathsheba Everdine is excellent, totally in character. She skillfully combines Bathsheba's independent spirit with both her youth and naivety. She is at all times consistent and convincing. In the Julie Christie version, Christie overplayed the role, moving away from Hardy's intention, and came close at times to trivialising the character. Also, she did not consistently capture the youthfulness and innocence of Bathsheba. The Everdine/Troy sword scene was also overplayed in the Christie version, including sequences that were not in the novel and which, quite honestly, reduced the emotional impact of this (very important) scene. In the Baeza version, this better captures the emotion of the meeting and adds to the superiority of this version.
The supporting cast (particularly the other key roles) and production is excellent, as it was in the Christie version, although the Christie version veered away from the novel in some points that seemed unnecessary and a bit confusing.
For me, however, Baeza's grasp of Bathsheba was perfect, showing her for the talented young actress she is, and it is this that rates this version, for me, well above the Christie version.
I would recommend this version to any one.

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Rating: - Magical...
Nice photography and very good actors. Jonathan Firth is perfect as the devilish handsome sergeant Troy, as is Nigel Terry as the ill with love gentleman farmer Boldwood. Bathsheba is the only one that isn't so good. This is only one small detail that definitively won't spoil your pleasure in watching this movie. Prepare to see a true tale of love and betrayal with all the best ingredients : Jealousy, passion, revenge, murder, and more...

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Rating: - Thomas Hardy at its best
Far from the Madding crowd is a brilliant film and follows closely to the plot of the original novel. Thomas Hardy creates a world of lust, love and devotion ending with dramatic consequences. Nathaniel Parker is the perfect Gabriel Oak even down to his impecable accent. Farmer Boldwood is a brilliant portrayal as well, you truly feel his pain of unrequiented love. The only downside to this film is the character who plays Bathsheba Everdean, though quite close to the original character there is something about her that doesn't quite fit. However, if like me you are a fan of Hardy's novels and like films which are true to the novel then this is for you, it will have you glued to your seat waiting to find out who Bathsheba finally chooses and the consequences of these actions. An Excellant film all round.

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Rating: - This Book is both exiting and romantic.
Far From The Madding Crowd is a wonderful novel by Thomas Hardy. It is easy to relate to the memorable charactures. The main charactures have strong, and powerful roles in this novel of Romance. The storyline is a very well thought one with lots of action. It is the tale of a Farmers never ending love for a young girl who already has admirers. This is a very well written story and I recommend it to all.