Not far from perfect adaptation —
Those looking for a “Downton Abbey” fix between seasons, will love this new Victorian-era adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel that features a radiant Carey Mulligan as a headstrong landowner with three distinct suitors. Three archetypes contend for her affection — friendship, wealth and passion in the kind of gorgeously shot film that they don’t make enough of these days. (PG-13 for some sexuality and violence).
Grade: A-.
Bruce Bennett Short Bio
Bruce Bennett has been the primary contributor to Mad About Movies since it began in 2003. He is an award winning film and theater critic who, since 2000, has been writing a weekly column in The Spectrum daily newspaper in southern Utah as well as serving as a contributing editor of “The Independent,” a monthly entertainment magazine. He is also the co-host of “Film Fanatics” a movie review show which earned a Telly in 2009. Bruce is also a featured contributor at: RottenTomatoes.com
His motto: "I see bad movies so you don't have to."