Under the Greenwood Tree

I normally approach Hardy adaptations with extreme caution as they have the ability to tarnish the brightest of moods. I read some of the previews and persuaded myself to give it a go. To my joy and astonishment this was a fantastic Christmas treat which the reviewer above clearly failed to understand. Whoever wrote it has clearly no real authority on Hardy whatsoever. The pages of the novel came to light perfectly on the small screen. Hawes was a perfect Ms Day, playing delightfully and genially into the audience's hand. However, for me the performance that stole the show was Pemberton playing a fantastically funny Shiner. He portrayed it with both depth and humour and lit up the screen every time he graced it. The scenery was stunning, the plot had depth and kept me and my family gripped throughout. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a warm heart, as it certainly warmed mine.

Under The Greenwood Tree is a very enjoyable film that tells the story of three men falling in love with a new teacher in the village. it shows how she changes within the story and it is a very good adaption of the novel by the classic author; Thomas Hardy. It is very strange watching this film when you live in jersey as all of the locations are familiar to you. I would have given a 10 but it didn't have the dog running through the may pole fair- which took a very long time to film as the dog was more interested in the chickens! Also i found the story moves quite quickly, but if it was made longer the audience may lose interest. at least this way you can finish watching it in excitement as it is a perfect drama for Christmas. it shows all the for seasons with great detail.

Filming Under The Greenwood Tree was a great experience and was the best summer of my life I made some good friends and thought all the crew was great. The film made me realise that the crew are the most important element to a film and i would just like 2 say thanks 2 them all! xx

Overall I liked this film: it was visually beautiful and the story was enthralling. The one criticism I have, and it is a big one, is that Keeley Hawes is miscast as Fancy Day. She is too old and world-wise. I understand she was born in 1977, which would make her 29 when playing the part. Hardy describes Fancy as "a young girl","oscillating between courage and shyness". At times the lines around Hawes' eyes and mouth give away her age, but the main failure is that she comes across as a self-assured, mature woman rather than an uncertain girl beginning her adult life, dominated by her father and dismayed by the attentions of three suitors.

Every role Keeley Hawes has tackled has been played to perfection and totally believable, and her performance as "Fancy Day" in "Under the Greenwood Tree" was no exception.

This terrific Ashley Pharoah adaptation brought Thomas Hardy's novel (albeit abridged) and it's wonderful characters and settings to life, and credit must go to director Nicholas Laughland for his careful control, particularly in not allowing the comedy pieces to develop into slapstick. The entire production was superbly acted by a perfectly chosen and brilliant supporting cast.

The music too must not be forgotten. It melded in beautifully at every turn.

One minor criticism I have is the choice of the filming location. Not that I wish to denigrate the island of Jersey (I've been there and it's a beautiful place), but it's not Hardy's "Wessex", but then I suppose there's very little left of England that is. However great credit must go to the production designer Dave Arrowsmith for making us believe it was. (Incidentally I agree wholeheartedly with his exception of ALStubbino's comments. The latter must have been watching a totally different film to everyone else.) The only real downside was that the whole joyous occasion was over too soon. Thankfully I taped it, for this is one to savour.

This film, although made for TV, will be a classic, just like the 1995 Pride and Predudice directed by Simon Langton. The sets seemed remarkably authentic, and all the cast were excellent. I particularly enjoyed every scene in which James Murray appeared, he is gorgeous. The chemistry between the two main characters is clear for all to see. Ben Miles who played Parson Maybold was very believable and you could actually feel his inner turmoil, acting at its best. I think that this film could be on your next Christmas present list, either to enjoy yourself or to buy for that very special Aunt, or Mother. I have watched it 3 times in two days.