Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Ogosmith Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Micah Lloyd Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

alombardy Far From the Madding Crowd is one of my favourite novels, so I was looking forward to what looked like a well-cast, nicely shot film. The truth is, however, that if I hadn't read the book first, this adaptation would not have encouraged me to read Hardy's novel. It's not a bad movie by any means, but it does have a few problems which were maybe unavoidable in adapting this late Victorian classic into the contemporary cinematic environment. I had two main problems in this respect; the first is that of timing. The running time is just under two hours, and yet a good third of the book is swallowed up in just the first fifteen minutes. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however I felt as though all that extra time could have been better spent in exploring Bathseba's interactions with her second and third suitors (Troy in particular, but we'll get on to that). Rather Oak takes up much more of the screen time than necessary, and, being a naturally stolid and stoic character, does not provide for that compelling a screen presence.The second problem ties much into the first, in that the sped-up first fifteen minutes gives us a foundation whereby Batsheba openly declares herself to be an independent, DIY woman who 'don't need no man', which is not really carried through for large chunks of the rest of the film. In the novel, Bathsheba's independence of spirit is demonstrated through her brusque actions, often blunt speech and stubborn pride, rather than simple declarations of her ambition and character. As such, when in the film, she falls for Troy, (especially in such a short amount of time given the length of the picture) it is quite jarring and doesn't really fit with what they seemed to be going for at the start. For most of the rest of the adaptation, themes, ideas, and even the scenery are presented with the subtlety and restraint characteristic of Hardy, but I feel the independent woman stuff unfortunately didn't work as well - which is a shame.As such, it makes it difficult for me to recommend this film unless you've read the book first, as seeing this adaptation could possibly impair the experience of what is a wonderful novel. Again, I may sound quite harsh on what is a competently made, well-acted, well- scripted, well-scored movie. If you simply want to see these things, by all means it is a perfectly enjoyable diversion for a few hours. However, if you're yet to discover Hardy's Wessex (oddly changed to its real- life parallel Dorset in the film) I'd recommend you dive into one of the English language's finest authors before viewing this particular adaptation.

Tweekums Bathsheba Everdene, an attractive young woman living in rural Dorset, has caught the eye of local sheep farmer Gabriel Oak. He proposes to her but she declines, she values her independence in an era when married women were effectively the property of their husbands. Soon both their lives undergo major changes; Gabriel loses his farm after his dog chases his sheep over a cliff edge one night and she inherits her uncle's large farm. She needs a shepherd so employs Gabriel; while he is still poor there is no chance of romance but he still loves her and is determined to make a success of his life again. Meanwhile Bathsheba jokingly sends a Valentine's card to wealthy but lonely neighbour William Boldwood; he soon falls in love with her but once again she declines a proposal. Then she meets Sergeant Frank Troy and is swept of her feet. He had previously been due to be married to a girl named Fanny Robin but believes that she stood him up at the altar, no realising she went to the wrong church. She makes a bad choice but will she ultimately find happiness?.Since I haven't read the book I can't comment on how accurate a rendition of that story this is but as story I rather enjoyed it. Carey Mulligan puts in a fine performance as the spirited Bathsheba and Matthias Schoenaerts is solid as Gabriel, Michael Sheen and Tom Sturridge also impress as Boldwood and Troy. There are a few 'tragic moments' but for the most part life looks surprisingly pleasant in Victorian Dorset; the harvest scenes look like jolly fun rather than the backbreaking work I imagine it was in reality… this isn't really a problem though; this is more fun to watch. It isn't obvious who Bathsheba will ultimately end up with, Thomas Hardy isn't renowned for happy endings, but it is pretty clear who we are meant to want her to be with and who we really don't want her to be shackled to. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of costume drama as well as a romance that isn't a rom-com.

peyvandmhi-118-215466 What a simplistic plot!!! like a children's story all her mistakes are resolved for her, and get out of her way. She married the wrong guy? Oh no problem, the other guy who she likes least will kill him for her, so she can marry the guy she likes best, who by the way was ignored so far, and stupidly just remained by her side! Oh and since I have to write 10 lines, I will add more of her charms! She behaves selfishly, does what she says she doesn't want to do, and never seems to take responsibility for her actions. Somehow, she is such a sweet and lovely woman that she can do whatever she likes, and people will still love her. And the point of the movie is unfortunately this, that after she makes mistakes, the right choice is always available for her to come back to.

victornunnally Thomas Hardy witness life in England during the Victorian Era, a time of mental and emotional oppression and fundamental values played out by a dominate religious male sect. Hardy showcases his characters against pastoral settings and mists, rural roads, candle light, tight interiors, and a love story usually develops among the literary painting. Hardy also plays on the purity of his characters, void of ego. In Far From The Madding Crowd there is a pure character who is rejected by the vanity of feminism. Yet, pure love is present and remains on the sidelines throughout the film. Gabriel Oak is the focus in study. "Do What Is Right" he states to a fearful and distraught Bathsheba. Matthias Schoenaerts plays Gabriel Oak, a hardworking and gifted shepherd. He has a spirit of a saint and a warrior, a man to strive to be. He reminds me of Jude, The Obscure, another character who was seen as pure and placed in the vanity of the institution and feminism. In Tess of The Durbervilles, Tess was the pure individual raped by the institutions controlled by the male world. One can see where feminism would rise. Remember that this was written in a time where a woman with three suitors would seem unfitting. Hardy loves to play on the circumstances that keeps pure love from blossoming, making the protagonist go through much hardship and strife before they have a second chance to act again on what once was and always eternally felt. Hardy also lives in a handsome world surrounded by handsome people. A lovely film and story.