Far From the Madding Crowd

Although Julie Christie, with her blonde hair and frosted lipstick, looks more 1960s than 1860s, her character still works. As the soldier, the almost unbelievably handsome Terrence Stamp makes it easy to understand how our heroine could fall for such a rogue. Peter Finch gives us a Boldwood who is dignified and truly pathetic. And Alan Bates is as amazing as always (which reminds me--if you love movies of this high caliber, then you must rent or buy Women in Love). I watch this beautiful film once every three years or so. It is interesting how my perspective on the characters changes as I age. It is also interesting how this movie would garner a G rating today, yet fairly steams with repressed passion. This movie doesn't need profanity or nudity to make its point, it does that through artistry alone. It is the kind of movie you don't just watch, but savor.


Far From The Madding Crowd   December 17, 2004
Merry Jester (Weston, FL) (Weston, FL)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is an exceptional film. Julie Cristie is perfection!!
Why is this film not on DVD?


A wonderful adaptation   June 26, 2004
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is one of the best screen adaptations of a Thomas Hardy novel. Only the British are capable of making these masterpieces. It's hard to describe this movie without exhausting all superlatives. It has a wonderful cast that can really embody the novel's characters convincingly. I really appreciated this. I read the novel before I saw this movie, and can't think anything that can come close to this novel as this movie. The latest adaptations of this novel can't quite compare to this gem. When would this movie be available on DVD?


An unforgettable picture!   March 10, 2005
Hiram Gomez Pardo (Valencia, Venezuela)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful


This well gifted director made his most relevant artwork with this film based on a Thomas hardy novel. This outstanding work shows the poignant portrait of a charming and humble lady who will be the most beloved woman of three different men. The first one is Alan Bates who is not touched by the Fortune God precisely but gifted of a notable will and working spirit; the second - Terence Stamp is young military man- who likes to swim in the middle of two turbulent waters of different density and finally Peter Finch a very enriched man the most mature man of the group. She will be the object of affection, desire and profound emotional thirst.

The film despite it's overlong , has so many highlights moments because the cast is simply overwhelming. Julie Christie was one the most important female icons in the sixties. Owner of a radiant magnetism, undeniable beauty and irresistible charm gives a real tour de force acting. Nicholas Roeg is the Photograph Director in this hyper romantic story which illustrates with clever sense of realism a magnificent stage of the XIX Century.





A Complete Classic   December 1, 1999
Marilynn Lawrence (MEDIA, PA USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I've seen this movie over 10 times (the only movie I've seen this often) and have thoroughly enjoyed its magic each time as much as the first. Thomas Hardy's greatest strength in his story-telling is the moody and descriptive settings and poignant twists of fate. This production captures the spirit of Hardy in the lavish and faithful scenery and realistic casting. This movie will always remain a favorite form of escape to another time. It's become a yearly tradition.

Alan Bates and Terence Stamp are great!