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This handsome made-for-television British-American coproduction uses the longer format of the two-part film to explore the characters of Thomas Hardy's novel with an easy pace. After her mother sends her to distant, moneyed relatives, Tess, played by the striking Justine Waddell, grows from naive but willful young British beauty to determined mother to sad martyr. At the hands of "cousin" Alec (the darkly charming Jason Flemyng), a womanizing, self-centered dandy, Tess begins her lessons on the social double standard, made all the more difficult given her own demanding personal code. A blond, blue-eyed, and beautiful gentleman farmer appropriately named Angel (Oliver Milburn) seems to offer Tess her salvation, but her past hovers over her like a curse and even now threatens her happiness. Director Ian Sharp's handsome presentation makes the most of the picaresque British countryside, an often beautiful, sometimes chilly, and at times inhospitable and unfriendly world. If this interpretation is not as gripping as Roman Polanski's 1979 film Tess, it offers a richer, more complex set of characters, and Sharp's earthy palette and subdued cinematic approach creates a vivid world far from the quaint, colorful visions of most theatrical presentations of historical England. --Sean Axmaker
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Natalia
Format:VHS Tape
After reading Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles, twice, I was expecting a lot from this A&E production. While watching the movie I was intrigued by the emotions set forth by the characters. I feel as though the cast was very well picked, especially Tess, Alec, and Angel. Their portrayals of the characters were very well done, and all three fit the parts perfectly.
One of the few problems I had with this movie was the length of the different segments. I am aware that this movie is modeled after the three-hundred some page book, but I felt that the first part, more specifically Tess's adventures before the dairy and meeting with Angel, drug on. Then as soon as Tess and Angel began a relationship, the movie rushed through until after Angel left Tess.
The second problem I had with this depiction of Hardy's novel was Tess's struggle with Alec. While reading the novel it seemed like Tess was constantly putting up a fight with Alec, in regards to his sexual innuendos. Where as, in the movie Tess seemed to give in to Alec without putting up any type of struggle. Especially during the scene in the woods, when Alec takes advantage of her.
When I read the novel, I did feel sorry for Tess in a sense, because of all she went through, but I never got fully in to her character. Where as in the movie I was completely engulfed by her, and I felt more sympathy towards her and Angel. Both actor/actresses captured the emotions and the feelings that their characters were feeling. They also did a wonderful job at following the dialect of that time period.
All in all I feel as though this movie was a good illustration of Hardy's 19th century novel. Although, I would not recommend watching the movie prior to reading, but watching it afterwards is a good way to clarify any unclear parts of the book. Again, I would like to give kudos to Justine Waddell (Tess), Oliver Milburn (Angel), and Jason Flemyng (Alec), for their excellent portrayals of Hardy's characters.
One of the few problems I had with this movie was the length of the different segments. I am aware that this movie is modeled after the three-hundred some page book, but I felt that the first part, more specifically Tess's adventures before the dairy and meeting with Angel, drug on. Then as soon as Tess and Angel began a relationship, the movie rushed through until after Angel left Tess.
The second problem I had with this depiction of Hardy's novel was Tess's struggle with Alec. While reading the novel it seemed like Tess was constantly putting up a fight with Alec, in regards to his sexual innuendos. Where as, in the movie Tess seemed to give in to Alec without putting up any type of struggle. Especially during the scene in the woods, when Alec takes advantage of her.
When I read the novel, I did feel sorry for Tess in a sense, because of all she went through, but I never got fully in to her character. Where as in the movie I was completely engulfed by her, and I felt more sympathy towards her and Angel. Both actor/actresses captured the emotions and the feelings that their characters were feeling. They also did a wonderful job at following the dialect of that time period.
All in all I feel as though this movie was a good illustration of Hardy's 19th century novel. Although, I would not recommend watching the movie prior to reading, but watching it afterwards is a good way to clarify any unclear parts of the book. Again, I would like to give kudos to Justine Waddell (Tess), Oliver Milburn (Angel), and Jason Flemyng (Alec), for their excellent portrayals of Hardy's characters.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Samantha
Format:DVD
I thought this movie was great! The acting in this film makes you feel as if you were there right along side them,feeling the same pain and triumph they are. So if you are a fan of made for tv movies, this ones for you!!
By Hammelsmith
Format:DVD
Don't know why this story has some hold on me, but I greatly admire this version. Arrived in splendid condition.
Thank you & regards :)
Thank you & regards :)
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4.2 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
compared to the other one
Tess of the d'Urbervilles starred by Nastassia Kinski and directed by Roman Polanski was my favorite film. I'm so sorry to see that you have no room for that one on this website! Read more
Published on July 7 2004
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not THAT great
I'm sorry, but compared to other movies of its kind this movie did not rate high. The romance wasn't there and I barely felt sorry for the girl.
Published on Feb 28 2004 by cali-forn-i-a
5.0 out of 5 stars
True to the novel
This adaptation of the novel really brings the both the story and FEELING of the book to the screen. Read more
Published on Oct 6 2003
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great saga.........
If you read the book you will love the movie. If you are used to all the happy endings of the Jane Austen type stories and expect it of this movie, you will be disappointed. Read more
Published on Sep 6 2003 by Gothlace
1.0 out of 5 stars
Gloomy story
There is nothing interesting or uplifting in this movie. No heart and soul. A complete waste of money. A movie that you think may get better but never does.
Published on Aug 4 2003 by Alawiscious
1.0 out of 5 stars
Gloomy story
There is nothing interesting or uplifting in this movie. No heart and soul. A complete waste of money. A movie that you think may get better but never does.
Published on Aug 4 2003 by Alawiscious
2.0 out of 5 stars
Buy the VHS instead
This is a very good adaptation of the book, however the DVD quality is bad and I'm kicking myself for not buying the VHS
Published on July 6 2003 by anonymous
2.0 out of 5 stars
A fabulous adaptation of a terrible book
The BBC versions of literary classics are always true to the book (including characters, setting and emotions) and this movie is no different. Read more
Published on Jun 23 2003
4.0 out of 5 stars
BRILLIANT LITERARY ADAPTATION
Set in the bleak background of Victorian England, TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES is a brilliant BBC adaption of Thomas Hardy's 1881 novel about a teenager trapped between two men: one... Read more
Published on Jun 11 2003 by Robin Simmons
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I must tell you of my past..."
A&E's "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" is an excellent made-for-TV adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel. Read more
Published on April 5 2003 by CodeMaster Talon
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