The 2005 period drama Under the Greenwood Tree, adapted from Thomas Hardy's anonymously published novel, has captivated audiences and is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Viewers have hailed it as one of the best Hardy adaptations of all time.
Plot and Cast
The film, written and adapted for television by Ashley Pharoah and directed by Nicholas Laughland, stars Keeley Hawes in the title role alongside James Murray, Terry Mortimer, Richard Leaf, Ben Miles, Tony Haygarth, Jane Wheldon, Sian Brooke, and Ellie Thackeray. It brings to life Hardy's second published novel, the first in his series of Wessex novels.
The official synopsis reads: 'In this lighthearted romance from Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy, the beautiful new village school teacher is pursued by three suitors: a working-class man, a landowner, and the vicar.'
Audience Praise
One viewer on IMDb said: 'I normally approach Hardy adaptations with extreme caution... To my joy and astonishment this was a fantastic Christmas treat. The pages of the novel came to light perfectly on the small screen. The scenery was stunning, the plot had depth and kept me and my family gripped throughout.'
Another review noted: 'This terrific Ashley Pharoah adaptation brought Thomas Hardy's novel... and its wonderful characters and settings to life... The entire production was superbly acted by a perfectly chosen and brilliant supporting cast.'
A viewer described the film as 'a wondrous work of humor, beauty, and heady romance,' while another on Rotten Tomatoes wrote: 'Another Thomas Hardy adaptation that was truly enjoyable. Love conquers all in the end!'
One impressed viewer said: 'This is a wondrous little truffle, perfect for a winter's night... The story is astoundingly cheerful for Thomas Hardy... The whole thing is a delight: a pocket period miniseries at a mere 90-some minutes!'
A fan on IMDb added: 'Beautiful film in every way... Hawes and Murray are topnotch and so is the rest of the cast. The scenery is breathtaking while the costumes and sets transport the viewer back to a different time.'
Under the Greenwood Tree is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
