The 2005 period drama 'Under the Greenwood Tree', starring Keeley Hawes and streaming on Amazon Prime Video, has been rediscovered by viewers who are calling it a 'must-watch classic' comparable to the 1995 adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Plot and Cast
Based on Thomas Hardy's 1872 novel, the film follows a beautiful new village school teacher pursued by three suitors: a working-class man, a landowner, and the vicar. The cast includes Keeley Hawes, James Murray, Terry Mortimer, Richard Leaf, Ben Miles, Tony Haygarth, Jane Wheldon, Sian Brooke, and Ellie Thackeray.
Critical and Audience Praise
One critic wrote: 'Its deft intertwining of satisfying romantic period drama tropes with genuine reflection on the historical period itself - all while remaining lighthearted - makes this underseen adaptation worth watching.' An audience review on Rotten Tomatoes said: 'A pleasant, rural story from the early works of Thomas Hardy. If you like period pieces (which I do) then you'll very much like this romantic tale.'
A fan wrote: 'Based off of a short, happy novel by Thomas Hardy (one of his only happy ones), this delightful movie leaves you with a pleasant, almost Christmas-y feeling.' Another viewer said: 'Superb. This film, although made for TV, will be a classic, just like the 1995 Pride and Prejudice directed by Simon Langton.'
An IMDB user review stated: 'A simple love story on the surface, the deeper genius lies in the understated brilliance with which it encapsulates the great social revolution that underlay the 19th Century. Special credit is due to Ashley Pharaoh for a truly inspired screenplay. 10 out of 10. Highest recommendation.'
