Fans of Pride and Prejudice have been urged to rediscover a 'brilliant' overlooked BBC period drama, Under the Greenwood Tree, now streaming on Prime Video. The 2005 adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel has earned acclaim for its 'beautiful' landscapes and 'heartwarming' narrative.
Cast and Plot
The production features a stellar ensemble led by Keeley Hawes (Miss Austen), alongside James Murray (The Crown), Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9), and Ben Miles (Lark Rise to Candleford). The story follows schoolmistress Fancy Day (Hawes) and church musician Dick Dewey (Murray) in a lighthearted romance set in mid-19th century England. 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 Reception
Directed by Nicholas Laughland, the film holds a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb. Viewers have flocked to the platform to express admiration, with one fan writing: 'In the tradition of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, there is the mix of position, miscommunication, and the delightfulness of authenticity of period. A treat to watch.' Another gushed: 'Superb. This film, although made for TV, will be a classic, just like the 1995 Pride and Prejudice [...] I have watched it 3 times in two days.'
Additional praise includes: 'The scenery was stunning, the plot had depth and kept me and my family gripped throughout' and 'Beautiful film in every way, from the classic Thomas Hardy novel.' However, some critics were less impressed, with one calling it a 'big let down' and another noting: 'I usually don't like Hardy's stuff... I guess that continues.'
Streaming Availability
Under the Greenwood Tree is now available to stream on Prime Video. New subscribers can access a 30-day free trial, offering titles like The Boys and Reacher, before the standard £8.99 monthly fee applies.
