An 'underseen' period drama adaptation on Amazon Prime Video has mesmerised audiences, with viewers giving it the 'highest recommendation' and predicting it will become a classic 'just like Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (1995)'. The film features Keeley Hawes, known for Wives and Daughters, in the leading role.
Based on Thomas Hardy's Novel
Written and adapted for television by Ashley Pharoah and directed by Nicholas Laughland, the 2005 film Under the Greenwood Tree draws from Thomas Hardy's 1872 anonymously published novel Under the Greenwood Tree: A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. Alongside Keeley Hawes, the cast includes James Murray, Terry Mortimer, Richard Leaf, Ben Miles, Tony Haygarth, Jane Wheldon, Sian Brooke, and Ellie Thackeray.
Plot and Critical Acclaim
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.' One critic praised the film's 'deft intertwining of satisfying romantic period drama tropes with genuine reflection on the historical period itself - all while remaining lighthearted.'
Fan Reactions
An audience review on Rotten Tomatoes says: '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. Keeley Hawes - who was wonderful in Wives and Daughters - is a delight to watch in this film.' Another fan writes: '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.'
A user review on IMDb reads: 'A simple love story on the surface, the deeper genius of Under The Greenwood Tree lies in the understated brilliance with which it encapsulates, in a particularly moving and emotionally evocative way, the great social revolution that underlay the 19th Century.' The review adds: 'Special credit is due to Ashley Pharaoh for a truly inspired screenplay which is both more focused and more emotionally moving than Thomas Hardy's rather rambling original novel. 10 out of 10. Highest recommendation.'
One fan said: 'Superb. This film, although made for TV, will be a classic, just like the 1995 Pride and Prejudice directed by Simon Langton. The sets seemed remarkably authentic, and all the cast were excellent.' They added: 'I have watched it 3 times in two days.'
Under The Greenwood Tree is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
