Some things I liked some I did not.

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

An action-packed slog

Am I Missing Something?

Far From the Madding Crowd is one of my favourite novels, so I was looking forward to what looked like a well-cast, nicely shot film. The truth is, however, that if I hadn't read the book first, this adaptation would not have encouraged me to read Hardy's novel. It's not a bad movie by any means, but it does have a few problems which were maybe unavoidable in adapting this late Victorian classic into the contemporary cinematic environment. I had two main problems in this respect; the first is that of timing. The running time is just under two hours, and yet a good third of the book is swallowed up in just the first fifteen minutes. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however I felt as though all that extra time could have been better spent in exploring Bathseba's interactions with her second and third suitors (Troy in particular, but we'll get on to that). Rather Oak takes up much more of the screen time than necessary, and, being a naturally stolid and stoic character, does not provide for that compelling a screen presence.The second problem ties much into the first, in that the sped-up first fifteen minutes gives us a foundation whereby Batsheba openly declares herself to be an independent, DIY woman who 'don't need no man', which is not really carried through for large chunks of the rest of the film. In the novel, Bathsheba's independence of spirit is demonstrated through her brusque actions, often blunt speech and stubborn pride, rather than simple declarations of her ambition and character. As such, when in the film, she falls for Troy, (especially in such a short amount of time given the length of the picture) it is quite jarring and doesn't really fit with what they seemed to be going for at the start. For most of the rest of the adaptation, themes, ideas, and even the scenery are presented with the subtlety and restraint characteristic of Hardy, but I feel the independent woman stuff unfortunately didn't work as well - which is a shame.As such, it makes it difficult for me to recommend this film unless you've read the book first, as seeing this adaptation could possibly impair the experience of what is a wonderful novel. Again, I may sound quite harsh on what is a competently made, well-acted, well- scripted, well-scored movie. If you simply want to see these things, by all means it is a perfectly enjoyable diversion for a few hours. However, if you're yet to discover Hardy's Wessex (oddly changed to its real- life parallel Dorset in the film) I'd recommend you dive into one of the English language's finest authors before viewing this particular adaptation.

Bathsheba Everdene, an attractive young woman living in rural Dorset, has caught the eye of local sheep farmer Gabriel Oak. He proposes to her but she declines, she values her independence in an era when married women were effectively the property of their husbands. Soon both their lives undergo major changes; Gabriel loses his farm after his dog chases his sheep over a cliff edge one night and she inherits her uncle's large farm. She needs a shepherd so employs Gabriel; while he is still poor there is no chance of romance but he still loves her and is determined to make a success of his life again. Meanwhile Bathsheba jokingly sends a Valentine's card to wealthy but lonely neighbour William Boldwood; he soon falls in love with her but once again she declines a proposal. Then she meets Sergeant Frank Troy and is swept of her feet. He had previously been due to be married to a girl named Fanny Robin but believes that she stood him up at the altar, no realising she went to the wrong church. She makes a bad choice but will she ultimately find happiness?.Since I haven't read the book I can't comment on how accurate a rendition of that story this is but as story I rather enjoyed it. Carey Mulligan puts in a fine performance as the spirited Bathsheba and Matthias Schoenaerts is solid as Gabriel, Michael Sheen and Tom Sturridge also impress as Boldwood and Troy. There are a few 'tragic moments' but for the most part life looks surprisingly pleasant in Victorian Dorset; the harvest scenes look like jolly fun rather than the backbreaking work I imagine it was in reality… this isn't really a problem though; this is more fun to watch. It isn't obvious who Bathsheba will ultimately end up with, Thomas Hardy isn't renowned for happy endings, but it is pretty clear who we are meant to want her to be with and who we really don't want her to be shackled to. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of costume drama as well as a romance that isn't a rom-com.

Thomas Hardy witness life in England during the Victorian Era, a time of mental and emotional oppression and fundamental values played out by a dominate religious male sect. Hardy showcases his characters against pastoral settings and mists, rural roads, candle light, tight interiors, and a love story usually develops among the literary painting. Hardy also plays on the purity of his characters, void of ego. In Far From The Madding Crowd there is a pure character who is rejected by the vanity of feminism. Yet, pure love is present and remains on the sidelines throughout the film. Gabriel Oak is the focus in study. "Do What Is Right" he states to a fearful and distraught Bathsheba. Matthias Schoenaerts plays Gabriel Oak, a hardworking and gifted shepherd. He has a spirit of a saint and a warrior, a man to strive to be. He reminds me of Jude, The Obscure, another character who was seen as pure and placed in the vanity of the institution and feminism. In Tess of The Durbervilles, Tess was the pure individual raped by the institutions controlled by the male world. One can see where feminism would rise. Remember that this was written in a time where a woman with three suitors would seem unfitting. Hardy loves to play on the circumstances that keeps pure love from blossoming, making the protagonist go through much hardship and strife before they have a second chance to act again on what once was and always eternally felt. Hardy also lives in a handsome world surrounded by handsome people. A lovely film and story.

Far from the Madding Crowd is a movie that lets us dig into the extraordinary Thomas Hardy genius that gorgeously scales his unique style of story building. David Nicholls knits a fine screenplay to complement the powerful Hardy plot. Thomas Vinterberg on the other hand helms sheer magic. His direction is subtle, focuses on the call of the hour and displays only the best bits he thinks worth depicting.Born in this era I didn't have the good hap of watching the first one first, so I decided to accept whatever was flung before me. The setup even though modishly shot doesn't even for once gives away the intended timeline. You can't help but compare it to the likes of Gone with the Wind. There are magnificently shot landscapes that will compel you to marvel at innate scenery our planet offers. Lush farms and the tranquility surrounding it will force you to have second thoughts about all the urban choices you made.SPOILERS AHEAD: When we look at the cast, Carey Mulligan was an extraordinary find. The role she plays – Bathsheba Everdene is a girl with education, an independent woman who doesn't want to be tied down by promises of love. She can't be picketed down like someone's property, until she hits an infatuation herself in the form of Sergeant Francis Troy played by Tom Sturridge. She becomes bewitched at once, slave to her emotions and that's when a terrible mistake happens. Like she puts it "between jealousy and distraction" she marries him. It is hard not to feel sorry for her to find the inconsiderate guy that doesn't give two rats about her, and two jilted lovers who only hoped for the best in the backdrop. Carey's character will also peeve you beyond limit when she turns down brilliant advices by Gabriel Oak played by Matthias Schoenaerts. But isn't that how life happens to us all? One moment we think we are right only to tumble and rise again. Bathsheba is quite relatable in that respect, and she gets forgiven as well.The sheep bit in the beginning was one of the gloomiest unfortunate events to have befallen Oak. It was impactful in a way that was capable of flinging you in a sudden gush of emotions. There was nothing Oak could have done to stop that from happening. As the sheep fell all I could remember was being the "The Catcher in the Rye". Really powerful stuff! The thing that miffed me was Gabriel Oak's acting. Even though the script desired him to stay taut like a rock, we don't see him nail any kind of emotion ever. His act is banal and makes you wonder if he was the right choice for the role. William Boldwood played by Michael Sheen, au contraire acted brilliantly and aced his character to perfection. Jilted finds a meaning on his face, as he takes the gun to pass the eventual poetic justice. Also, I couldn't help but notice there was no such gut-wrenching drama to it, presence of which could have possibly made the movie even better. However, in the end every frame was worth it.A very well written, acted and shot flick! Far from the Madding Crowd will impel you to question the choices your reckless head makes.