I have to admit, I was fairly surprised to see how this two hours’ film achieved what many TV miniseries just barely managed - the element of belief! Mia Wasikowska is just perfect as Jane Eyre! Age appropriate, she is believable as the innocent eighteen year old governess who has seen little of the world, but emulates the courage, conviction and righteousness of greater and more experienced women. Michael Fassbender did what no previous actor filling the shoes of Edward Rochester could do - make him pitiable and yet so adorable and charming!
In this version of Jane Eyre you actually see the difference between Jane and Rochester - physical, intellectual, social, and emotional - and the two lead actors do a convincing job of making us see why these two unlikely lovers should fall in love, and their ultimate reconciliation echoes the truth of that love which surmounted those difficulties, made them aware of their faults, brought them together as equals, and promised a happy future life.
I was delighted to see that minor characters were not overlooked, and were given their proper share of importance. Amelia Clarkson plays a very convincing Jane Eyre as a child and a special mention should go to Judi Dench as Alice Fairfax, whose terrific performance threatens to overshadow the two leads.
Every detail in this film pertaining to the era in which the story takes place has been meticulously observed. From sets to costumes to background score – it is excellent! Even Thornfield appears alive and enigmatic! Some Bronte’s purists would probably detest the movie for everything that makes it superior to other adaptations, but with Bronte’s, you either hate or love them passionately. I fall into the latter category with regard to this film.
