Under The Greenwood Tree (2005)

just watch it!

Admirable film.

A Brilliant Conflict

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

The film 'Under the Greenwood Tree', one of the more recent ones at least, does a good job in representing its theme. That its old and needs to evolve to modern life. Is the film good? Short answer, 'There is no short answer'. Long answer is as follows.This is a film that is quite different from the rest of the pack. It tries to be experimental with its shots. Well, as experimental as a made-for-TV-movie can be. Although there is one, 'opposite' shot. Or, in other words, a shot that is the opposite of what it should be. When Fancy Day tells Mr. Shiner that she can't marry him, the shot zooms out slowly. A shot that zooms in makes the audience feel for the character(s). This shot zooms out, making the audience care less and less for the character(s), and eventually even get bored of the character's plight and depression. And this scene is made even more awkward with the acting. Particularly, Mr. Shiner's. The actor who played him is a very funny comedian, who did the British TV show 'League of Gentlemen', but is he a good dramatic actor? No. Although his acting is not the worst in the film. That goes to the Zac Efron lookalike who plays Dick Dewy. He not only looks like Zac Efron, but has the same acting ability as well. He may be good to look at, but a game-changing actor he is not. That's not to say all the acting is bad. The acting of both Fancy Day and Mr. Maybold was quite good on their part, and they really saved the film from being an actor's hell.The script was fairly good in the film. It was hardly a Tarantino script, but it made due. It stayed quite faithful to the book, although many of the more supernatural events were taken out, which is a good thing. However, there were a few a few too many clichés in the film, that could've been taken out. And the chopping down of the original rural idyll into a family friendly Victorian melodrama which is all too predictable, did not do the book any justice. It could get boring after a while. Anyone who has read the book knows the characters aren't cardboard cut-outs, and wouldn't have known who Fancy was going to choose. Anybody watching the film would know from a mile away.

It is true that as an adaptation Under the Greenwood Tree(2005) has little to do with the book(a gem of a book and one of Hardy's most charming and accessible, and if there is a preference to book and adaptation it'd be the former). Any adaptation does deserve to be judged on its own, there are a lot of film/TV series out there that are not very good adaptations of the source material but have many great merits to make them work on their own. Under the Greenwood Tree(2005) is one such adaptation. It looks fantastic, the costumes are evocative, the scenery is vibrant and colourful and the photography shimmers. That a lot of scenes were incredibly atmospheric is something to admire too. The music is similarly wistful and beautifully orchestrated, as well as being composed simply to make it easier to remember, most importantly as well it is fitting with each scene. There is a fair bit of repetition, but because the quality of the music is so lovely this viewer was past caring. The a-cappella men's chorus rendition towards the end is guaranteed to warm your heart. The writing has a lot of gentle humour and a light-hearted charm, and more winning is the optimism brimming through. The story is paced well, is charming and gentle in spirit, helps you relate to the characters and their relationships to other characters(Fancy and Dick's especially has appealing intimacy and the passion is certainly there). There is more of an emphasis on the romance than in the book, but there is a really passionate and affecting nature to it that it works. The acting has no real qualms either. Keeley Hawes is older and not as coquettish as her novelistic counterpart, however she is pretty, full of personal charm and that she is very sympathetic will win you over once you enjoy the adaptation for what it is. James Murray is dashing and the outgoing and yearning side to his character worked. Ben Miles gives a very poignant performance that you identify with him, commanding every scene he appears in. Steve Pemberton is a very amusing Shiner, and Tony Haygarth and Tom Georgeson are effective father figures. Overall, Under the Greenwood Tree(2005) is a real pleasure to watch and ideal family entertainment, and I do feel that the dislike it gets for its lack of fidelity to the book is undeserved. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Being in the mood for a period romance, I was a bit cautious when I realized this was an adaptation of a Thomas Hardy story. They tend to end unhappily, especially when there are divided love interests. Fortunately, Under the Greenwood Tree is light, even humorous, in parts. Truly I had no idea who Fancy would marry, the wealthy farmer, the austere parson, or the poor (yet brash and handsome) harrier. 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. The acting, script, and setting all played well together. If you adore period romances, then this should go on your list to watch.

This film, although made for TV, will be a classic, just like the 1995 Pride and Predudice directed by Simon Langton. The sets seemed remarkably authentic, and all the cast were excellent. I particularly enjoyed every scene in which James Murray appeared, he is gorgeous. The chemistry between the two main characters is clear for all to see. Ben Miles who played Parson Maybold was very believable and you could actually feel his inner turmoil, acting at its best. I think that this film could be on your next Christmas present list, either to enjoy yourself or to buy for that very special Aunt, or Mother. I have watched it 3 times in two days.