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When poor orphaned Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) unexpectedly inherits a mansion complete with servants and a working farm, her options expand tremendously in this historical romance based on the classic Thomas Hardy novel. She's simultaneously courted by three men, a wealthy older man, a brash sergeant, and a quiet sheep farmer. The strong-willed, fiercely independent Bathsheba has a forth option to consider as well - staying single and maintaining her freedom.
If she chooses, Bathsheba can have plenty of help running the farm and making business decisions. There's no impartial advisor to help with matters of the heart, however. Along with her independent spirit, her impetuousness causes lots of trouble. Her rash decisions include (with encouragement from one of her young employees) sending a valentine to her rich neighbor, William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a seemingly cruel act because of his obvious devotion to her and her complete indifference toward him. This not-so-harmless prank begins a series of events that cause great hardship to the wealthy bachelor, who is plagued with self-esteem issues.
A Tale of Three Suitors
In addition, Bathsheba plays with the emotions of handsome sheep farmer, Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), another would-be lover whom she treats with casual disregard. Gabriel's solid (like an oak tree, naturally) character permits him to stay on her farm, working, watching, and caring for her from a distance. But even Gabriel has his limits to how much pain he can endure from her thoughtlessness.
Her third suitor, Sergeant Francis Troy (Tom Sturridge), an utterly detestable caricature of a soldier, has just the right amount of greed, lust, and deception to win her fickle heart. Apparently spurned by the real woman he loves, Troy has no qualms about taking what he wants from anyone else, and he clearly wants something from Bathsheba.
A Timeless Drama of Choices
How this troubling interconnected story plays out makes for timeless drama, as evidenced by the popularity of remaking the Hardy classic. This particular version provides a delightful journey back to Victorian England with beautiful scenes of the countryside, music, dancing, drama, and a colorful cast of young actors.
At 119 minutes, it runs longer than most films, but there's quite a bit of story to tell during that time. The film excels in all technical respects, and won't disappoint anyone seeking a great historical romance - although Bathsheba's bad decisions might have audience members shaking their fists at the screen at her exasperating "independence."
Far from the Madding Crowd
• A young woman must decide between three different suitors in this historical romance based on the Thomas Hardy novel of the same name.
• Starring Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge
• Director: Thomas Vinterberg
• Writers: David Nicholls (screenplay); Thomas Hardy (novel)
• Genre: Historical Romantic Drama
• Run Time: 119 minutes
• MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some sexuality and violence)
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