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barbara-76's rating
Like many older Englishwomen, I grew up with the story of Florence. And the one thing this movie does is strike me as distinctly unrealistic.
There is, of course, some truth in the story itself, although even that is prettified. However the production values are simply ridiculous. Everything is too neat, too clean, too pretty. To include white lace on Florence's costume - and, for that matter, mascara on her face and clean white sheets on her bed - is simply nonsensical. Even the very wealthy with countless servants in those days were lucky to have such luxury. Florence was a desperately hard working and very practical woman in the middle of a war zone with no luxuries whatsoever; her primary battle was to obtain beds for her patients, preferably ones away from cess pits, rather than keep her lace spotless.
There is, of course, some truth in the story itself, although even that is prettified. However the production values are simply ridiculous. Everything is too neat, too clean, too pretty. To include white lace on Florence's costume - and, for that matter, mascara on her face and clean white sheets on her bed - is simply nonsensical. Even the very wealthy with countless servants in those days were lucky to have such luxury. Florence was a desperately hard working and very practical woman in the middle of a war zone with no luxuries whatsoever; her primary battle was to obtain beds for her patients, preferably ones away from cess pits, rather than keep her lace spotless.
Many reviewers loved this version; many hated it. And that is exactly as it should be. There are many possible interpretations of good literature, just as every person's character has many different facets. Versions of Shakespeare's plays have been enacted for hundreds of years and still every version represents something different about humankind, especially if there is innovation in the production, script or acting.
I first read Jane Eyre when I was about 8, nearly 60 years ago. It was the first book I ever cried over and it's fair to say that was part of my emotional development. I have read it many times and seen many filmed versions since - and I still love it, simply because it is fresh every time as different aspects reveal themselves - either because they are in the book or because the book resonates differently with me as I change.
So please open your mind when you watch this - and other - versions of the Bronte books. In my view it is not perfect, but few productions ever are. Even so, it was interesting, enjoyable and a joy to watch.
I first read Jane Eyre when I was about 8, nearly 60 years ago. It was the first book I ever cried over and it's fair to say that was part of my emotional development. I have read it many times and seen many filmed versions since - and I still love it, simply because it is fresh every time as different aspects reveal themselves - either because they are in the book or because the book resonates differently with me as I change.
So please open your mind when you watch this - and other - versions of the Bronte books. In my view it is not perfect, but few productions ever are. Even so, it was interesting, enjoyable and a joy to watch.