Tess de los D'Urberville (Tess of the D'Urbervilles) 2008 [Blu-ray]

This "Tess Of The D'Urbervilles" is a four-hour BBC television adaptation of Thomas Hardy's iconic novel. The script has been carefully adapted by David Nicholls - he was very keen to follow the plot and narrative of Hardy as faithfully as possible. It tells the story of Tess Durbeyfield, a low-born girl from the rural countryside whose family find they may have high noble connections. Many romantic episodes confront her - some are positive, but others prove to be destructive.The acting is first class throughout - especially the three principal performers. The gorgeous Gemma Arterton is eye-catching as Tess, combining humour, indecision, naivety, energy and high emotion - needless to say she looks alluring and wide-eyed throughout. Eddie Redmayne portrays Angel with a combination of truth and justice, but also bloody-mindedness. He perfectly offers these two different sides to his character, although it is glaringly obvious that Angel is a hypocrite in the way he reacts to Tess's sexual past. And, Hans Matheson plays Alec with fire and energy, although it is fair to say his character becomes more distasteful as the series progresses.Memorable scenes which are taken directly from Hardy's novel include Angel carrying the four milkmaids through the flooded stream - this captures the gentlemanly nature of Angel, and how appealing he was to all the women. Also, the blood dripping through the ceiling after the murder is reminiscent of a Hitchcock movie - gruesome and shocking. The finale at an early morning misty Stonehenge is incredibly atmospheric - Redmayne and Arterton are at the peak of their powers as they depart in a very emotional way.Filmed principally in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, the rolling fields and pastures became a key character in the series. When the characters walked to their destinations, the panoramic images of the lush green natural environment demonstrate that the distances they had traveled were very long. However appealing the landscape looks, it is still barren and unforgiving - matching the emotional roller-coaster the characters are put through.Although it is difficult to find fault with this series, Roman Polanski's Oscar-winning "Tess" version (1979) carries more weight and is more powerful at key moments. That said, Gemma Arterton is the match of Nastassja Kinski in the title role.

The movie is on two discs and has 4 episodes. The acting is very good and the scenery beautiful. It is not a lightweight story and Tess is a good young woman who suffers tragically because of attitudes to women at that time. There isn't a dull moment and the viewer wants things to work out well for Tess. The problem with Thomas Hardy's work is that he presents believable situations and forces the reader/viewer to challenge their own beliefs. Yes, it is good entertainment, but it will leave you pondering for days afterwards.

This is how I first discovered Gemma Arterton. Being an avid lover of period dramas and adaptations I was instantly drawn to this and hooked when it was shown on BBC. I've read some of the other reviews but I just loved it. I haven't read the book though, so maybe I would see a different side if I did. I personally feel that Gemma Arterton is stunning and am now a huge fan. I felt Alec was a great villain, he scared me and made me feel uncomfortable when watching. Hans Matheson is so talented (and extremely handsome) and I felt he played the part perfectly. I can see where some people are coming from when they say he isn't dark or enough of a villain, maybe if he wasn't as clean cut or dashing? I love him all the same. I think Tess and Angel's lovemaking at the end was quite beautiful, they knew she was going to die and they wanted to be together. I think Angel was played exquisitely by Eddie Redmayne and I think he and Tess make a beautiful and very believable couple. I just wanted to shake him when he left her! I love this adaptation and got very deep into it, I cried throughout! I really enjoyed it and think it's fantastic work.

I loved this BBC production when it was first screened. My first introduction to the beautiful Eddy Redmayne. Gemma Arterton is stunning. This production captures the essence of Hardy's tragic story of Tess so well.

This appears to be a highly under-rated serial. Never is it mentioned with reference to the careers of Gemma Arterton, Eddie Redmayne, Ruth Jones or Hans Matheson. I read and studied it at university some 40 years ago, but this adaptation, with wonderful direction and performances brought out what an exceedingly tragic heroine poor Tess is, and a complete victim of circumstance. I loved it and wanted to share it with my daughter. We have been riveted.

Very good television adaptation of the book Tess of the d'Urburvilles. Keeps true to the book and acting is superb. Well worth watching.

now that's a story i couldn't put away. so far i've seen it three times so far

Audio and subtitles in english.Beautiful version.Either director and actors are excellent.A much better version than the one by Polansky.