This is a very classy adaptation of the Thomas Hardy story and Carey Mulligan plays the role of "Bathsheba Everdene" will some skill. It is one of those stories, however, where I never quite understood why the heroine just didn't stick to her plan A and marry the right boy first. In this case, the hunky and decent farmer "Gabriel" (Matthias Schoenaerts). Instead, she has to mess around with the dashing but fickle "Capt. Troy" (Tom Sturridge) whose heart lies elsewhere until tragedy strikes, and then with the wealthy but rather too genteel "Boldwood" (Michael Sheen) upon whom tragedy also pays a visit. The attention to detail is wonderful; the outdoor settings look so very natural with some lovely photography that immerses us in their bucolic life complemented by some fine costumes and period imagery. There is chemistry a-plenty on screen between her and both Schoenaerts and Sturridge; Sheen is adequate but somewhat underused and as the story gathers pace I did find myself wondering if she was ever actually going to see sense. It is perhaps a touch too long, the character establishment is a bit on the plodding side, but it is a strong story of characterful personalities with flaws, lusts, and plenty of passion. Not as rugged, perhaps, as the 1967 version - but still a good watch.
