If you like British period romance, like me, then you’ll probably enjoy this movie. If you don’t, then I don’t think this one is going to change your mind, because you probably don’t like the pacing of this kind of story, but I’d give it a try.

Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy, “Far from the madding crowd” is set in Victorian England and tells the story of Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), a young woman much more independent than others who live in the same period as her and who becomes the love interest of three different men. Right at the beginning of the movie, we see her neighbor shepherd Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts) proposing to her, but she declines claiming that he’ll probably resent her because she’s too independent. After a series of events, she ends up becoming a landlady of a big farm, and that’s when William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a rich and older bachelor, falls in love with her. Finally, there is Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant, who also tries to win Bathsheba’s affection.

Nowadays, the story seems cliché and a little obvious, but back when the novel was written, it has extremely rare to have this type of feminine character so strong and unafraid of men’s judgment.

The movie itself is visually beautiful, with great locations and costumes. I also enjoyed the soundtrack and the wonderful cast (with the exception of Tom Sturridge; I don’t know if I didn’t like his performance because I didn’t like the character or if his performance was a bit “too much” for me).

So, to sum up, I think it’s a pleasant way to spend two hours, especially if you enjoy this kind of romance.

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