annette-20749 I have watched this over and over and over and I am delighted every time. Yes, it makes some changes from the book, but in a way I find acceptable. Maybe toning down St John wasn't such a good idea, because he is not enough of a contrast to Rochester. Otherwise, I'm okay with the changes.I loved the delicate beauty of this production, the sense of mystery, the electric interactions between the characters. Both lead actors convey a wonderful range of emotions. Other Jane Eyre adaptions seem clumsy, even ham-fisted in comparison. One of my favourite scenes is when Jane explores Mr Rochester's study in his absence and sees all his maps and books and collections. It is such a great way to introduce his character and to show why Jane would be fascinated by him before she even knows him.This adaption also went down well with my high school students, for whom is was a useful example to study something that is Gothic-but-not-quite-Gothic.

csisman-595-441500 This four-part mini series is an exciting and interesting adaptation from the book. Jane's childhood is squashed into the first episode, and fans of the book will find that a lot is missed, especially the Lowood years. Having said that, they had only four hours and otherwise stuck to the plot very well.Ruth Wilson is a believable and compelling Jane - she reduced me to tears twice - though perhaps a little gutsier and less self-deprecating than Bronte's Jane, for me that was an improvement. She is the highlight for me - a very straight, honest performance with good understanding of her character and brave delivery. Toby Stephens is also wonderful as always, he plays a rather ironic, mischievous Rochester.Other notable performances: Lorraine Ashbourne is an excellent Mrs Fairfax, bringing some life and personality to a rather dull role. Pam Ferris is a frankly terrifying Grace Poole - I jumped in episode four when I saw her carrying the baby and rather wanted to snatch it out of her hands - so great work there, and Cosima Littlewood was born to play Adele. You grow to love her as Jane does, and she is extremely funny, though she always retains an infuriating materialistic and coquettish nature.My only downvote would be for Andrew Buchan as Mr Rivers. He rises to the challenge of cold and aloof so well that he in fact ends up with no presence at all, sucking warmth and interest from the screen. I would have liked to see a more Ralph Fiennesey Mr Rivers, but there we are, it doesn't spoil the series at all.If you like good drama, watch this series, it's wonderful.

rkrw Although this wasn't as polished as say the 1995 Pride and Prejudice, it was still very enjoyable to watch. Great casting! I've read that some think this Jane was not true to the one in the Novel, that she flirted and threw herself at Rodchester. I have to disagree. They did stay true to Jane being plain and humble. She was there to be a governess, and she did just that. Unless you see her having walks and talking to Rodchester as flirting. I do not. They showed Jane as being human and having feelings but being very respectable and not over-stepping her boundaries. They may not have shown her to be as outspoken as she is in the book but I almost prefer that when it came to Rodchester. I loved Ruth Wilson as Jane. She really brought that character to life. And of course Toby Stephens was fantastic as Rodchester. It's hard to explain there contributions unless you watch it for yourself. Most if not all adaptations have changes made so I wasn't too offended by the ones in this mini series. I do agree that more of her childhood could have been added and there being two scenes that I would have preferred being cut short or taken out due it being more sensual than what was expected in the novel. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this.

ghofer This BBC series is excellent, close to the book, but yet timeless. The cast is superb; Rita Wilson is a perfect Jane and Toby Stephens IS Rochester. Probably not that easy to find an actor who can deliver all aspects of Rochester's complex character. But Toby Stephens does a wonderful job here, he has the looks, the voice, a beautiful smile and he makes the tortured soul visible. When he bursts into tears in the final scene, I think, not only Jane wants to kiss him all over… Many actors in this role (including the most famous and capable ones) have failed to make me laugh and cry, but Mr. Stephens touches my heart by capturing the real essence of Rochester. Ruth Wilson is superb, too. A very, very talented young woman, who makes believe that real beauty comes from inside and she makes Rochester see this beauty, too. Of course, the remaining cast is fine as well, but it needs the perfect performances of Jane and Rochester to make the story come across. From their first encounter you understand why they fall for each other. Although he is rude and sometimes really mean, his sensitivity and capability of giving love shines through. Her innocence and firm believes help her to understand him and to eventually get through to him. And once he – literally - leaves the door open, his softness and gentleness are overwhelming. There are excellent dialogs in this movie driven by his dark humor and her fresh and intelligent responses. And both actors are capable of showing the entire human range of expressions on their faces. The final scene is the best of all Jane Eyre movies. When she realizes his blindness, she is only shocked for a moment. Her love is bigger than any obstacle and his handicap makes her even love him more. She is so convincing, she glooms and Ruth plays it really well. And he responds to her love in the most passionate and touching way a woman can only dream of. What can you ask more of a love story?