Kristie After seeing about 7 different adaptations of JANE EYRE, I always find myself coming back to this one. If you're protective of the novel, as I am, and desire to see a film that is very faithful to it, THIS one is the BEST.Best is not perfect, but it is pretty darn close. You can watch this mini-series with the novel on your lap and practically follow along scene for scene.Let's talk about the fabulousness that is Timothy Dalton.He was born to play Mr. Rochester. Physically, emotionally, the highs and lows of his personality--all done with sheer excellence. Every scene he's in becomes his own. Every word spoken is perfection. Sometimes he is handsome, other times not, sometimes he's amiable, other times not. It is that changeability that makes the viewer constantly deciding, "Do I like Rochester? Or do I not?" Jane never knows which version of Rochester to expect and neither does the viewer.When I was younger and first read the book and then saw this mini-series, I did not like Zelah Clarke's portrayal of Jane. Years later I have new appreciation for her. Timothy Dalton has a very strong presence as Rochester. Many actresses would be overshadowed by him, but Zelah Clarke holds her own in every scene they share.Aside from the excellent acting, which stays true to the novel's characters' personalities, this version paces itself out extremely well. I love that the hilarious "gypsy scene" is included. I love that you see the real development of the relationship between Jane and Rochester. But mostly, I love that the ending is not rushed. The novel's ending is one of the best ever written and this adaptation does it terrific justice.

charmadu Let me begin with the Gift from God known as Timothy Dalton. His vocal instrument and physique are breathtaking, absolutely mesmerizing. I could listen to him read the phone book. He brings Bronte's script to life as no one else has before or since. The miraculous irony is that although to most modern eyes, the man is almost blindingly handsome, in those days he would have been considered more of a "vulcan", and not so good looking - just as Bronte intended!I've seen the various versions of Jane Eyre- some are better than others but this is the one that will stand up in a hundred years. Zelah Clarke as Jane is also excellent and very believable. My sole quibble is that I wished there had been a wee bit more intimacy at the end, after all we've gone through to bring our leads back together again! Nevertheless, this version wins hands down for several reasons. It is the only one in which we get to see : 1) Mr. Rochester play the gypsy woman as he did in the book; 2) the serious damage done to Mr. Rochester's left hand and eyes after the fire, not just that he's blind; 3) the toll taken on Mr. Rochester from having to live with his "locked secret" for the past 10 years. 4) Jane forced to beg after she leaves Thornfield - which graphically reveals how truly alone and destitute she is at that point. 5) Did I mention Timothy Dalton?

Yass Lily This version of Jane Eyre is the best ever and I do not think any other version of Jane Eyre will ever surpass its excellence. Everything is simply perfect. Timothy Dalton as the eccentric Mr Rochester gives it all he has and I think he never did a movie better than this one in all his career. It is because of his tantalizing performance in this miniseries that the audience gets hooked to it till the last minute of the series. Of course the main actor and actress' acting is very well matched too and one can feel the chemistry between the young and unearthly Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester right out of the screen! I highly recommend this miniseries to all Jane Eyre fans. It is a sin if you haven't watched it yet!

starrygal In one person's review it was mentioned that in this version the lighting was very dark i.e. esp in the gypsy scene but one has to remember that in the Victorian era they didn't have bright electric lights like we do now. it did get dark and they only had candles to work with and then naturally when it was day time they had the natural sunlight. Plus the whole dark atmosphere works with the whole Gothic theme of the novel and atmosphere of thornfield, it is not supposed to be bright and cheery...I love this adaptation of jane eyre and consider it the best one. I won't bother mentioning why because many ppl here have expressed why it is so yeah:)