Far From the Madding Crowd (2015) Movie Review

Here are my thoughts on the most recent adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel, starring Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts (see why I had trouble pronouncing his name?), Michael Sheen, and Tom Sturridge. Enjoy!
Review of the book -- • Far From the Madding C...
Review of the 1967 version -- • Far From the Madding C...
Review of the 1998 version -- • Far From the Madding C...

[@katemasters5195]

Im so glad you did this movie review! I totally agree about the adding in of the romantic scenes (it worked for me, I think mostly because the actor who played Gabriel was fantastic), and that this kind of change failed in Pride and Prejudice. I think that its mostly due to the different backdrop of the stories -- this is farmland, not regency for crying out loud lol. So glad I found your channel!

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Haha, yes, the two settings are so different. There are a lot of things that I'm okay with in one that wouldn't make sense in the other. I'm glad you found me too!

[@headachebaby]

I have the book but haven't read it. Of course this movie will not capture everything from the book, but I loved it. This version of Grabiel Oaks is spectacular...I was in love with him. Yes, the quiet, matured, respectiful, and responsible parts of him were very charming, plus he's handsome.

[@evelinmenezes9313]

I think the cast is the best here (Matthias Schoenaerts is particularly impressive) and the dynamics between Gabriel and Bathsheba that Hardy created in the book is finally fairly represented (despite being the shorter version the dialogue from the penultimate chapter of the book is surprisingly more faithful here than in the long ones), which I think the two previous adaptations fail to do, although they have their qualities.

[@CarolynsReadingRamblings]

In your reasons you forgot to add "and my friend kept bugging me to watch it saying how amazing it was" lol, so glad you watched it and liked it! Michael Sheen's Boldwood was my favorite acting-wise of the 3 Boldwoods but it also bothered me that they left some important scenes of his out because it changed the way he is portrayed to the audience that isn't true to the book (I really disliked him by the end of the book). I didn't like Tom Sturridge as Troy, I just didn't buy it and never saw anything she would've seen in him. I loved Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba and completely fell in love with Matthias (which I believe is pronounced like "mah-tea-us" Shoenaerts' (I know I don't pronounced his last name right but I saw "show-narts") portrayal of Gabriel Oak, he was definitely the closest to how I imagined him in the book and completely gorgeous and I whole-heartedly agree with you about the quiet masculinity thing. Also when I read the book I always felt the central relationship was around Bathsheba and Gabriel and I loved that this version got that right because for me that is what completely ruined the 60s version. I also love the gorgeousness of this version with the scenery, costumes and perfect music 😍

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Haha, yes, your encouragement was a big factor too! :D

[@EricRyder2012]

Hello Jerome, Eric Ryder here! Excellent review on "Far From the Madding Crowd". I think this adaptation of Thomas Hardy's has a great story of property owner Bathsheba Everdene (Cary Mulligan) who truly was ahead of her time as a head-strong independent woman who ran her estate without depending on anyone trying to upstage her. She can compete with the toughest businessmen of her era and can emerge to the top without blinking an eyebrow. And even though she can fend for herself, there are three suitors who have feelings for her and at times her temptation and they are equally well played out. Matthias Schoenaerts is wonderful as introverted shepherd Gabriel Oak, Michael Sheen was equally impressive as wealthy landowner William Boldwood and Tom Sturridge is excellent as Sgt. Francis Troy, even though he's an ass. I even enjoyed the countrysides and landscapes, they're really photographic. And the music score in the background adds just the right touches to this period piece. I just wished that the characters needed to be fleshed out a bit as their motives seem to be a bit questionable. That was the main weakness here. They just happen abruptly at random for no reason. I applaud the direction of Thomas Vinterberg and the script by David Nicholls for making a compelling feminist story while refraining from turning it into misandry. I highly approve of this movie 8/10 for me. Please come visit my channel with my review on "Far From the Madding Crowd". Feel free to leave a comment okay? Thank you.

[@madhatter8410]

Dear reviewer, thanks for this insightful review of FFMC, which I loved. If you liked Matthias here, then you should definitely also see Rust and Bone, and Bullhead. This Belgian dude is a great actor! And sexy as hell. He should really be more famous by now -- too bad Hollywood still doesn't seem to know yet what to really do with him (*sigh)

[@annieelisas98]

It’s funny because I’ve loved the story of Far from the Madding crowd ever since I was first introduced by watching the 2015 film, and adored the film, however now that I’ve read the book post watching, I’ve rewatched the film and actually I don’t like the film as much anymore (except I still love matthias schoenaerts, Gabriel oak) but the story will forever be one of my favourites ❤️

[@firstladyshah8971]

Matthias is the brilliant Dutch actor. He acted so well in this movie as well as BBC movies call Suite of Franciscan. He is very, very handsome looking actor too.

[@satinsass2826]

Isn't he Belgian?

[@susanbartone1347]

In this adaptation, I enjoyed the performance of the actor who portrayed Mr. Bold wood. I enjoyed the farmer Oak and Bathsheba but did not feel the chemistry between them. Comically, what bugged me the most was her earrings. So silly , but she would not wear them

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Haha, sometimes it's the little things that put us off.

[@lynneak2681]

I love this movie.

[@jimburke3801]

I enjoyed listening to your reviews. The 2015 version had lovely scenery and costumes and Carey Mulligan is a great actress but I felt they makers of the film catered for a modern audience. The part where Bathsheba gallops by on the horse wearing a leather jacket, trousers and boots was just too modern. I think Julie Christie's version of riding the horse in a long dress in the middle of nowhere was more of the time. I felt Gabriel did not look the part but he was good in it.

[@Farmgirl-iy9zc]

I'm a huge fan of the book but have enjoyed all 3 adaptations in varying degrees. I disagree with you on one point: I thought Schoenaerts was woefully miscast and that has ruled this one out for me as Gabriel Oak has been my favorite literary character since I first read the book in high school. Nathaniel Parker wins hands down as the best Gabriel!!

[@Muirmaiden]

This version is very good, but it ultimately suffers from being crammed into a two-hour running time which leaves a lot to be desired in terms of character development - at least where Troy and Fanny are concerned.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Yes, Fanny especially should have had more development. Unfortunately that's something that can be said for most book-to-film adaptations. There's always at least one storyline cut short.

[@scott09g96]

Sounds like a good one. Ill have to check it out. Enjoyed the "litnis test" DVD cover portion. I also agree with you about little details being left out of film adaptations creating notable plot holes, you really don't want that in your movie. Thanks for another excellent review Jerome. Looking forward to the next one.

[@dianaallison6110]

I truly enjoyed this version, also..but am partial 2 the 1966 flick..as I'm older & read the novel in my 20's..& also luv the stars in that one..esp..Alan Bates..tho Peter Finch took hm the Oscar as Boldwood. But..appreciate ur reviews. Will watch yours of the orig movie version.. Thx 🌝🌝 * Hav not seen the midd. version yet..so hope to soon.

[@toreo853]

Did you mean to write "Peter Finch took HOME the Oscar?" He did not.

[@HarryThomasPictures]

Awesome review Jerome, I haven't seen this movie yet, but it sure could be good have a lovely day😊!

[@kanasanjm]

Ive never read the book, and i should have. Hated how i literally could tell what would happen next and because of that i couldnt be immersed by it. I needed more talking other than, farm talk, "im too independant" talk and "i want to marry you for some reason" talk.

[@KevTheImpaler]

I thought Sgt Troy was very posh for an NCO. Perhaps cavalry was posher than the infantry. I thought the Julie Christie one looked better, but you did not like it so much, iirc.

[@bcd4562]

Did you read the book?

[@bcd4562]

Going to see your review of the '67 version.

[@JeromeWeiselberry]

Yes, I read it first and reviewed it separately, followed by the 3 movie versions.

[@priceduncan9]

The costume designer was being somewhat disingenuous. The novel was written in 1874 and the costumes in this movie are from the 'natural form bustle era' 1878-1883. This gives the dresses a more clean modern look. The 1967 movie seems to have gone for a late 1860s look making it look more classically Victorian, apart from Troy's Dragoon Regiment who are wearing uniforms from the late 1830s!