Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: May 1, 2015
7.3
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Generally favorable reviews based on 69 Ratings
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Positive:
53
Mixed:
11
Negative:
5
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8
TVJerryMay 16, 2015
Carey Mulligan plays Thomas Hardy's headstrong heroine, who inherits a farm, struggles to maintain her independence and juggle the affections of 3 men (Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge & Michael Sheen). The characters are all captivating,Carey Mulligan plays Thomas Hardy's headstrong heroine, who inherits a farm, struggles to maintain her independence and juggle the affections of 3 men (Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge & Michael Sheen). The characters are all captivating, thanks to engaging performances from Mulligan and her 3 suitors. This adaptation keeps the events happening with a modern pace with lovely locations and beautiful cinematography that add to the richness of the story. It's undeniably a romantic period chick flick, but one that director Thomas Vinterberg creates with muted passion and rich storytelling skills. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
AliceofXJul 7, 2015
Far From the Madding Crowd is based on a book and it feels like it, more so than in other films. Things move so quickly that you can feel there is more behind the story, more depth that a film has no time for. It feels rushed and perhaps if IFar From the Madding Crowd is based on a book and it feels like it, more so than in other films. Things move so quickly that you can feel there is more behind the story, more depth that a film has no time for. It feels rushed and perhaps if I disliked the movie I might have minded it more, but I did not. Even as I went to bed last night I could not stop thinking about it.

That is the one serious flaw that I give to this film, other than that I absolutely loved it. Though that might be due to my pre-existing love for 19th century literature. This is definitely a film I would recommend to lovers of period dramas.

Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts and Michael Sheen truly shine in this film giving their characters great depth. I felt truly pulled into their stories and their lives.

I can already feel this movie will be on my 2015's top movies list.
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2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
beingryanjudeMay 3, 2015
Few adaptations from the Victoria era of England feature such a noble woman--as an employer who is both respectable and endearing. Together with a remarkable cast, Danish director Thomas Vinterberg creates a deeply moving romance whichFew adaptations from the Victoria era of England feature such a noble woman--as an employer who is both respectable and endearing. Together with a remarkable cast, Danish director Thomas Vinterberg creates a deeply moving romance which transcends the typical clichés of British period pieces filmed today. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
hotfromcauldronMay 3, 2015
Hardy’s “Madding” begins as a smart Taming of Bathsheba but ends a baa'd Fifty Shades of Hay - as feminist turns to fool. Men - Gabriel - a sheep farmer whose flock goes a stray- William- a loner with wealth - and Frank- a soldier with aHardy’s “Madding” begins as a smart Taming of Bathsheba but ends a baa'd Fifty Shades of Hay - as feminist turns to fool. Men - Gabriel - a sheep farmer whose flock goes a stray- William- a loner with wealth - and Frank- a soldier with a wandering sword- fall at her feet but this virgin gal fights for equal pay, free choice and independence until her private parts cause a brain fart. Far from a frenzy - one loses all respect for our heroine by the final frame when her life’s fate is sealed with a kiss. Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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7
GreatMartinMay 8, 2015
Is it fair to judge a film against 5 previous productions of the film? Or a TV version? Or the classic book it is based on? This review is based solely on the 2015 movie production of “Far From The Madding Crowd”.

Carey Mulligan plays
Is it fair to judge a film against 5 previous productions of the film? Or a TV version? Or the classic book it is based on? This review is based solely on the 2015 movie production of “Far From The Madding Crowd”.

Carey Mulligan plays Bathsheba Everdene, a young lady in 1874 who is an independent thinker, even before she becomes independently wealthy with the death of her aunt inheriting a rich farm, being pursued by three men.

The first man in her life, Matthias Schoenaerts, who proposes marriage and she turns down, is Gabriel, a virile looking acting man who owns a farm which he soon loses and goes to work for Bathsheba. In spite of her turning him down he remains loyal to her always ready to help when she needs help. Her second proposal comes from William, played by Michael Sheen, a wealthy farmer, an older man who offers her security while the third, Tom Sturridge, playing ‘bad boy’ Army man Troy , on the rebound from losing a woman he loves, Juno Temple, playing Fanny Robin, who went to the wrong church on the day of her marriage leaving the soldier high and dry.

The film reaches for an epic feeling, but falls short, with the musical score sometimes overpowering a scene and at other times the photography of the beauty of Dorset, England, make it hard to listen to the dialogue of the screenplay’s David Nicholls, based on the Thomas Hardy novel. Where the director, Thomas Vinterberg, and Nicholls, fails the fine performances by the actors is not giving them enough explanation and depth for events that take place.

One disturbing aspect is the make-up department’s failing at certain points. For example when the beauty of Bathsheba is talked about and there is a close up of her face she obviously has a ‘growth’, maybe a pimple, on the top part of her nose that comes and goes from scene to scene and is obvious enough to be talked noticed.

“Far From The Madding Crowd” has some good acting, gives a feeling of the place and time that the story takes place, certainly captures the beauty of the country side, but just stops short of getting the film-goer pulled into the story.
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0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
Unladenswallow0May 4, 2015
Ill be complettely honest with you, i went into the wrong theatre. I originally intended to go see Paul Blart mall cop 2, and it took a good 20 minutes of intense sheperding and sheep suicide to make me question what film i was watching.Ill be complettely honest with you, i went into the wrong theatre. I originally intended to go see Paul Blart mall cop 2, and it took a good 20 minutes of intense sheperding and sheep suicide to make me question what film i was watching. Nevertheless i stayed anyway, though the place was filled with middle aged women, lustily groping at their filthy imaginations. Ifound that Far from the Madding crowd is a film about women. That sums it up nicely. Though there are technically more men in the lead roles, Bathshuba Everdeen Mall cop effectively overshadows the rest from the get go. But this fall apart toward then end when she eventually becomes tamed and end up marrying the shepard. (Which i doubt anyone saw coming, it was a complete surprise)

Anyway, the movie itself was fine. I enjoyed it to some degree, apart from the soldier boy's moustache which made me develop a fear of catterpilars for some reason. I found myself both aroused and pleased at the same time overall, though i would rather have seen Paul Blart running around as a fat security man.
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6
istanbulJul 22, 2015
uneven pace, and patchy emotional fluency of the movie prevent the characters to be taken seriously. beautiful cinematography, yet the movie lacks the same detailed, exquisite work in character development.
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7
duncan1964Jul 16, 2015
From Thomas hardy's classic novel, this handsome retelling looks stunning and is beautifully acted, but the plot, and the characters motivations, may make it hard for a young modern audience to connect with. Tweaks have been made to updateFrom Thomas hardy's classic novel, this handsome retelling looks stunning and is beautifully acted, but the plot, and the characters motivations, may make it hard for a young modern audience to connect with. Tweaks have been made to update some of the more outdated plot devices, and the cast certainly do their best, but in the end this does seem like something you would watch on BBC1 on a wet Sunday afternoon. For lovers of the book its a must see, for the casual viewer it may seem like slightly hard work Expand
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6
lasttimeisawJul 29, 2015
A double-bill of two film adaptations of Thomas Hardy’s novel, about a Victorian liberated and strong-willed girl named Bathsheba Everdene (Mulligan/Christie), who is an orphan but fortuitously inherits a farm from her late uncle, but in dueA double-bill of two film adaptations of Thomas Hardy’s novel, about a Victorian liberated and strong-willed girl named Bathsheba Everdene (Mulligan/Christie), who is an orphan but fortuitously inherits a farm from her late uncle, but in due course, her romantic entanglements with three very different men, the honest and devoted shepherd Gabriel Oak (Schoenaerts/Bates), the wealthy, middle age bachelor William Boldwood (Sheen/Finch) and a hot-headed sergeant Frank Troy (Sturridge/Stamp), will teach her a hard lesson with a shocking third act.

keep reading my review on my blog, please google: cinema omnivore, thanks!
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7
SpangleDec 24, 2015
I love a good period piece and Far from the Madding Crowd certainly checks off all the boxes as to why I do. Great acting? Yep. Romantic? You bet. Gorgeous cinematography? Oh my yes. The only thing holding this one back from being better isI love a good period piece and Far from the Madding Crowd certainly checks off all the boxes as to why I do. Great acting? Yep. Romantic? You bet. Gorgeous cinematography? Oh my yes. The only thing holding this one back from being better is that it feels a touch drawn out at two hours. Though not necessarily slow, the pay-off and ultimate conclusion do seem obvious, but gets pushed back further and further. It could be shorter and get to the point quicker. However, as it stands, Far from the Madding Crowd is a ravishingly gorgeous film with fantastic cinematography, production design, and costume design. Additionally, Carey Mulligan is phenomenal in the lead role and her male counterparts certainly match her performance, especially Matthias Schoenarts. Far from the Madding Crowd is everything I want from a British period piece, even if it is not the best one ever made thanks to the great direction from Thomas Vinterberg. An ultimately satisfying film. Expand
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9
foxgroveMay 7, 2015
Engrossing update of Thomas Hardy’s classic book, this pared down version by director Thomas Vinterberg is nearly three quarters of an hour shorter than Schlesinger’s flawed epic made in 1967. Comparisons to the earlier film are inevitable,Engrossing update of Thomas Hardy’s classic book, this pared down version by director Thomas Vinterberg is nearly three quarters of an hour shorter than Schlesinger’s flawed epic made in 1967. Comparisons to the earlier film are inevitable, but the good news is that there is room for both. The 1967 version spent much time evoking period and place, whereas here for much of the time Vinterberg keeps his camera in close on the people creating a more intimate and, it could be argued, less ambitious film. Gone are the longeurs of the previous version. This screenplay adaptation is lean and economical in the telling, propelling what is essentially a very good story forward with the minimum of fuss, but to maximum effect. The acting in both films is very good. Carey Mulligan aces Julie Christie’s more flirtatious and frivolous Bathsheba by playing the part in a more level headed manner. However, when her head is turned by the unsuitable young soldier her subsequent actions seem be more in keeping with Christie’s playing of the character than Mulligan’s. Of the men there is not much to choose between Peter Finch and Michael Sheen, respectively as farmer Boldwood, the desperate and obsessed middle aged neighbour and suitor. Likewise Terence Stamp and Tom Sturridge as the aforementioned soldier Troy, who finally weds Bathsheba whilst being the least suitable suitor for her. Only Mathias Schoenaerts as the shepherd Gabriel doesn’t bear comparison to the earlier incarnation of the character then played by Alan Bates. Whilst looking every inch the part Schoenaerts comes over as one dimensional, strangely lacking any of the screen charisma that he has brought in abundance to his foreign language roles.
Vinterberg directs with a sure hand and the film never panders to its audience. A lot of what is happening is subtly introduced often via a look, a gesture or other nuances. The period feel is perfect often evoking pleasant memories of Schlesinger’s film whilst retaining a strong identity of its own. The editing keeps the story fluid and concise and although the score is lovely at times it’s also inevitably disappointing. This is due to the fact that the music being used in the trailer, from the 1987 film ‘Maurice’, is a lot lusher and more sweepingly romantic than the score finally recorded. Still, In an age of unnecessary remakes it is good to report that here we have one that works beautifully. The two films can co- exist and, indeed, compliment each other.
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8
LeZeeOct 4, 2016
Three men like the three different seasons in a woman's life!

This is a wonderful drama, I have been waiting for such film to come and since its release, I have been looking forward to this day. The romance is the theme of the film, so not
Three men like the three different seasons in a woman's life!

This is a wonderful drama, I have been waiting for such film to come and since its release, I have been looking forward to this day. The romance is the theme of the film, so not the entire film as what it looks like. Based on the one and half century old novel of the same name and the fourth film adaptation. I have seen only 'Tamara Drewe', but that was altered to the present era, other than that I've not seen any other version. Still, I believe this will be remembered as the best one so far.

I would say Carey Mulligan is the British version of Jake Gyllenhaal. Because they both make fine films, I admire their selection of the films. Mulligan was so brilliant here and in addition to that, Matthias Schoenaerts was equally good. They both made this film look so poetic, and so supporting cast including Michael Sheen and Tom Sturridge contributed well.

If you like periodic drama, then you probably would enjoy it. The story was excellently told. The three layered romance was narrated like three that happens in the different seasons. Like landscape change, how humans too transform was quite neatly briefed for over two hours. One of the best films in the recent time I've seen. The director of 'The Hunt' did a great job. If you like Jane Austen's kind of story narrations then you must try this, so I highly recommend it!

8/10
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8
Brent_MarchantMay 15, 2015
A largely faithful and beautifully produced adaptation of the classic Thomas Hardy novel, with great period piece production values, gorgeous cinematography and fine performances across the board. Those who ordinarily might care for such fareA largely faithful and beautifully produced adaptation of the classic Thomas Hardy novel, with great period piece production values, gorgeous cinematography and fine performances across the board. Those who ordinarily might care for such fare are likely to find a captivating and thoroughly entertaining offering in this release, thanks to the skillful direction of filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg. It's not too early to start thinking about potential awards consideration, either, particularly for Carey Mulligan's impressive portrayal of the feisty heroine. A smart viewing choice all the way around. Expand
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7
John935Sep 19, 2015
I'm still pondering this the day after, so I give it a favorable rating. Casting is good but not great. Carey M hits all the right notes, in succession, but she seldom hits chords. In other words, I find her performance a bit superficial asI'm still pondering this the day after, so I give it a favorable rating. Casting is good but not great. Carey M hits all the right notes, in succession, but she seldom hits chords. In other words, I find her performance a bit superficial as opposed to layered. Sturridge as Sgt Troy is baffling. He's apparently supposed to be super-goodlooking but his appeal just seems odd. The other 2 suitors are excellent. The story seems a little silly (no doubt that's not what Hardy intended) but the brisk pace holds our attention and the film is captivating visually. Expand
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6
hadiaec20hAug 11, 2015
Well, you can tell the story by heart, I guess it is kind of cliche that a poor guy has a feeling for a rich girl who likes to be free and independent, the girl tries her chance with another man but she finds out that the framer guy is theWell, you can tell the story by heart, I guess it is kind of cliche that a poor guy has a feeling for a rich girl who likes to be free and independent, the girl tries her chance with another man but she finds out that the framer guy is the best choice. isn't that a cliche? Expand
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5
JLuis_001Sep 7, 2017
A period film with a story similar to that of a soap opera, and those are not my favorite, but the director was my main motivation to see it, certainly this is not a bad job but it does lack of several elements to make it stand out.A period film with a story similar to that of a soap opera, and those are not my favorite, but the director was my main motivation to see it, certainly this is not a bad job but it does lack of several elements to make it stand out.

Vinterberg complies, he's a good director, but you cannot avoid the feeling that something did not work at all in this movie.

I do not despise it but I do not praise it either.
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9
DawdlingPoetNov 20, 2021
I enjoyed this film as a period drama, with some big names in the cast (Carey Mulligan and Michael Sheen being the main two). The story is perhaps a little cliched but I enjoyed it never the less. Its very much a film about dashing men (bothI enjoyed this film as a period drama, with some big names in the cast (Carey Mulligan and Michael Sheen being the main two). The story is perhaps a little cliched but I enjoyed it never the less. Its very much a film about dashing men (both young and not so young) vying for the attention of a pretty woman. A few years ago I wouldn't be interested in such a film but I did very much enjoy this, as the characterisation of the main character, Bathsheba Everdene, is very good - I found myself feeling both sorry and frustrated by her at different times. I like that Bathsheba is an ambitious and principled woman and I found myself wondering what may be next to happen, plot wise, as the film continued. Also, the film score is quite good - it certainly doesn't feel like a budget film and so I would recommend it. Expand
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4
NickTheCritickApr 28, 2022
The Danish director chases the sunsets and the rainbow, venturing only a few more expressive frayed shots in the foreground area, taking care of the pictorial quality of the long shots, perhaps he thought of shooting a tale of eternalThe Danish director chases the sunsets and the rainbow, venturing only a few more expressive frayed shots in the foreground area, taking care of the pictorial quality of the long shots, perhaps he thought of shooting a tale of eternal romanticism with a modern hand, but he built a castle without secret, cloying to say the least. Unfortunately, acting doesn't work in this movie either, with the exception of Carey Mulligan who does what she can but alone can do very little. Expand
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