Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1998 TV Movie) User Reviews

Unforgettable

[Spondonman · 9/10 · 27 April 2008]

I first saw this as a 3 parter on UK ITV in 1998 and was bowled over by it - imho it's the best ever screen adaptation of any Thomas Hardy novel full stop. Over the years I've seen many films and TV plays adapted from his books many of them very good, but all of them way behind this outstanding LWT (RIP)/ A&E co-production.

Poor, pure and simple country girl gets buffeted by Fate between 2 wealthy men, one essentially bad and the other essentially good, and she nobly suffers all the emotional troubles they bring her. All of the phases of her life as delineated by Hardy are brought out in the screenplay by Ted Whitehead, who did an excellent job in condensing down a long complex novel into a mere 3 hours but still not losing anything of importance. The rosy photography is lovingly and befittingly Constable/Turneresque with so many gorgeous hues and colours of simple rustic scenes and is never rushed - Hardy would surely have approved! The anguished music reflects the emotions at all stages and complements the visual sumptuousness of it all. One very minor niggle was the sometimes sloppy sound dubbing - they presumably had to work to get the accents correct later in the studio. Jason Flemyng as Alec was suitably caddish and young Oliver Milburn was realistically idealistic. But excellent as this was in all departments Justine Waddell was still the best thing about this production: she fitted my idea of tragic Tess perfectly - was she Fated to play her? If you don't crack into a million pieces when she repeatedly whispers "It's too late" to Angel you're made of sterner stuff than me!

If you like Hardy's novels you shouldn't miss this, it's a beautiful, heartbreaking, haunting and vividly memorable version of the tragedy.

Comparison with the book and the 2008 version

[StarDragyn · 8/10 · 30 July 2015]

Shortly after reading this book for the first time, I ordered this movie and loved it. I had had rather mixed feelings towards the book while reading it (kind of a love-hate relationship), and this film actually made me like the entire story much better. I liked it so much that only a couple weeks later I ordered the 2008 version, and just finished watching it last night. Wow, what a difference! Although the 2008 one has the advantage of some higher quality filming and an extra hour of screen time (more is usually better in my mind when it comes to my literature-based time period films), I found the newer to be considerably inferior to this one! This version has a MUCH better cast all around. I don't think you can beat this actress's rendition of Tess; I knew she was good in it, but couldn't fully appreciate HOW good until I saw the other version. 1998 Tess is way more convincing than 2008 Tess. My heart goes out to her, whereas 2008 Tess actually got on my nerves. 1998 Angel is much much better as well. The difference in both roles is astounding. I even thought the smaller parts, like Tess's parents and the other milkmaids, were better done in this one. The only exception I make, is that I did think the 2008 Alec D'Urberville more like how I pictured him when I read the book; 1998 Alec does a fine job, is more subtle in his portrayal, but simply does not match so much what I thought he would look and sound like.

Although there is an hour less in this film than the other, I still felt like this one is more generally accurate. I am much more tolerant of deletions from book to film (of course they can't fit everything in) than I am about alterations. There was more material in the 2008 version, but they took more liberties, which simply annoys me. This version, while it couldn't have every detail, what was there was very accurate for the most part. And it captures the story in its entirety quite well for its time constraints.

If you're a Jane Austen fan (as I am), understand that this is NOT a Jane Austen story, which tend to be like fairy tales with happy endings; there are "bad guys" in her books, but they are not a real hindrance to the real heroines. This is a grittier story, not set in the posh genteel society of the gentry and nobility; lots of low people, lots of hard labor, lots of reality. And there are the "bad guys", and then those characters which tread the line between "good" and "bad". It's definitely more complex, definitely more drama, but very worthwhile if you're up to it and know what you're getting into. If it is your first experience with this story, don't expect your viewing to be a relaxing ride. There is plenty to make you furious, happy, sad...lots of strong emotions.

When I first read this book, it was something of an emotional roller coaster (I'd absolutely adore one character, only to hate them intensely a few chapters later, and so on), but now that I'm more familiar with the story, I can appreciate it better. It sinks under your skin and makes you keep thinking about it. This movie leaves you like that, too. It's an excellent rendition of an excellent book.

The Best Adaptation Of This Novel

[Noirdame79 · 9/10 · 11 December 2004]

I fell in love with this version of Thomas Hardy's classic novel, and it benefits from British locations and filming at the actual Stonehedge.

The actors were all a perfect fit for their roles. Justine Waddell is a fascinating and watchable combination of innocence, naivete and strength, and she has the sturdy but English Rose type beauty that comes to mind. Oliver Milburn is, hands down, the best Angel I have seen depicted. The chemistry between the two was believable and despite Angel's hypocrisy, Milburn's kind and gentle voice and boyish handsomeness makes you see why Tess loves him so much. This is the only time that I wanted them to be together. Jason Flemyng, while not my favorite Alec, manages to make his character more than a one-note villain. He loves Tess as far as he is capable, but it is a selfish, destructive kind of love that can only bring on pain and misery. The supporting cast is excellent and I could have watched an hour more of this production. Considering it was made for television in the 1990s, the photography has aged very well. The music and costume design is also wonderful.

While the 1979 film and the 2008 BBC miniseries are very good in their own right, this A&E/London Weekend production will always be my favorite, and it inspired me to read the book. Don't miss it!

The visualization of Hardy's imagination

[Caledonia Twin #1 · 1 May 2001]

If I may be so bold, I would say that this particular adaptation of Tess of the d'Urbervilles is just what Hardy had in mind when he wrote his masterpiece. However, it's difficult to put into words just why one production works so well. For me, one crucial ingredient was the music. The music in this production is emotive, a bit lively, innocently hedonistic, playful and lilting, but with a definite, bittersweet note illustrating the transient glory and ups and downs of Tess' too brief, and unfortunately, mostly tragic life. The beautiful Justine Waddell plays the role of Tess with great talent and simple dignity. In particular, I liked the scene in which she says there's no point learning about history only to discover that there have been countless other people like her in the past living through the same kind of drudgery. Oliver Milburn, who played Angel Clare, brings a new kind of skeptical optimism to the role not as apparent in Peter Firth's portrayal back in 1979. Milburn seems more angelic and innocent and innocuous in manner, posture, appearance, and in facial expression. He is open and appealing, very easily seducing the heart of Tess in spite of her reservations. His treatment of her when he has discovered her secret seems all the more callous and tragic for his previous admiration and light-hearted demeanor. But kudos must go to the directors and cinematographers of this production. From the opening scene of the maidens dancing in the field, the visual shots in this film are rich in beauty and light, at least when all is well. Even the drear scenes to come are depicted with absolute visual integrity and adhere faithfully to Hardy's vision and eloquent natural language. In particular, I like the fact that in this film, the last scene at Stonehenge has been more accurately portrayed from the book than in the previous version, 1979's "Tess". (Ie. the atheistic comments have not been censored out when Tess mourns with despair that Angel and she will never meet again.) All in all, this film is worth every moment watching. Not only are the dialogues delightful and the themes intriguing, but many will be captivated simply by the glorious scenery and by the beauty and demeure grace of Tess herself. My rating: 10/10

Pitch-perfect adaptation of the book.

[hbarbie1 · 10/10 · 10 May 2004]

**Contains few spoilers** I recently read Tess of the D'Urbervilles and fell in love with it. When I found out there was a movie I was overjoyed, especially because it was an A&E production. A&E does a magnificent job at creating the world and characters formally only created by the author. In the novel Thomas Hardy fills the pages with detail. Now everyone knows it's impossible to squeeze it all into a three hour movie, but A&E (as they've done before) pulls it off splendidly. The actor who portrays Tess (Justine Waddell- Natalie Wood Story) has all the charm and beauty I imagined when reading the book. In my opinion Waddell also had the best performance in the movie. But Tess of the D'Urbervilles has many other wonderful actors who aren't as well known as Waddell. Jason Flemyng adds a creepiness to his character Alec D'Urberville that could easily be overlooked. And my personal favorite is Oliver Milburn playing Tess's love interest Angel Clare. All the production elements, I have to say, are beautifully done. The sets and costumes helped tremendously when picturing Hardy's Wessex. This is a timeless story of love, scandal, and justice. I highly recommend the book and movie to everyone.

Brilliantly captured Hardy's purpose

[elvsted · 10/10 · 3 September 2002]

I watched Tess on TV when it was first aired an I was totally blown away! I knew nothing about Thomas Hardy or the novel and was very impressed not only by the shocking story and plot twists but the sensitivity of the acting to the characters. All of the characters qualities and faults are portrayed in such a way that it is not so easy for the audience to judge Angel as good and Alec as bad. It is highly relevant to controversial issues in society today (as with many of Hardy's novels) and you should watch it with an open mind. Since watching, I have not only read the novel but most of Hardy's other novels. I would certainly recommend anyone who enjoyed this to read Hardy and other similar writers such as Wilkie Collins.

If only

[fijate26 · 7/10 · 29 September 2005]

I by chance picked this movie up at my local library and went home to watch it. It is an amazing movie though rather depressing I found. I enjoyed it a lot and did not want it to end. I also was captured by Oliver Milburn who played Angel. I loved the music. It was beautiful. I also loved the fist scene of the girls dancing and the first time you see Angel. I found that part one of my favorites. It was light and happy but yet you had a feeling as to what was to come. I watched the movie again and it made me sad to see Tess so happy, beautiful and innocent there. The beginning and the end are so different. The one so happy and the other so sad. If only Angel had stayed.

The best version of Tess of the D'Urbevilles

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 7 November 2013]

Though all three adaptations I've seen have been very good in their own way, the other two being the Polanski film and the Gemma Arterton mini-series, all three do a noble job adapting a literary classic. Of the three personal favourite and best has to go to this version, and while that it is the most faithful of the three to the book what is done on its own is even more remarkable. The locations are evocative and manage in being really beautiful and atmospheric. The photography matches those qualities with its richness, this is a really beautifully shot adaptation and of the three versions it is the most striking visually. The music adds a lot to the atmosphere too, a great mix of haunting and emotive, very well suited for the nature of the story and the impact of Tess' plight. The dialogue is intelligent and has the spirit of Hardy's writing with the vivid descriptions and his way of words, phrases and poetry. The story really packs a powerful impact and adapted in a way that doesn't make the telling of it feel too complicated. the ending is absolutely heart-breaking. The acting from the three leads is spot on. Justine Waddell is a Tess that we feel immediately feel sympathy for and Waddell also brings dignity to the character. Oliver Milburn's Angel Clare has a sense of optimism though he doesn't make him too one-dimensional, we still get a sense that Angel Clare is not as innocent as he seems. In contrast we have Jason Flemying who portrays Alec as a genuine sleaze and cad and in a malevolent way but there is still the sense that he did love Tess. All in all, brilliant and the best of the three adaptations personally seen of Tess of the D'Urbevilles, if there is a better version I've yet to see it and it has to be really amazing to beat this. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Good adaptation

[sfc · 7/10 · 5 December 1999]

This was a really good adaptation. The acting was fine (I especially liked Tess), the setting, costumes, etc, were good, and they represented the novel really well. It seems this is what a lot of people want with a movie based on a book. This movie basically seems scripted directly from the book, which I don't agree is a good thing. I like to have a different persons point of view on what is basically the same theme, not the exact same scenes. But if you like that sort of thing, you'll love this movie. 7/10.

Excellent film adaptation of a wonderful book

[Stars-9 · 10/10 · 10 March 2001]

After reading the book this movie was based on, I was excited to learn that A&E made a film version made. I absolutely loved the adaptation. It stayed pretty true to the novel, and it was wonderful to be able to visually see the setting Hardy was writing about, as well as the characters. The performances of the actors was extraordinary, and Tess in particular was compelling. If you are going to watch the video, be sure to set aside 3 hours at one time, because you will not even want to pause it just to refill the popcorn bowl!

A Slow Unraveling

[mcjensen-05924 · 7/10 · 31 March 2024]

The series started out strong. Tess was played wondrously by the gorgeous lead. She was immensely likable and believable, and possessed a radiant glow that was quite irresistable. The cousin who forced himself on her and fathered a child made such light of what he did it was absurd. His character was easily the weakest link in this show. Simply put, he was an ass. I'm sorry to say that mid way through the second part the acting became a bit stilted, and the actions of her stupid husband were unbearable self righteous and stupid. Sitting in judgement like he's some kind of omnipotent being, even though he himself had just confessed a transgression. Why they waited until after they were married to confess their big secrets makes so little sense it was almost a deal breaker. Impeccable acting and lovely countryside vistas added to the charm of the show. While it lost some of it's appeal, it was still a very enjoyable show. Her parents were kind of dimwitted idiots but unfortunately that's so common in shows then and now it's not really as frustrating as it once was. The milking girls were a bit overly silly and superficial. Overall a far above average adaptation despite some flaws and bumps along the way.

An excellent and vivid master piece.

[SpaceDiva · 10/10 · 5 December 1999]

The imagery in this A&E movie is wonderful. I have not read the novel yet, but the movie is an awesome feminist romance/tragedy that addresses the double standards which were set upon women in the 1800's. The actress who plays Tess is talented and believable.

Can't get enough Tess

[tomsview · 7/10 · 4 September 2021]

This is the third version I have seen.

I became fascinated with the story after seeing Roman Polanski's 1979 film, years after it was made. I thought it beautiful and compelling. It inspired me to read Thomas Hardy's novel. Later, I watched the 2008 series and felt it too was an absorbing experience.

When it came to this version, which I saw last, I have some reservations. It has nothing to do with the stars; Justine Waddell made a beautiful Tess catching her serenity as well as her spirit, and Jason Flemyng's caddish, obsessive Alec may have been the best of them all.

My problem is more in the construction. Although all the adaptions eliminate some things and emphasise others, this is the only one that resorts to narration to link the sequences, but in so doing the filmmakers missed something about the novel; Thomas Hardy knew when to segue and when to edit.

In the novel, the first we realise that Tess has had a baby is when her siblings bring it to the field where she is helping with the harvest. This was how it was revealed in both the Polanski version and David Nichol's 2008 series. However in this version, the narrator announces that Tess is with child before the harvest scene. It overrides Hardy's sense of drama.

A bigger departure occurs when Tess is shown stabbing Alec. The 1979 film and the 2008 series dealt with this as described in the novel; the landlady notices the growing blood spot on the ceiling. Again Hardy's sense of theatre eliminated for the obvious.

And that's the problem with the narration; it often states the bleedin' obvious. Justine Waddell as Tess communicated visually and emotively what the narration then spelt out.

Music and dance were important in the novel and in all the adaptions. Alan Lisk's score for this version is serviceable, but Rob Lane produced a rich one for the series, while Philippe Sarde's score for Polanski's version shows how magnificent film music can be.

None of these things actually kill the 1998 movie. It has scenes of great power and nuanced performances, but I wouldn't say it is the best adaption.

People were definitely stupid back in the day

[sanmentolabs · 4/10 · 2 December 2021]

While it's no secret that we've entered into a new dark age of stupidity, it is comforting to see that people did the same dumb stuff way back when and even writers like Hardy used bad plot devices to make things happen in a convenient manner.

I mean, come on. The note under the door. The whole stabby plot device at the end. In reality, the character of Tess was rather dim in the way that her world was built around falling in love, being in love, getting married, or some such bollocks.

All in all, a shallow and pointless exercise with great cinematography and period piece settings.

Brilliant!

[cagey66 · 8 June 2003]

This movie was FANTASTIC. I haven't yet read the book, but this has incited me to do so. The characters were fascinating. Every one, even the evil ones. The story was great, all the things that happened greatly added to the suspense towards the end. DO NOT MISS THE END. The end is the best part. I waited a week to see the second half of this movie and it was well worth it.

It is wonderful.

[botticelli-2 · 10/10 · 3 October 2000]

I have seen a lot of versions of Tess of the D'Urberwilles. This one is the best. It really give me a vivid imagination of english country. And the actor and actress are also very good(especially, Justine).

Angel Dearest...

[motormouthmichal · 10/10 · 11 June 2003]

This movie was one of the best movies I have ever seen! It had a lot of romance, so if you like romance this is the story for you. I loved Angel Clare played by Oliver Milburn! I am reading the book and the movie follows it very closely. The ending isn't very expected. Some of you may like, and some, as I, may not. You decide for yourself.

Not what we thought, it had our whole class talking...

[miranda2586 · 8/10 · 8 May 2007]

I watched this movie as a senior in high school. Our teacher had us watch it for some reason, though we hadn't read the book. From the looks of it in the beginning, we all thought it would be another on of those boring movies that your teacher MAKES you sit through in high school, but it turned out to be different. We watched it over a few days time, since we only had an hour or so in class each day. After the first days time, we were a little interested. We all asked questions, mainly the girls. After day 2, the girls were wanting to watch a little more. We were commenting on it, and we were getting into the story. The boys were making comments making fun of the girls. By day 3, the girls were really into it, and the boys were starting to comment about the story, too. Of course, the boys and girls viewed it differently, thus began the battle. The boys thought one way about the plot, and the girls thought another way. When something would happen in the movie, the girls would react and sometimes yell comments. The boys would comment back. I think the boys just made their comments to get a reaction out of the girls, just for a laugh. At the end of that day, we didn't have enough time to finish, but there was only a few more minutes left. Many girls stayed to watch. If a movie is good enough to make seniors in high school stay in an English class after the bell rings, it's a good movie. In fact, I went and bought the book, so did another girl, and yet another girl in my class bought the movie. The actors were wonderful. The movie went along very well with the book. I liked it.

More about Life than Romance

[andrew_list1331 · 8/10 · 13 May 2006]

I just saw this film and i think it was a great film,great story and played by great actors and actress.i like waddell for playing with that dignity and strong act(though i don't know if she supposed to played it that way) and Alec for showing the Playboy and evil side nicely.As for the story,i think this is more of a story about life than romance,it tell us how hard Tess' life and how she's struggle to leave it behind.not romance because there is not a lot of scene that have a good romance feelings in this film,well at least not to make me sad or crying :).And both men is abandoned her in their own way,that make me thinking romance wasn't the plot that Thomas hardy want to show.thats in my humble opinion tho

Excellent

[landp86 · 9/10 · 20 April 2003]

I had never heard of the Thomas Hardy novel before seeing this mini-series so it was a nice surprise to see it. I saw it by chance and I was hooked watching it, it is one of the best mini-series I've ever seen and I read the book straight after seeing this and it was really true to the book. What can I say it was great.

Memorable Movie

[stephanieford123 · 3 September 2004]

This movie kept me enthralled from start to finish. I loved it so well, that I had to read the book afterwards. The actress (Tess) played her part so wonderfully and the emotions on her face were so moving. This movie is definitely one to see, but I recommend a box of Kleenex nearby.

I have always been a great fan of films written by the great authors of the past and wish that more were filmed. The Horatio Hornblower series is also very good and so is the newer Pride and Prejudice.

Sometimes they produce films that are set in the past and they are completely a waste of time to see because the actors and actresses do not try to convey the feelings and ideas of the era (it just seems like a modern story with the actors wearing period clothing). I wonder if anyone else ever feels the same way?

I LOVED IT!

[wneskora2006 · 10/10 · 21 February 2001]

Oh, my gosh! I can't tell you all how much I loved this movie. At first, it thought it would be boring and monotonous. But, I loved it! All the pain Tess goes through... it's kind of depressing for a while, but then... no, if you haven't seen it yet, I won't ruin it for you! But, this is an absolute must-see.

My favourite

[ReganRebecca · 10/10 · 25 June 2017]

I first caught this on A&E years ago, back when A&E used to randomly broadcast Masterpiece theatre to fill up their timeslots. It was only at the halfway point but I ended up staying and watching the whole thing. This was in a pre-streaming era so I wasn't able to just hop on a computer and watch the rest... instead I kept my eyes peeled till I A&E rebroadcast it (which thankfully wasn't long, they really had so little content they were constantly showing the same Masterpiece theatre movies over and over again in a loop).

Tess of the d'Urbervilles is based on Thomas Hardy's novel of the same name, a surprisingly progressive piece of late Victorian literature which argues against sexism and for the rights of women. The unfortunate at the centre of the drama is Tess, a lively, blossoming young country girl of 16 when we meet her she is the beauty of her family. Unfortunately this self-same beauty is the cause of all her woes. Her alcoholic father learning that the now peasant class family was once descended from nobility gets ideas into his head that they should be rich still and sends his daughter to the only remaining members of the d'Urbervilles family in order to beg for charity. Her cousin Alec, a predatory lay-a-bout, attracted to Tess's overwhelming beauty treats her as a toy which leads to devastating consequences for Tess.

Whatever happened to Justine Waddell? As Tess she is simply fantastic. I'm not sure she captures the sweet naivete of the character in her early years before tragedy befalls her, but she has such devastating sorrowful eyes that as Tess sinks further and further into misery she tugs at your heartstrings. Jason Flemyng is quite hammy but still terrifying as Tess's cousin Alec and Oliver Milburn (another actor whose career went nowhere) is also pitch perfect as gentleman farmer Angel.

This is just a lovely adaptation of one of my favourite works. Excellent all the way through.

Watch both TV versions, read the book, watch both again!

[geoff-spurr · 10/10 · 6 December 2023]

I've watched both tv productions of Tess several times and decided to read the book; Wow, the book is wonderful; then watched both versions again and gained an even greater appreciation. Now Tess is firmly established as my favourite novel and the tv movies as something special to be watched over and over again. Tess is definitely one of those stories where you more watch/read it the more you appreciate it.

What are the differences between them? The BBC version with Gemma Arterton is 4 hours whilst the ITV version with Justine Waddell is 3 hours. The BBC has a good track record with period adaptations but ITV can be hit and miss (their Mansfield Park was unforgiveable!). Both versions are beautifully made, stay mostly true and do justice to the book and have excellent performances throughout. I prefer this ITV version mainly because Waddell's performance as Tess is just incredible, similar to her performance as Molly Gibson in Wives and Daughters; I'll never understand why she didn't become a megastar.

Both versions capture the vulnerability, tragedy and emotional rollercoaster of Tess' life but do less well in capturing her physical strength, resilience and remarkable love/loyalty for Angel which is much clearer in the book. The book is very long so there has to be cuts. I'm surprised both ignored the bizarre scene on their wedding night when Angel's mental and emotional torment leads to him sleepwalking, picking Tess up, carrying her across a stream on a narrow plank and placing her inside an empty coffin in a ruined church; perhaps stretching credibility but so dramatic. Hardy clearly considered this scene important as it is referred to in the book's final scenes. I was so struck by the way the book tells the story of Angel and Tess falling in love so beautifully, it happens so slowly, and even his marriage proposals are repeatedly refused before she finally gives way; it was impossible for any screen version to match the book in this respect.

Angel is portrayed slightly better in the BBC version but Alec is markedly better in this version. An advantage of the BBC version is that it includes Angel's parents; his father is a key figure and it is easier to understand Angel's behaviour as the context is clearer. Tess' key visit to Angel's parents is only mentioned by this version but features in the BBC version. The book adds more detail; Tess gets up at 3am on New Years Eve to walk 15 miles, only to miss them and walk 15 miles home; her strength and determination is difficult to grasp in modern society. A highlight of this version are the remarkable scenes at the boarding house in Sandbourne between Tess and Angel; and then Tess and Alec. Waddell's performance is spectacular and memorable.

It is surprising that this version, at one hour shorter, has cut so many scenes which do appear in the BBC version. It barely features Retty or Liza-Lu and misses out Groby, his confrontation with Angel on Xmas eve is a key scene. ITV also miss out Angel's offer to Izz to accompany him to Brazil. The use of a narrator helps and overall impact of the cuts is not as significant as you might expect. That this version is my favourite is an indication of the importance of the role of Tess and the superior quality of Waddell's performance.

Few novels can match this one for getting the reader so emotionally involved with the main character, you become desperate to see her happy. The ending is shocking but well chosen by Hardy as the emotional impact is more dramatic and the choice of the Stonehenge setting adds even more drama.

Pure

[TinaMarga · 8/10 · 31 July 2021]

I only read one book by Thomas Hardy before, and just had read Tess. The movie, I watched it on Youtube and its quality is not the best. But it is an unforgettable story with an idyllic scenery. Life is harsh. Victorian Britain, yes, this is what it must have looked like. In this class society, the poor work hard and they only dream of being richer. They want to be d'Urbervilles, at any price. It was also only in the movie that I understood the sense of purity better. The reason why Angel refused to stay with Tess. This is probably, as someone else already wrote in his review, the way Thomas Hardy had intended the story to be. The parents of Angel, we do not see them in the movie. Both the bride's and the groom's parents do not attend the wedding of the young couple. We do not know what Angel really did in his long absence. But we know all about Tess. What a short and astonishing life she had. With the death penalty as ending. Poor Tess.