BBC 'masterpiece' period drama based on 'greatest book of all time' leaves viewers speechless
A BBC TV adaptation of a very famous novel has caught the attention of impressed viewers who have branded it a "true masterpiece". There have been several adaptations of Charlotte Brontë's famous 1847 novel Jane Eyre, but one in particular has left fans raving.
The BBC's adaptation of Jane Eyre follows the early life of the titular character, who is raised as a poor relation in the household of her aunt, Mrs. Reed. Jane receives cruel treatment from her aunt and cousins and is put into an orphanage.
When she is old enough to work, she is hired by the housekeeper of Thornfield Hall, Mrs. Fairfax, to be a governess for young Adèle (Cosima Littlewood) at the country estate. However, when she becomes entangled with the brooding master of Thornfield Hall, Edward Fairfax Rochester, his dark past threatens to destroy their relationship.
The four-episode show, which hit screens in 2006, is directed by Susanna White and written by Sandy Welch, the Express reports.
Ruth Wilson stars as Jane while Toby Stephens portrays Edward. The cast also features Lorraine Ashbourne, Pam Ferris and Andrew Buchan.
The BBC series was a hit with fans and dominated the 2007 award season, scooping up a BAFTA and three Primetime Emmy Awards. Jane Eyre currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
It is based on Charlotte Brontë's book, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest novels of all time.
Praising Brontë's work online, one wrote: "Everyone should be a fan of Jane Eyre, it's the greatest novel ever."
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Another echoed: "I absolutely love and adore this book. It is now my favorite. If you're thinking of reading it, do not hesitate and read it immediately because you'll regret the moments you spent without reading this masterpiece!"
A third chimed in: "This is easily a five star book for me. I love the way that this is written— beautiful, descriptive, and brilliant.
"Some may take the descriptive aspect as a weakness, but for me, it was an important addition to the emotional impact of the book. Story wise, I have no words. The angst of the plot will keep you going."
Someone else wrote: "Jane Eyre (greatest novel of all time IMO".
A fifth penned: "Marvellous!!! It really was and still is one of the best novels of all time."
The series has also received similar levels of praise with one viewer declaring: "Okay but the 2006 BBC masterpiece Jane Eyre is…… I don't know, a perfect series."
A second said: "I highly recommend Jane Eyre from 2006 or 2007 with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson, a true masterpiece."
Another impressed fan questioned: "Is there a show out there that can possibly contend with the BBC 's 2006 miniseries masterpiece Jane Eyre? unlikely."
Someone else commented: "This is the most beautiful adaptation of Jane Eyre. The acting is all round superb.
"Eyre and Rochester are full of soul, something lacking in other depictions that only focus on the seriousness of the characters, often failing to portray their passion."
Expressing their admiration for the show, a fifth added: "This show did not need to be this well done. They could've left it to be like other book tv show adaptations… yet they delivered!!!
"They understood the assignment and did the extra credit!! They knew it could be the greatest, and aimed higher!! Loved the acting, loved the set, the music, the directing!! Everything is so good!"
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