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The Woodlanders

Play trailer Poster for The Woodlanders PG 1997 1h 36m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 39% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Based on a novel by Thomas Hardy, this film tells the story of Grace Melbury (Emily Woof), a poor girl fresh out of finishing school who returns to live with her father (Tony Haygarth) in the small wooded village where she grew up. Reuniting with her childhood love, Giles (Rufus Sewell), their mutual attraction is rekindled, but Grace's father has arranged for her to marry the more distinguished Dr. Fitzpiers (Cal Macaninch). Initially happy, Grace finds her heart still belongs to Giles.

Critics Reviews

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David Thomson Esquire Magazine 08/12/2020
This is not a great film or a large film... But this is a beautifully rendered film, shot in the places Hardy knew (and little changed no years later) and rich in feeling for people so close to the edge Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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07/24/2013 Rufus Sewell's casting lead me to this one. All of the characters seem flat though, and I often felt like I had missed chunks of the movie, wondering, "How did we get here?" The ending is abysmal and left me in a state of "I just wasted an hour and a half of my life." Skip it. See more 01/11/2013 Very nice, carefully paced, richly atmospheric, credible period rendering. Certainly stressful to watch how social conventions work out for folks at that time and in that neck of the woods. See more 06/18/2012 Not enough Rufus Sewell! See more 06/09/2012 Had I realized this was based on a book by Hardy, I would have run away fast. Never was there a writer more apt at being a bummer. Blinded by Rufus Sewell, I undertook to watch this depressing and pointless narrative. The acting is by no means bad, but the production isn't anything special and is weighed down by a plot that no one could save. See more 04/07/2012 Nice movie. Nothing too overly exciting. A book adaptation, I do believe. I would bet that the book was better.... See more 10/18/2010 Have read the book, and the movie doesn't do it justice. Rather dreary and without hope. Nice settings though. See more Read all reviews
The Woodlanders

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Phil Agland

Director

Emily Woof

Grace Melbury

Rufus Sewell

Giles Winterbourne

Cal MacAninch

Dr. Fitzpiers

Tony Haygarth

Mr. Melbury

Jodhi May

Marty South
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The Woodlanders

The Woodlanders (1997) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Based on a novel by Thomas Hardy, this film tells the story of Grace Melbury (Emily Woof), a poor girl fresh out of finishing school who returns to live with her father (Tony Haygarth) in the small wooded village where she grew up. Reuniting with her childhood love, Giles (Rufus Sewell), their mutual attraction is rekindled, but Grace's father has arranged for her to marry the more distinguished Dr. Fitzpiers (Cal Macaninch). Initially happy, Grace finds her heart still belongs to Giles.
Director
Phil Agland
Producer
Barney Reisz, Phil Agland
Production Co
Miramax
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Runtime
1h 36m