Movie Review: Jane Eyre

Last weekend, Neal & I saw Jane Eyre. It was excellent. Mia Wasikowska is fantastic and I am already looking forward to whatever she's in next. (I loved her in Defiance and The Kids Are All Right.)

If you know the story of Jane Eyre, you know it's tragic. After a miserable upbringing, which included verbal and physical abuse, Jane takes a governorship to teach the ward of Mr. Rochester. (Sure, the times were different and abuse was defined as 'teaching', but it's still heartbreaking.) Mr. Rochester isn't exactly a gem. He's mean, ornery and demanding. But he finds in Jane an equal. She's bright and witty and can hold her own. He's intrigued. They fall in love. Though Jane doesn't dare admit it to herself before he confesses his own feelings. A secret comes out. (I'll leave you in suspense, in case you don't know the story.) And the two are separated. Jane is all alone. Once again.

Yes, it's another remake. But it's done brilliantly. Michael Fassbender is the perfect Rochester to Mia's Jane. And the supporting cast - see Dame Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins and Jamie Bell - is superb. Even if you aren't the biggest fan of period films, you can't go wrong with this movie. Definitely a must-see. Happy viewing!