The Story of Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre, the novel by Charlotte Bronte, has long been critically acclaimed as one of the most romantic and heartbreaking stories of all time. A tale of misery, despair, hope, and longing, this story has captivated readers of all ages for decades. Now, the story is retold on screen. Jane Eyre, the movie directed by Cary Fukunga, a newbie fresh out of college, is both thrilling and emotional. The film brings together an excellent cast of: Mia Wasikowska as the heroine, Jane Eyre; Jamie Bell as the missonary, St. John Rivers; Judi Dench as the housekeeper, Ms.Fairfax; and of course Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester, (debated as the most attractive male role in novel history).

The cast works wonderfully together filling the 120 min. movie with never a dull minute between them. The actors and actresses are especially wonderful in stepping into their roles. Mia has played other roles of intensity before: The Kids Are Alright, Alice in Wonderland, and Defiance, and clearly does not shy away from becoming fully involved with her character's emotional depth, although this takes us to skills of a whole new level. I would have never considered Mia "plain", but that was before this role. She pulls off the Jane Eyre "effect" most effectively. It might just be the hairstyles or the lack of make-up but at times Jane really does look plain to behold.

The movie begins with Jane stumbling away in distress from a large foreboding mansion into the wide open, rocky plains and finally breaking down crying, from what, the viewer does not know quite yet. But the story's layout is a new take on the story all together. The director only includes as much as he has to about her past to inform the viewers of the hardship Jane had to suffer as a child. And surprisingly, it's enough. Fukunga keeps all of the important details in check and leaves out otherwise meaningless background. Jane finally finds a home out in the "wilderness" and is taken in by three kind siblings: the Rivers. There she begins to reminisce about her rough childhood as a peculiar and unwanted lonely girl, punished for being her "overly passionate" self.

Once again the movie does not go into great detail, but includes all of the significant characters and plot lines that contribute a large amount to forming the character Jane Eyre. About forty minutes into the movie, past flashbacks and the Rivers's estate, at last, we are transported to Thornfield Hall, Mr. Rochester's (sometimes home). We are introduced to Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender) and right away he is as seen as a blunt, short-tempered man. Michael Fassbender plays Mr. Rochester well, he captures his no-nonsense attitude as well as his ability to show feelings. He has the character emotionally and has the physical characteristics too. Michael Fassbender has this rugged, mysterious look about him, and much of the time his blue eyes look piercing, and haunted. While only being thirty-four years old, he looks much older and therefore creates a starker contrast against his "experience" and Mia's twenty-two year old innocence.

The movie almost feels rushed as we see Mr. Rochester and Jane chat a few times before their relationship progresses much faster than would be expected. Again, the director only included what he had to. The movie itself would be much too long if all of the little occurences of Mr. Rochester and Jane were included, still, the plot rushes on almost at an overwhelming speed. The tradgedy that is Jane Eyre has always affected me, but to see the movie in action, brought tears to my eyes.

The despair the audience feels at Jane and Mr. Rochester's almost "forbidden" romance leaves the viewer feeling hopeless. Mia and Michael have fantastic screen chemistry together, despite their twelve year age difference. They capture their character's loneliness, their punished pasts, and their pain very well. Mr. Rochester especially. This movie left me breathless, expectant, at the edge of my chair, and an emotional wreck at the amazing end. If anyone has read the book and is speculative or skeptical that the movie will deliver, have no more doubts, this movie does.

If you haven't read the book and love romantic, in-depth emotional tales then this movie is for you too. The cast is excellent, the plot, accurate, and the story fully captured. The director did a fine job in this movie and I couldn't have asked for a better remake or rendition of the fabulous story of Jane Eyre.