Too much of everything

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

It is true that as an adaptation Under the Greenwood Tree(2005) has little to do with the book(a gem of a book and one of Hardy's most charming and accessible, and if there is a preference to book and adaptation it'd be the former). Any adaptation does deserve to be judged on its own, there are a lot of film/TV series out there that are not very good adaptations of the source material but have many great merits to make them work on their own. Under the Greenwood Tree(2005) is one such adaptation. It looks fantastic, the costumes are evocative, the scenery is vibrant and colourful and the photography shimmers. That a lot of scenes were incredibly atmospheric is something to admire too. The music is similarly wistful and beautifully orchestrated, as well as being composed simply to make it easier to remember, most importantly as well it is fitting with each scene. There is a fair bit of repetition, but because the quality of the music is so lovely this viewer was past caring. The a-cappella men's chorus rendition towards the end is guaranteed to warm your heart. The writing has a lot of gentle humour and a light-hearted charm, and more winning is the optimism brimming through. The story is paced well, is charming and gentle in spirit, helps you relate to the characters and their relationships to other characters(Fancy and Dick's especially has appealing intimacy and the passion is certainly there). There is more of an emphasis on the romance than in the book, but there is a really passionate and affecting nature to it that it works. The acting has no real qualms either. Keeley Hawes is older and not as coquettish as her novelistic counterpart, however she is pretty, full of personal charm and that she is very sympathetic will win you over once you enjoy the adaptation for what it is. James Murray is dashing and the outgoing and yearning side to his character worked. Ben Miles gives a very poignant performance that you identify with him, commanding every scene he appears in. Steve Pemberton is a very amusing Shiner, and Tony Haygarth and Tom Georgeson are effective father figures. Overall, Under the Greenwood Tree(2005) is a real pleasure to watch and ideal family entertainment, and I do feel that the dislike it gets for its lack of fidelity to the book is undeserved. 10/10 Bethany Cox

On a chill Christmas Eve, a young woman rides into the English village of Mellstock. Miss Fancy Day (Keeley Hawes), who has been educated away, has returned to the village to help take care of her ailing father. As the beautiful new schoolmistress, she becomes a focus of fascination in Mellstock. Not only is she the new teacher, but her presence threatens to shake the old order in Mellstock. The parson plans to replace the old men's choir, by Fancy's playing the modern new Harmonium in church, much to the villagers' surprise and consternation.So, excitement over Miss Fancy Day begins! Not only does she disturb the choir, but she becomes the focus of the attentions of three men. Her father has groomed her to marry well. His eyes are upon sturdy, wealthy Farmer Shinar (Steve Pemberton) as her suitor. Fancy knows of her father's enthusiasm for Mr. Shinar; still his gruff, business-like proposal comes as a shock to her, but she promises to consider it.Parson Maybold (Ben Miles) is another suitor. He is handsome, well-bred, and educated; but his lofty, intellectual airiness is so indirect, that Fancy doesn't realize his feelings for her.It is with the young Dick Dewy (James Murray) that Fancy becomes friends. He comes from the lively home of the humble carrier, bustling with kids, and dogs, and friends who encompass the choir. His heart is taken by Fancy that first Christmas Eve, and he endeavors to win her by bettering himself. He also puts his best foot forward, by boldly venturing a kiss (not a bad move, considering he is devilishly handsome!). But Fancy's father vigorously objects to him.Fancy is put into a predicament, trying to decide which path to take. The charms of the English country village are the background for this tale. The film moves through each season's music, work, and festive rites, as the story of Mellstock, and how Fancy becomes a part of it. This film comes from Thomas Hardy's lovely homage to the English countryside. Under the Greenwood Tree is a wondrous work of humor, beauty, and heady romance.

I wasn't going to watch this, as although I'm a fan of Thomas Hardy,most of his stories have an unhappy ending,and i thought for Boxing Day i wanted to watch something cheery.I was really delighted as the drama was lovely from beginning to end,and it did have the ending you wanted to see.A lot of thought went into this drama,the costumes,the class stereotypes were well presented,it really put you in touch with how people lived in those days and their strange customs.The script was well written and the acting first rate.I have never read this book,but i have read others by Thomas Hardy,and it seems to me that here he has stuck to a much simpler story,without getting carried away with his pen or quill as he some times did,although that is just my opinion.I hope there will be many more dramas like this on TV,i thought this was an excellent choice to show on boxing day,i don't know how any one could have found fault in it,okay so it may not have been accurate to the book,but then what dramas are 100% accurate to the books.I think most people would believe this was a nice story to watch at Christmas.

Under The Greenwood Tree is a very enjoyable film that tells the story of three men falling in love with a new teacher in the village. it shows how she changes within the story and it is a very good adaption of the novel by the classic author; Thomas Hardy. It is very strange watching this film when you live in jersey as all of the locations are familiar to you. I would have given a 10 but it didn't have the dog running through the may pole fair- which took a very long time to film as the dog was more interested in the chickens! Also i found the story moves quite quickly, but if it was made longer the audience may lose interest. at least this way you can finish watching it in excitement as it is a perfect drama for Christmas. it shows all the for seasons with great detail.Filming Under The Greenwood Tree was a great experience and was the best summer of my life I made some good friends and thought all the crew was great. The film made me realise that the crew are the most important element to a film and i would just like 2 say thanks 2 them all! xx