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Jude (1996)

tomatometer

86

Average Rating: 7.3/10
Reviews Counted: 29
Fresh: 25 | Rotten: 4

No consensus yet.

89

Average Rating: 7.6/10
Critic Reviews: 9
Fresh: 8 | Rotten: 1

No consensus yet.

audience

70

liked it
Average Rating: 3.5/5
User Ratings: 6,387

My Rating

Movie Info

In 19th century Britain, a unconventional young man struggles against the limitations of a rigid, restrictive society. Based on Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, this somber period drama stars a suitably intense Christopher Eccleston as Jude, a young man with dreams of receiving a scholarly university education. Circumstances conspire against him, however, forcing him into a job as a stonemason and an unsatisfactory marriage. He remains true to his dream, however, and years later, after his

R, 2 hr. 3 min.

Drama, Romance

Hossein Amini

May 14, 2002

USA Home Entertainment

Cast

All Critics (35) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (4) | DVD (4)

Jude remains a handsome if gravely flawed film.

May 20, 2003 Full Review Source: New York Times | Comment
New York Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The dark, steel engraving look that cinematographer Eduardo Serra has given Jude endows it with a somber magnificence.

February 14, 2001 Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | Comment
Los Angeles Times
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Jude is knockout Hardy, filled with stormy visual poetry and accompanied by a gorgeous yet simple score.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle | Comment
San Francisco Chronicle
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The problem here isn't grimness but a failure to make grimness wrench the heart.

January 1, 2000 Comment
USA Today
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Winterbottom is angry, clear-headed, and with a sure visual sense.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | Comment
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Superbly acted by all involved.

September 11, 2005 Full Review Source: TheMovieReport.com | Comment
TheMovieReport.com

Jude isn't a movie to see as entertainment, but is a strong contemplation on man's struggle to overcome oppressive odds.

April 9, 2005 Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | Comment
Reeling Reviews

Sometimes outstanding but is a not always satisfying screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy's last novel.

January 15, 2004 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews | Comment
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Among the very best, frankest, and most honest of recent literary adaptations.

August 16, 2003 Comment
Nick's Flick Picks

Harrowing and compelling screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel set in 19th century England

August 27, 2002 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | Comment
Spirituality and Practice

Faithfully adapted from Thomas Hardy's novel, Jude (minus the Obscure)...It's also a difficult film to like because it is, simply put, a downer.

June 5, 2002 Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | Comment
Boxoffice Magazine

...as modern British historical films go, this is visually one of the most impressive.

April 17, 2001 Full Review Source: BBC | Comment

Jude is an affecting tragedy because, like all great tragedies, it involves believable, sympathetic characters. Winterbottom's film version benefits immensely from its extremely talented cast of actors.

February 27, 2001 Full Review Source: Q Network Film Desk | Comment
Q Network Film Desk
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Jude

A good Thomas Hardy adaptation, needless to say, don't expect a happy ending. This film is quite hard going but very good!

September 29, 2009
SirPant

Super Reviewer

Dry and a rather borefest, worth watching only for Kate Winslet's naked body.

September 13, 2009
stormyweather980

Super Reviewer

    1. Jude Fawley: We are man and wife, if ever two people were on this earth.
    – Submitted by Marlon L (7 months ago)

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