Far From the Madding Crowd

2015

Far From the Madding Crowd

Critics Consensus

Far from the Madding Crowd invites tough comparisons to Thomas Hardy's classic novel -- and its previous adaptation -- but stands on its own thanks to strong direction and a talented cast.

85%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 186

75%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 18,353
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Movie Info

Based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy, FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD is the story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer, captivated by her fetching willfulness; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor. This timeless story of Bathsheba's choices and passions explores the nature of relationships and love - as well as the human ability to overcome hardships through resilience and perseverance. (C) Fox Searchlight
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (for some sexuality and violence)
  • Genre:
    Drama, Romance
  • Directed By:
    Thomas Vinterberg
  • Written By:
    David Nicholls
  • In Theaters:
     limited
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    20th Century Fox

Cast

Carey Mulligan
as Bathsheba Everdene
Tom Sturridge
as Frank Troy
Matthias Schoenaerts
as Gabriel Oak
Michael Sheen
as William Boldwood
Juno Temple
as Fanny Robin
Jessica Barden
as Liddy
Hilton McRae
as Jacob Smallbury
Richard M. Dixon
as Boldwood's Butler
Bradley Hall
as Joseph Poorgrass
Jamie Lee-Hill
as Laban Tall
Lilian Price
as Village Girl & Ballroom Girl
Alisha Heng
as Lizzy
Chris Gallarus
as Billy Smallbury
Emma Stapleforth
as Susan Tall
Don Whistance
as Constable
David J. Fenton
as Workhouse Gatekeeper
Michael Jan Dixon
as Everdean Farmhand
Eloise Oliver
as Dancer
John Neville
as Upper class party guest
Anna Liddell
as Party Guest
Johnathon Neal
as Party Guest
Helen Evans
as Party Guest
Andrew Shepard Price
as Workhouse Official
Damien Weston
as Everdene Farm Worker
Ashley Whiteman
as Everdene Farm Worker
Constance Rose Wyatt
as Everdene Farm Worker
Gemma Stacey
as Everdene Farm Worker
Roderick Swift
as Everdene Farmer
Nicholas Parker
as Everdene Farmer
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Critic Reviews for Far From the Madding Crowd

All Critics (186) | Top Critics (49) | Fresh (158) | Rotten (28)

  • The movie places the swoonier love story aspects of Far From the Madding Crowd in the forefront, but it also, more interestingly, surfaces its coming-of-age qualities.

    Nov 10, 2015

    Alison Willmore

    BuzzFeed News
    Top Critic

  • A film that is both highly controlled on the surface, and molten with lust underneath.

    Jun 25, 2015 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Paul Byrnes

    Sydney Morning Herald
    Top Critic

  • It's a classy and seductive example of the art of the intimate epic.

    Jun 25, 2015 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Sandra Hall

    Sydney Morning Herald
    Top Critic

  • Moviegoers often say, "Forget about the book, even if it's a 'classic.' How does the film work on its own terms?" But that's the point: On its own terms, it's bewildering.

    May 12, 2015 | Full Review…

    David Edelstein

    New York Magazine/Vulture
    Top Critic

  • A good, solid version of this novel, guided by Mulligan, is still an achievement.

    May 12, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Michael Phillips

    Chicago Tribune
    Top Critic

  • Vinterberg's classical, pastoral aesthetic recalls the heyday of the Merchant Ivory films, without the corny sentimentality of their lesser imitators.

    May 12, 2015 | Full Review…

    Lindsey Bahr

    Associated Press
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (186)

Audience Reviews for Far From the Madding Crowd

  • Dec 31, 2015
    A great cast helps the familiar material and introduces it to a whole new generation, whom believe film history starts at "Star Wars".
    Anthony V Super Reviewer
  • Oct 20, 2015
    Based on Thomas Hardy's classic novel, Far From the Madding Crowd is a compelling tale of romance and perseverance. The story follows a young woman named Bathsheba Everdene who inherits her father's farm and soon attracts a number of suitors, including a wealthy businessman and a military officer, who are drawn to her fierce independence. Carey Mulligan gives a strong performance, as does her co-star Matthias Schoenaerts, and they both have good chemistry together. Additionally, the sets and costume are incredible well-done; feeling authentic to the time period. However, the story's rather formulaic and predictable. Yet while it's a tad familiar, Far From the Maddening Crowd is a captivating film.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Oct 09, 2015
    Bathsheba Everdene attempts to run an estate without the social benefits of marriage in this Thomas Hardy adaptation. Director Thomas Vinterberg may have been well aware that late nineteenth century feminism may seem passe to a modern audience, so he spends the majority of this adaptation focusing solely on character development, particularly that of Bathsheba and Gabriel. As a result, the novel's criticisms of late Victorian society take a back seat to the rather pedestrian romance, which unfolds predictably. Carey Mulligan is lovely and strong, but there's too much modern independence in her performance; we don't doubt for a moment that she has the capability of running the estate, yet for the original Bathsheba, this may have been a matter of some suspense. Matthias Schoenaerts is dreamy, and that's about all that can be said for his performance. Overall, Far from the Madding Crowd is a competent adaptation of one of a great author's lesser novels.
    Jim H Super Reviewer
  • Sep 13, 2015
    Vinterberg tones down the melodrama of Hardy's pastoral novel to make a more sober adaptation but misses the intensity of the protagonist's misery - which is not only a fault of his off-putting direction but also because Carey Mulligan is clearly miscast in the role.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
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