Watch Far from the Madding Crowd

Far from the Madding Crowd is a 1967 British drama film, directed by John Schlesinger and based on the 1874 novel of the same name by Thomas Hardy. The film follows the story of Bathsheba Everdene (Julie Christie), a beautiful and headstrong young woman who inherits a farm from her uncle in the countryside. Bathsheba, who is determined to be independent and run her farm on her own terms, attracts the attention of three suitors: Gabriel Oak (Alan Bates), a sheep farmer who proposes to her but is rejected; William Boldwood (Peter Finch), a wealthy and middle-aged bachelor who becomes obsessed with her; and Frank Troy (Terence Stamp), a handsome and reckless sergeant who sweeps Bathsheba off her feet.

The film explores the themes of love, loyalty, passion, and choices that shape the lives of the characters. Bathsheba is torn between the three men, each representing a different aspect of love and desire. Gabriel is the stalwart and dependable friend, Boldwood is the steady and devoted provider, and Troy is the dangerous and passionate lover.

As Bathsheba navigates her relationships with each man, she learns about herself and what she truly wants in life. She discovers her own strength and independence, but also her vulnerability and need for love and companionship.

The film is set in the beautiful and rugged landscapes of England's countryside, with sweeping shots of the farms and fields, and the changing seasons reflecting the moods of the characters. The cinematography by Nicolas Roeg is stunning, capturing the natural beauty and harsh realities of life in rural England.

The performances by the cast are exceptional, with Julie Christie delivering a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of Bathsheba, capturing her strength, vulnerability, and complexity. Alan Bates is also excellent as Gabriel, bringing a quiet intensity and sincerity to his character. Peter Finch gives a powerful and restrained performance as Boldwood, conveying the despair and longing of a man who loves deeply but is rejected. Terence Stamp is magnetic as Troy, portraying his character's charm, arrogance, and vulnerability with equal skill.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Richard Rodney Bennett, captures the romantic themes and emotional intensity of the story, adding another layer of depth to the film.

Overall, Far from the Madding Crowd is a beautifully crafted and compelling adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel. It tells a timeless story of love and desire, set against the backdrop of the English countryside, with exceptional performances and stunning cinematography.

Far from the Madding Crowd is a 1967 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 55.