Watch Jane Eyre

In the 1996 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel, Jane Eyre, we follow the life of the titular character from her traumatic childhood to her eventual happiness. The film stars talented actors such as William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Anna Paquin. The story begins with young Jane Eyre living with her cruel aunt and cousins. After a traumatic incident, Jane is sent to Lowood Institution, a boarding school for orphaned girls. Here, Jane learns to be independent and makes some lifelong friends. However, she is still lonely and yearning for something more than just survival.

As an adult, Jane (Charlotte Gainsbourg) takes a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall, the estate of the mysterious Mr. Rochester (William Hurt). Despite his gruff exterior, Jane is drawn to Mr. Rochester and the two develop a deep connection. However, there are secrets in Thornfield Hall that threaten to tear them apart.

Anna Paquin plays Adele, Mr. Rochester's ward, and steals every scene she's in. Adele adds a touch of levity to the sometimes dark story, and her relationship with Jane is touching and sweet.

One of the standout features of this adaptation is the attention to detail in the costume and set design. Each setting is intricate and visually stunning, transporting the viewer into the world of 19th century England. The costumes are impeccable and add to the authenticity of the time period.

The acting in Jane Eyre is superb, with Gainsbourg giving a strong performance as the titular character. She portrays Jane as a strong-willed and independent woman, but also allows her vulnerability to show through. Hurt gives a standout performance as Mr. Rochester, capturing the character's complexities perfectly. He adds a sense of danger and mystery to the role, making the audience unsure of his true intentions.

Overall, the 1996 adaptation of Jane Eyre is a faithful retelling of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel. It is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals and a compelling storyline. The performances are strong and captivating, making this a must-watch for fans of the novel and period dramas alike.

Jane Eyre is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.