Watch Under the Greenwood Tree

"Under the Greenwood Tree" is a British romantic drama film that was released in 2005. The film is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel of the same name which was first published in 1872. Directed by Nicholas Laughland, the movie stars Keeley Hawes, James Murray, Terry Mortimer, and other notable actors. Set in the early 19th century, the film takes place in a rural village called Mellstock. It centers around the lives of the residents of the village particularly, the relationship between Dick (James Murray) a young and handsome newcomer, and Fancy (Keeley Hawes), a beautiful schoolteacher who has lived in the village for some time. Dick is a member of a new family that has recently moved to Mellstock with a large amount of wealth. He is immediately smitten by Fancy's beauty, intelligence, and charm.

The film begins with a group of Mellstock villagers preparing for the harvest dance, an annual celebration of the harvest. It is at the dance that Dick sees and speaks to Fancy for the first time. Despite her initial reluctance, Fancy soon finds herself attracted to Dick's good looks, charm, and easy-going nature.

However, their growing relationship is threatened by several factors. The first is that Dick's father is a wealthy man who is determined to take over the village church and establish a new type of church service that the traditional villagers in Mellstock do not like. This brings him into conflict with the locals, who are fiercely independent and protective of their rural way of life.

Another major factor is that Fancy's aunt and uncle are against her relationship with Dick. They worry that her position as a respected schoolteacher would be undermined if she were to marry an outsider who may not share their values or beliefs.

Despite these obstacles, Dick and Fancy's love for each other continues to grow. They eventually decide to elope in secret, hoping to start a new life together away from the village's troubles. However, things do not go as planned, and they find themselves caught in a dangerous situation.

Overall, "Under the Greenwood Tree" is a heartwarming and beautifully filmed movie that captures the essence of rural life in 19th-century England. The stunning landscapes, captivating performances by the cast, and the timeless story of love, tradition, and conflict make it a must-watch for fans of British period dramas.

Under the Greenwood Tree is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.