Watch Madame Bovary

Madame Bovary is a 2000 BBC television film adaptation of the famous French novel of the same name by Gustave Flaubert. The show aired on BBC1 and stars Frances O'Connor, Hugh Bonneville, Greg Wise, and Hugh Dancy in prominent roles. The story of Madame Bovary revolves around Emma Bovary, a young and beautiful woman who is married to Charles Bovary, a well-meaning but dull country doctor. Emma is unhappy with her life and longs for excitement and romance. She dreams of a glamorous life in Paris and becomes disillusioned with her mundane existence in the small town of Yonville.

As the story unfolds, Emma channels her dissatisfaction into an affair with Rodolphe Boulanger, a wealthy landowner. The two engage in a passionate affair, and Emma feels alive for the first time in years. However, when Rodolphe ends their relationship, Emma spirals into despair and falls deeper into debt. To pay off her debts, she seeks the help of another lover, the seductive and worldly Marquis d'Andervilliers. Emma's ongoing infidelity leads to devastating consequences for herself and those around her.

The adaptation of Madame Bovary by the BBC is a faithful retelling of the classic novel. The production values are high, and the performances by the lead actors are outstanding. Frances O'Connor is captivating as Emma Bovary, perfectly capturing the character's desperation and longing for a different life. Hugh Bonneville is excellent in the role of Charles Bovary, convincingly portraying the character's naivety and inability to understand his wife's unhappiness. Greg Wise's portrayal of Rodolphe is suitably charming and rakish, while Hugh Dancy is superb as the idealistic and romantic Leon Dupuis.

The show's visual style is also worthy of note. The film is shot in a muted tone, giving the scenes a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly matches Emma's mood. The use of long shots and wide angles is also effective, conveying the isolation and claustrophobia that Emma feels in her life in Yonville.

Overall, Madame Bovary is a must-watch for anyone who loves classic literature or period dramas. The story is timeless and still relevant today, and the performances in the show are top-notch. While the themes of adultery and disillusionment may be challenging for some viewers, the show's emotional depth and complexity make it a compelling and rewarding viewing experience.

Madame Bovary is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between February 6, 2000 and on BBC