Jane Eyre set New, BBC TV drama

Continuing the BBC’s unrivalled reputation for costume drama, their new adaptation of Jane Eyre proved to be one of the television triumphs of 2006. Based, as you’d expect, on the Charlotte Bronte book of the same name, this two-disc set brings together the full series, spread across the best part of four sumptuous hours.

It’s a faithful adaptation, with Ruth Wilson giving an exceptional performance in the title role. Mr Rochester’s boots, meanwhile, are filled by Toby Stephenson, and both prove to be wise choices. Backed up by an excellent supporting cast, they’re also supported by some quite superb scenery, warm photography and skilful, at times neatly understated the direction, that gives the story space to develop.

Is the best adaptation of Jane Eyre? It certainly builds a compelling case, and while there’s the odd slight misstep along the way, it’s primarily a terrific interpretation of a classic romance. Perhaps the only real disappointment is that the DVD release itself doesn’t offer more in the way of added features, but given the presentation and quality of the main attraction, that’s unlikely, rightly, to deter those in search of some classic BBC drama.
Synopsis
2006 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's passionate and tender story of the love between a fiercely independent governess and her brusque, mysterious employer.