So, what do you think? Is this the Jane Eyre?
Hmmm. I was going to do my own review of Jane Eyre, but as there's already been so many, and mine was turning more into "what was different from the book that I didn't quite like" so... well, here's a (not-so) condensed version, mostly of episode four.
First of all, I love Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. Rochester is such a tease at points, with moments of tenderness. And then he's so passionate... With Jane, I loved when she was happy, and my heart broke when she would just burst into tears in episode four. And then she was so happy when she found out the Rivers were cousins...
The proposal scene wasn't anything like I imagined - I think of it as being in a garden, in a little alcove in a stone wall, on a bench, and it is evening. And I can't help but add moonlight, even though I think it's sunset, but anyway. I loved Jane's passionate outburst, and Rochester, but I guess I was seeing it differently. Will have to watch it again. :)
Bertha was much too pretty. She was like a scary Catherine Zeta-Jones, all ready to pounce at Rochester. or Jane. That was slightly scary... But I liked how they showed the whole fire with Rochester trying to save Bertha. It redeems his character, in a way.
I liked the flashbacks - I think it allowed the episode to start at the right place, and it also shows how fresh it still is to Jane. She hasn't forgotten Rochester at all, or love him any less.
St. John was how I would picture him (though maybe not exactly in appearance, but that's being nitpicky.) I was a little disappointed with how fast they sped through Jane's stay with Mary and Diana, though. It seemed to lack the warmth of the book. Also, in the book it is emphasized how equal they are to Jane in intellect - how she admires them for their minds (which is a theme almost, isn't it?) That wasn't present in the series so much. Other than that, though, the Rivers and Jane's stay there was how I though of it. :)
On a side note, Jane recieves 20,000 punds from her uncle, right? That would be an annual income? And that's double even Mr. Darcy's income - his was 10,000 pounds. And Mr. Bingley's was 5,000, so they all had it very good. (And both Mr. Bennet and Colonel Brandon had 2,000, though Mr. Bennet is made out to be poorer and Brandon is a rich gentleman, but that's another subject altogether.)
Jane's return to Rochester was just how I imagined it. Loved it. With him wondering if she is real, her combing out his wild hair. And even her not telling him how she heard his call to her.
Aw, I loved the end scene! One big, happy family. :) And they have two little kids!! Aw. :D Rochester's face lights up, and everyone is happy...
That still turned into a what-was-different-from-the-book review, but in case I sound too negative:
I loved the series! It was beautiful and passionate and heartwrenching and I can't wait for the DVD.
These are pics I made mostly for random icons at the end of episode four, but I figured I'd post them here for your viewing - and, if you'd like, iconing - pleasure. (And I love Jane's hair at the end - I can't stand that braided hairstyle over her ears...)