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Tess [1979]
![Tess [1979]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B4MpnyKyL._SL160_.jpg)
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Beautiful and Haunting!
Review date: 2008-11-11 Rating: 8 out of 10
When this film first came out I watched it, having been a fan of the book. It's been many years now, and I decided to buy it on DVD as I was inspired by the new BBC version.
Polanski has shot a truly beautiful version of Tess of The D'Urbervilles. Nastassia Kinski is stunning and so innocent as Tess. Angel is played by a very young Peter Firth (Harry in Spooks), and both portrayals are sensitive and believeable. The way it is shot shows Polanski's talent for cinematography and some scenes just take your breath away.
I do feel this film suffers because of it's length. The end comes too quickly and seems to be rushed. There's no doubt that this film is beautiful and haunting, but it is not emotional enough to make me cry.
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Reviews
Sumptuous, exquisite and achingly beautiful
Review date: 2008-07-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
I first saw this film at Easter 1987, I was studying the novel for 'A' level. Over twenty years later, I can see so much more in it. First the strength and pain of Tess, and what a sublime literary heroine she is. At 18 you don't realise how tough and painful life can be, but by middle-age you can appreciate how betrayals and disappointments come about. Tess faces some terrible blows.
Nastassja Kinski is one of the most beautiful creatures you've ever seen on film, and the costumes in this film are out of this world. After watching this the first time, I proposed a debate in school, "This House believes that Nastassja Kinski should become Head of Modern Languages." As part of my case I got the video and showed the strawberry scene, which has to be one of the most erotic in cinema.
The film lasts for three hours, and I watched it over three sessions. It brought back that profoundly sad English vision of the world so particular to Thomas Hardy. Polanski adds his own creepiness in parts and he evokes village life in flux. I'm usually bored by costume-drama adaptations, but this film has utterly beguiled me this week.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Peter Firth
Leigh Lawson
Carolyn Pickles
Nastassja Kinski
Arielle Dombasle
Creators:
Nastassja Kinski (Primary Contributor)
Peter Firth (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Uca
Manufacturer: Uca
EAN: 5050582536331
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-12-10
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 164 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1979