John Durbeyfield, a simple farmer learns from a clergyman that his family is descended from the d'Urbervilles, that lost its land and prestige at some point.Now John wants to regain his lost nobility and he sends his young and naive daughter Tess to seek employment with a family named d'Urberville.Alec d'Urberville likes Tess immediately and seduces her with strawberries and roses.It is found out there is no relation between them.Alec later rapes Tess, this innocent young girl.She then gives birth to a baby that is born sickly and dies.But there may be happiness waiting for Tess.She goes working on a dairy farm as a milkmaid.She meets a missionary called Angel, her true love.They get married, but Angel, thinking her young wife is innocent, leaves Tess after finding out about the rape and the baby.While he's gone,Alec and Tess have found each other again.Tess kills Alec in rage.Angel has forgiven Tess during that time and wants her back.Tess (1979) is directed by Roman Polanski and produced by Claude Berri, who recently passed away.Its based on Thomas Hardy's 1891 novel, which I haven't read.But the movie is awfully good.Nastassja Kinski is perfect in the role of this young peasant girl.You can see her growing during this movie, turning from an innocent girl to a more mature one.John Collin's performance as her father John is brilliant.Peter Firth is great as Angel Clare.Leigh Lawson gives a terrific portrayal as the villain of the story, Alec.Also fine performances by Carolyn Pickles as Marian and Suzanna Hamilton, who plays the lovesick dairymaid Izz.This film gives a good picture of the life back then.It shows us the work on a farm, how it was done in the 19th century.It's a beautiful scene where Angel carries all those girls across the swollen creek, Tess being the last girl he carries.And the rape scene, with the dust and the music is something you will remember.
