In Victorian England, Tess Durbeyfield (Nastassja Kinski) is a poor village girl. Her family suspects that they descend from the aristocratic d'Urbervilles. She is hired by the local branch of the noble house. She is hounded by the lecherous 'cousin' Alec d'Urberville and discovers that their noble name had actually been purchased. After a devastating event, she is cast down. She finds love with gentleman Angel Clare but her past continues to haunt her.
It's the classic Thomas Hardy tale directed by Roman Polanski. There is real beauty here from the alluring Kinski to visually captivating like the first ride into the estate. Polanski's personal issues do affect one's perception of this film and three hours is a bit too long anyways. The incident needs to be more brutal and Alec needs to reject her right after. It would put her life into more suffering which would increase her downtrodden state. This is a well made beautiful literary classic from a cinematic master.
It's the classic Thomas Hardy tale directed by Roman Polanski. There is real beauty here from the alluring Kinski to visually captivating like the first ride into the estate. Polanski's personal issues do affect one's perception of this film and three hours is a bit too long anyways. The incident needs to be more brutal and Alec needs to reject her right after. It would put her life into more suffering which would increase her downtrodden state. This is a well made beautiful literary classic from a cinematic master.