Review of Jane Eyre (2011) by Wayne K — 12 Oct 2018

I've never read the book upon which this film is based, but from what I've heard it does a faithful job of bringing the semi-autobiographical story to the big screen. Mia Wasikowska brings the soft-spoken but hard-willed and feisty Jane to life, trying her best to live on her own terms while obstacles are constantly thrown in her way, from spiteful relatives, authoritarian teachers and men who at their absolute best when falling drunkenly from horses.

That would be Mr. Rochester, played with incredible depth and earnesty by Michael Fassbender, a broken-down man now experiencing a new lease of life through Jane. The way the 2 pay off is each is what makes the film, and I love how their relationship is never depicted as unrealistically idyllic, with things always getting in their way and questions constantly asked about whether or not they can truly co-exist.

It shows the struggles of a woman trying to be independent in a time when this flew completely in the face of the norm, and Wasikowska completely inhabits the character. I would have to say that in terms of raw emotion, Fassbender just edges her out, but both actors are always on top form, giving us one of England's oldest, yet most endearing, odd couples.