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Being an incredibly passionate fan of the beautiful story, and of seeing all of the made versions of the novel, I must admit that the 1992 version of Wuthering Heights, starring the beautiful and gorgeous Juliette Binoche, alongside the extremely handsome and riveting Ralph Fiennes, no other version as yet captivated me as much as this one as. Whether it is the choice of actor, the breath-taking soundtrack, the beautfiful scenery, I cannot replace this version with any other one. I travelled to Yorkshire last year on my European trip, and visited the Bronte Parsonage Musuem and got to see and touch the actual tombstones used as props in this film. I also walked the moors on which the film was shot and felt such a sense of closeness to the story. There is no other actress that could have captured the cute, wild and impetuous themes of Cathy's characteristics as well as Binoche did. Not only is she the most beautiful actress that I had ever seen, she had so much acting talent in that film and really conveyed the true feeling of Catherine Earnshaw. The "I Am Heathcliff" speech and the "There's my room, with the candle in the window" speech cannot be beat, as she really interpreted the role of Cathy and portrayed her in the exact way that I had always pictured Cathy to be from reading the novel. As for Ralph Fiennes, really, what can one say? He's such a gentleman and has such dark and romantic features to him, and couldn't believe how great he looked as a brunette! His "I pray one prayer" speech should have won him an award...the finest piece of acting that I have ever watched in my whole life! All in all, a must-see version if you are a fan, and even if you aren't a dire-hard one, it is still a beautiful piece of theatre.Read full review
The presence of two actors of the calibre of Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche in a film version of Wuthering Heights is a tantalising prospect. The viewer is not disappointed. Juliette Binoche plays a dual role - as Catherine Linton (nee Earnshaw) and her daughter Catherine Earnshaw (nee Linton). The circularity of the notion is successful and gives credence to the extremes of passion that Heathcliff feels for mother and daughter in their different relationships to him. Ralph Fiennes gives us a splendidly callous Heathcliff, dark, private and brooding - a perfect Ralph Fiennes role. Yet neither protagonist really succeeds in conveying the passion that Emily Bronte bestows in the original. Without knowing the book, the viewer might be baffled by the reasons for the destructive mutual passion of the film. Whilst each performance is masterly, the two fail somewhat in interaction. Despite these flaws, this version of Wuthering Heights is well acted and well directed. Filmed in Yorkshire, it captures the feeling of the Moors and their bleak ruggedness. The contrasts between the gentility of the upper class and the setting, between Heathcliff and Edgar Linton, between politeness and passion are faithfully played out. It is a good film that succeeds in the difficult task of bringing something new to a well-known classic.Read full review
My wife and I have known each other since junior high school, and have still have a lot of affection for one another. Recently my job has required a lot of time away from her, while traveling to other states for a month at a time. While talking on the phone is comforting, its always nice to have other sentimental things (other than our kids), to help fill the void. For a long time now, she and I have been searching for her favorite move, Emily Bronte's, Wuthering Heights. About a week before I left on my most recent trip, I found this DVD on EBAY. Without thinking twice, I boughtit knowing it would arrive while I was away. When it arrived, she was so overwhelmed with supprise that she could barely compose herself. As it has been with my experience on EBAY, I am rarly disapointed with the ability to locate things from the rare, uncommon or unique, to the most popular and indemand at a reasonable price. It's always nice to know there a place where it can be found, and EBAY is that place. David FiorelliRead full review
Very seldom am I at a loss for words. Yet now, I can find none suitable. I have written many reviews, just recently on eBay, but in many other places for quite a long time. Yet, never have I sat down to write my thoughts immediately after watching a film. Still, I sit here now, trying vainly to describe what I am feeling. What this movie has MADE me feel. The story of Heathcliff and Cathy is not about love as most know it. It is MORE than love. It is a fusion, a union of two souls separated by society and circumstance, yet bonded so completely that even death could not sever them. Love beyond pain, beyond place, beyond reason. Never has an adaptation brought this classic novel so completely to the screen. That, in itself, is high praise. Wuthering Heights had been made 14 times before this, the 1992 incarnation. It is also the LAST time, to date, it has been made. And that should be the highest praise of all. Why? Because it cannot be improved upon beyond this. Yes, the movie can be a bit confusing, even abrupt in the plot shifts for those who have never read the book. But for those who have: Anne Devlin treats her screenplay with reverence for Emily Bronte's novel. Many whole scenes are intact, the dialog exact. The scenery was breathtaking. And the house, the Heights itself, was perfect. Still standing there, after centuries, keeping its own secrets in the silence of its stones. The cast of actors includes not one single Hollywood darling. Thank God. They would have ruined it. But, because the cast is not overly well known in the US, you concentrate on the PERFORMANCES rather than the performers. And, it is in these performances this film rises above its predecessors. The actors all turn in solid efforts. Each is true to character, from selfish Cathy (Juliette Binoche) to vapid Isabella (Sophie Ward). Simon Shepherd's Edgar Linton is far more likeable than the novel. His portrayal is an improvement on the original, and you actually pity him for being caught between Cathy and Heathcliff. Heathcliff. An immortal character, like Sherlock Holmes, or Hamlet. Sir Laurence Olivier, arguably the best Hamlet, played Heathcliff in the 1939 version opposite Merle Oberon as Cathy. Until tonight, I thought his was the best Heathcliff, as well. Until tonight. Tonight I watched Ralph Fiennes play Heathcliff. No, not play. He BECAME Heathcliff. Bronte's Heathcliff. A Heathcliff I had always pictured clearly in my mind, but had NEVER seen before my eyes. Before tonight. This man is RIVETING. He commands the story, seizing it, wrenching it to his will as Heathcliff does the lives of those around him. Yet, you do not hate him for it. Rather, you ache for him. You look into his eyes and feel every rip in his soul, the agony of every jagged edge. I cry at movies all the time. Seldom, though, am I torn in a grief so absolute I am left at the end empty, and spent. I don't know much about Ralph Fiennes work. I tend to like films that deal in anything BUT reality, so have not seen much of him. I loved Red Dragon, but until I read his film bio I never connected Francis Dolarhyde to Heathcliff, which is perhaps the greatest praise of all. Fiennes alone is the reason you cannot improve on this film. No one could ever bring Heathcliff to life like this. The role belongs to him. I bought this DVD out of curiosity.I wanted to see why everyone was thrilled Fiennes was cast as Lord Voldemort. Now I know. And I can't wait to see it.Read full review
If you've read my review of the book, then you know that this is one of my favorite stories. I have seen other movie versions of Wuthering Heights in the past and find this one to be far superior. The greatest difference is that this version contains the whole story. Other versions I've seen leave out the story of Edgar and Catherine's daughter Cathy and her experiences with Heathcliff. As well as the love story of her and young Hareton Earnshaw. This adaption tells the whole story. Seeing the complete story in one movie is enough to give this version great reviews but it is also the choice of actors and the location they chose to film that makes this the best. Very true to tale this movie is definately a must see.
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