'Jane Eyre'

'Jane Eyre' (2011) (PG-13) (3 stars)

Writer: Moira Buffini based on Charlotte Bronte novel
Director: Cary Fukunaga
Starring: Mia Warsikowska, Micheal Fassbender, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, Jamie Bell,
Simon McBurney, Valentina Cervi

The novel "Jane Eyre" has a heartbreaking and very passionate love story. The 2011 movie adaptation honors that love story with two great performances and a sure handed direction. It is a classic love story that smolders with intensity in a film that looks bleak and that is it's power. I didn't fully embrace this movie but I admired it and I thought the love story and chemistry between it's two leads was perfect.

"Jane Eyre" tells the story of Jane who was raised in a sad and bleak house by a woman who abused Jane mentally. Jane was also physically abused at times in the boarding school she resided in. In a powerful scene she makes friends with an abused girl and sees her die right before her eyes. Jane is sent to be a governess for a cold and pained Mr. Rochester. They strike up a friendship that turns into pure love, Jane has finally found love and attention. Their love is tested because it is frowned upon and through certain circumstances she has to leave. Everyone who has read this story knows what it's about. I haven't read the book but I could probably guess that to it's readers it has to be a powerful love story.

The film may be too cold in spots but I love it's cinematography and the haunting way it is always dark, cloudy and filmed in damp, cold settings. The director Cary Fukunaga takes great care in building this love story and the final third where Jane falls in love with a servant played by Jamie Bell adds great drama. Fukunaga is a talented director, his first movie was the impressive "Sin Nombre". Like Nombre though I felt the movie needed more depth. The love story here is passionate but the movie can also leave you cold and depressed.

Mia Warsikowska is wonderful as Jane and this talented young actress announces her leading lady status with this performance. She had been solid in "Alice in Wonderland" in the lead role but she shows more here because it is a more dificult role and she is up to it. You will hear a lot about Michael Fassbender very soon and he gives another great performance here. He has been on the cusp of greatness with his acting in "Inglorious Basterds" and was excellent in the powerful indie drama "Fish Tank". Fassbender is building a great career here so far and it won't be long before he makes a big Hollywood splash and becomes a hearthrob. He has all the goods and his chemistry with Warsikowska is great in what is a difficult relationship. These are two wonderful actors in a timeless love story that is solid.