Period drama fans think they’ve found the “best of all time” – and it’s currently streaming on Disney+. Released in 2015 and based on a beloved novel, the film stars Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Matthias Schoenaerts. It received rave reviews from fans, and has vied for the top spot for period dramas against iconic adaptations like Pride and Prejudice, North and South and Sense and Sensibility.
That film, of course, is Far from the Madding Crowd, adapted from Thomas Hardy’s beloved book. Set in Britain in 1870, it follows Bathsheba who is working on her aunt’s farm when she comes across neighbouring farmer Gabriel, who soon proposes to her. Soon she attracts three very different suitors – reckless soldier Frank, sheep farmer Gabriel and mature bachelor William.
Fans on Reddit voted for it as the “best period drama of all time”, with one writing: “What a lovely film, my favourite Hardy adaptation and one of my favourite period pieces of all time. Everyone is so good in this. And Carey Mulligan is always a treat.”
Another echoed: “My favourite book and favourite movie ever! It’s the most beautifully pastoral film and is perfect to watch on a cosy night in.”
A third fan posted: “One of my favourite movies. I’ve seen this like 20 times!”
However, others disagreed, with one arguing: “The film with Julie Christie, Alan Bates, Terence Stamp and Peter Finch was, in my opinion, superior. The cinematography is stunning and that scene with Troy showing off his sword skills is charged with sexual electricity.”
Another penned: “No, sorry, the 1967 version with Julie Christie and Alan Bates, Peter Finch and omg that was a young Terence Stamp are the epitome of this story. Mulligan’s a great actress but she just doesn’t exude sex appeal in the same way as Christie. The part was played SO differently!”
Someone else posted: “I quite enjoyed the 90s miniseries with Nathaniel Parker!”
