Far From the Madding Crowd MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: +4

Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge. Romantic drama. Directed by Thomas Vinterberg.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy, Far From the Madding Crowd stars Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba Everdene, an amazingly independent young woman in Victorian England. Inheriting a sheep farm catapults her into becoming a highly respected business woman. Included among her admirers are hired hand Gabriel Oak (Schoenaerts), wealthy neighbor William Boldwood (Sheen) and dashing Sergeant Francis Troy (Sturridge).

PREVIEW REVIEW: The fact that Thomas Hardy’s novel was written in 1874 - almost 150 years ago - and the central character takes charge of her life while maintaining her gentle, proper persona becomes very relevant today. As natural disasters, personal disappointments and the threat of bankruptcy occur, Bathsheba learns that sheep farming is not for the faint-hearted. But she never gives up. She sets an example for all by working alongside her help, acknowledging her own mistakes, and sharing generously. With the beautiful English countryside as a backdrop, an enthralling drama and believable characters, it will be a shame if Far From the Madding Crowd does not expand to more theaters.

PREVIEW REVIEW: The absence of foul language, car chases, sex and gratuitous violence may discourage young people’s interest. The PG-13 rating indicates this is not a child’s film. There are some tragedies of animals dying, an implied drowning, and a destructive fire. Drunkenness at a wedding party is not condoned. Even the one villain displays unpleasantness and anger without foul language. It is also worth noting that this 2015 production does not attempt to “update” the original story or the 1967 movie starring Julie Christie.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Fox Searchlight