every single adaptation he is so handsome fjkerlkve

I thought the one from 1997 with Ciarán Hinds and Samantha Morton was pretty good. He seemed more like a Rochester to me - older and not so terribly "Hollywood beautiful".

Beth S . Yes! Absolutely! My favorite adaptation

Lol, right! Like he's supposed to be really ugly and even Ciaran Hinds is arguably handsome. My favorite Rochester is Toby Stephens because he captures the arrogance and flippancy of a Rich younger son well. However, the hair and makeup teams attempts to make a delicate ginger man into a craggy dark Byronic hero are kinda funny

Book: Jane is small, plain, and unattractive Adaptations: * cast pretty actresses and then ask them to perform without makeup in order to "look plain"

Same here. Her passion one of her defining characteristics and she just drops it all on him in this version.

Here, here! I agree. No way Jane would be crying.

"I said this almost involuntarily, and, with as little sanction of free will, my tears gushed out. I did not cry so as to be heard, however; I avoided sobbing", then, a moment or so later: "In listening, I sobbed convulsively; for I could repress what I endured no longer; I was obliged to yield, and I was shaken from head to foot with acute distress."

@@supergran1000 Could you please tell me where is that passage from? I have read the book in a translation, and don't find it in the part we are talking about.

Wasikowska played the character with complete anachronistic modernity, especially in that scene. She did not capture Jane's logic, deeply held principles, and sincerity of character, instead allowing a snarling petulance to peek out which was never part of Jane's character at her worst. Even as a child it was her clear-sightedness and logic which made her aunt hate her.

I don't think the actresses are conventionally beautiful and are not what would have been considered beautiful for the time period they are conveying. Same with the actors playing Rochester. While Toby is my all time favorite and doggone fine, in certain light, he can seem unattractive.

@@Stitcher1964 Joan Fontaine was a very beautiful woman-

@@tatianabubnova1421 I don't count the old movies as all actresses were beautiful regardless of role...they all pretty much looked alike to me.

I agree! Which is one minor reason I prefer the 2006 version...while I don't think anyone would describe Ruth Wilson as plain...calling her beautiful, especially to 19th century standards requires a bit of argument. High arching brows, thin lips, angular face...none of it conforms to a 19th century standard of beauty. Plus she is an AMAZING actress and honestly the only one who made me believe she was really in love.

I fell in love with the 1944 version and I'm not sure if it is out of loyalty to what got me to read the book and fall in love, but I have gotten into many a debate over this over the past 20 years or so, lol! My biggest thing is that the book is written from her perspective and is her opinion. She could have been drop dead gorgeous but if she thought she was plain, she would say she was plain. I think a lot of us don't think we look as good as we do. When I look back at pictures of myself from years gone by, I can't believe I thought I looked fat or I was worried about some kind of imperfection or something. So I'm not sure Jane is the best authority on this subject. Also, yes, Joan Fontaine was beautiful! In the 1944 version, they were able to do a lot to give off the feeling of plainness stylistically. When Jane sees everyone at the party and goes back to her room I think is the best example of this. The upper class people, especially Blanche, have all sorts of trimmings on their clothes and Blanche herself has elaborate hair and some distinct and sharp features (like her eyes). She also has a way of carrying herself. There is so much visual stimulation that when you go back to just Jane in her room, it feels plain. Plus her features are so soft. I remember the first time I saw it, she's looking at herself in the mirror and the word that popped into my head was "plain". It just did. I'm still so amazed with how they were able to do that to me. Sorry for the mini essay here, I was just so excited when I saw this video recommended to me and then people I could talk to about it, lol! I am so in love with this but surprisingly have seen little about the 1944 version on the Internet. Might not have been looking in the right places, plus it has been years since I tried to find other people or even clips online.

val phipps Mine, too. And he was also so good as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. .

Exactly!

I agree! 👍💕

@@punch6832 oh he was wonderful as Heathcliff I agree, the music to that film was lovely too.

I agree so much, I can't imagine other Jane or Rochester

I wondered too why this version was left out. Some people don't like or appreciate it, it ranked very poorly in another video but I love both of them. It was also the first version I saw.

oh my gosh i totally agreeeeeeee!!!!!! they were fabulous !!!!!

Ciaran Hinds captures the dark aspects of Rochester like no one else. People tend to over romanticize the character and ignore that he was emotionally abusive, manipulative, and very possessive. Ciaran brought out these character traits and in doing so shows how Rochester is a deeply flawed man, not the torchured hero everyone makes him out to be. I strongly beleive that is why that version does not get the praise that others do

Exactly! Samantha Morton in my opinion was the best Jane. I found Clarke lacked passion, Wilson was too playful and Mia a bit cold while Samantha truly nailed the role for me. But I think Hinds, Stephens and Dalton are all good in their portrayals

Hinds nailed the role of Rochester! He and Dalton are tied for my favorite Rochesters. Hinds was also incredible in the 1995 version of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

If you like Toby Stephens, check out his portrayal of Gilbert Markham in “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” written by Anne Brontë, the little sister of Charlotte Brontë. Emily Brontë wrote “Wuthering Heights”, and Timothy Dalton played both the 1970 adaptation of Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights”, and Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester in the 1983 adaptation of “Jane Eyre”. Toby Stephens and Timothy Dalton seem to play quite some Brontë sisters’ protagonists. 😄

@@Hoo88846 I saw the tenant of Wildfell Hall. Honestly I just gravitate towards any adaptations And it’s great to see when they are more accurate but also work as good films

Ruth Wilson is nothing like Jane Eyre.

Toby Stephens is too lightweight and lacks the authority Rochester has, while Ruth Wilson was just lacking in everything.

Utterly disagreed

Wow, you are truly a fan!😮 I have two old spanish versions of the book📗📘 they are quite different translations, but I couldn't choose one, so I keep both😊 All the films are interesting, I've seen all of them, except the one starring Tim Dalton😅 (thank you youtube for the clips) First I saw, when I was a teen ager was the Orson Wells 🎥 it impressed me, so I went to the novel. Maybe it's my favourite, bc is black&white😅

Exactly!

Including a lovely soundtrack that was sadly never released. Luckily composer Rob Lane now has some very nice sample tracks up on his website.

The soundtrack is so beautiful. It really enhances every scene.

What an awful Jane

@@staffanlindstrom576 In a world where there are people who like Mia's Jane and George Lazenby's Bond, there have to be people who don't like Wilson's Jane. I will admit that to date, there has not been a portrayal that fully captures the character in the book.

I also like the 2006 version because it explores the story extensively but I also like Mia's version the emotion is so heightened there you can feel the story like you're in it, I love both those adaptations to be honest and have watched them over and over like I'll find something new

2006 was much more enjoyable

I can't watch any other adaptations, bits and pieces here or there but the entire version is only 1983!

There's such a prejudice against taking such things seriously in movies, it's sad. A lot of great stories have been ruined that way. Don't be cowards! Just go with it!

The 1983 version did a good job with Jane's Christianity. You have to look for it though.

I wonder if this is a result of adhering closely to Jane’s POV, like the films feel they need to depict things in a sober fashion to match Jane’s composed and careful characterisation and view of events... it is a massive shame nobody runs a bit more wild with dreams and spirits, faeries, ghosts and the moon and suchlike.

@@absolutetruthgirl And that is why I love the 1983 version because not only did Timothy Dalton do justice to his role (and I don't care if he is handsome because he is the only who has captured the complex nature of Rochester), but the series did its best to adhere closely to the book's Christian themes.

I would love a full on gothic version of Jane Eyre, fully embracing the supernatural aspects of the book. I don't understand why filmmakers are so reticent to leave those elements in.

Yessss 2006 is the best!!!

I haven’t seen all the adaptations, but the version with Toby Stephens did the best at showing the audience what Jane saw in Rochester. Their chemistry was the best. I had previously seen him in “The Tenant at Wildfell Hall,” and didn’t even recognize him on the movie thumbnail pic for “Jane Eyre.”

Same here! Toby Stephens was def the best Mr Rochester I've seen!

Mine too

Mine too!!! And Toby Stephens is the best Mr. Rochester ever!!! ❤🤗

lunalouhoo I agree and the actor playing St. John Rivers was the best choice also.

@@oceanbrzzz Yes, so true. I had to look him up to see what else he has done since and that actor is the Duke of Coburg in Victoria!

lunalouhoo Andrew Bicknell. I also checked IMDB and Wikipedia. I haven’t seen Victoria, but I’m sure it’s good. Stay well.

@@oceanbrzzz Well it is a minor role...It's nice that he's still active and acting. Cheers!

He played Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. Another flawed and brooding Bronte male.

Michael Fassbender's scene of telling her the truth about Bertha is SPOT on. I love it.

Yes very well

And I think Toby Stephens captured well Rochester.

@@petrixcardes7821 Yes. I really liked him as Rochester too.

I liked Toby but not Ruth.

I like this version too, but they hacked the book. I think the Zeffirelli version is the best.

Haddon hall is fabulous, a truly beautiful medieval house. Its been used in other films.

@@b.m.t.h.3961 Yes. it is considered the best preserved late medieval/Renaissance house in the U.K. It's also fortunate to be situated in one of the most beautiful counties in the nation..

@@TheVaughan5 I agree, as someone born in Derbyshire, you are correct. It is a county full of historical buildings and beauty.

my mother's favorite novel when she was young was "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall".

I LOVE that Dalton played the gypsy scene himself! None of the others even attempted it, but he pulled it off wonderfully. This is the best and most faithful version I've ever seen.

Ohh the 1983 version is my favourite of all the others, Timothy dalton is hands down the best rochester and zelah clarke is very cute and fine jane. I love the intro and outro theme, the beautiful and melodious tune of violin is lovely and soulful , and even the music in the beginning of failed wedding scene is melodious. The title theme is given by " Paul Reade"

I agree.

Couldn't agree more

shirley temple I agree what you say about the book, best ever! Personally I like Samantha Morton as the best Jane but I absolutely looove Toby 😍

In the book though, she directly states that she began to sob the page before that line. “In listening, I sobbed convulsively; for I could repress what I endured no longer; I was obliged to yield, and I was shaken from head to foot with acute distress.”-Chapter 23

Joan Fontaine was too old to be a believable Jane Eyre.

same, could have watched more...

If you like Toby Stephens, check out his portrayal of Gilbert Markham in “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” written by Anne Brontë, the little sister of Charlotte Brontë. Emily Brontë wrote “Wuthering Heights”, and Timothy Dalton played both the 1970 adaptation of Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights”, and Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester in the 1983 adaptation of “Jane Eyre”. Toby Stephens and Timothy Dalton seem to play quite some Brontë sisters’ protagonists. 😄

So the most passionate.

The 1997 staring Samantha Norton and Ciaran Hinds, that is. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I couldn't finish Ciaran Hinds version. His Rochester came across as a drunken brute.

@@bonniea8189 the only thing I personally liked that much of the version with Ciaran Hinds wasn't him, it was Samantha Morton. I thought that she made a very good Jane. Ciaran Hinds is a pretty good actor overall, but I just wasn't that thrilled with his Rochester. If you have not seen the 1983 BBC version yet, which was shot as an 11 part series, it's here on KZfaq. Look it up and watch it. It really is the best, especially Timothy Dalton's portrayal of Rochester.

@@kimtodd61 Have you ever seen the 1983 BBC version? It's here on KZfaq. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it. Not only is it the truest to the book, but Timothy Dalton is outstanding as Rochester.

I like Ruth Wilson best. Most faithful to the book ... she cried but was strong in her grief.

Too good looking. George C. Scott in the 1970's version is much more the character.

I agree Kate , when Jane leaves him he really makes you believe his heart is truly broken

Dalton was too handsome, but he sure played the role to perfection. Scott's Rochester was boring, as was Susannah York's (too old) Jane. I like an inflamed, passionate Rochester, but there's a balance. Ciaran Hinds played him like a mad dog.

He was Captain Wentworth in Persuasion

not only was Dalton my favorite Rochester, but he was my favorite Heathcliff in his adaptation of Wuthering Heights...

Mine too, and I liked Hurt's Rochester too.

Same here!

It was the first adaptation I saw. I was obsessed with Anna Paquin as a child, and she portrayed young Jane so well. It seems to be an unpopular opinion in this comment section, but I agree, I really love the 1996 Jane Eyre.

I saw for the first time in EuropeEurope .. so perfect ! Es la mejor y mi favorita

I agree!!

I agree.

Correction- 1983- best Rochester in appearance as well as performance. Michael fassbender's performance is good, but nowhere near to Timothy Dalton.

1934.

Me too.

She was the best Jane to me

I agree with you!

No George C Scott and Susannah York?

I wholeheartedly agree. I feel like the 2011 adaptation really captures the haunting atmosphere I felt in the book.

I feel like I'm tied between the 2006 and 2011 version, both are amazing in different ways, they almost compliment each other.

agree 100%. Ruth Wilson its also the best Jane Eyre ever

They were amazing.

Same

If you like Toby Stephens, check out his portrayal of Gilbert Markham in “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” written by Anne Brontë, the little sister of Charlotte Brontë. Emily Brontë wrote “Wuthering Heights”, and Timothy Dalton played both the 1970 adaptation of Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights”, and Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester in the 1983 adaptation of “Jane Eyre”. Toby Stephens and Timothy Dalton seem to play quite some Brontë sisters’ protagonists. 😄

​@@Hoo88846 interesting 😊

i love that one too!

@@philadelphiawhovian5641 First: Timothy Dalton Second: Ciarian Hinds

@@cellowali2865 It's not my case. I really, realy like both actors even though I have a preference for Dalton. But I love Hinds in this role! J'adore !

I agree.

The same, it was old book in my parrents library, plain white cover from kind of hard textil and only name jane eyre on the side of book in black. Totally plain, had no clue what it is about and 16 years later I am moving to different country and taking this book and 2 glass christmas tree decorations with me, they are some 75 years old, my mum is 70 and these were bought buy her parrents before she was born) as only things from parrent's house.

There is NO SUCH THING as having watched or read Jane Eyre more times than appropriate!!! 😤🤔😉😂

Zeffirelli´s film is superior to the novel which is a mixture of absurd Gothic melodrama and Victorian sentimentality. To make an acceptable story out of it you have to cut out a lot of the dead-wood.

For me too

I like the Samantha Morton version, too!

The 1997 version was my first, and I loved it until the 2006 version schooled me in what was possible.

Those are the only two I like

Me too, but they didn't even mention it.

He actually looked like Mr. Rochester.

I just watched it and felt like it was so overacted by Cirian Hands and under-acted by Samantha Morton. It just...felt weird to me. Plus all his screaming was a bit much.

I'm with you Deborah.

Well said. I agree 💯. While I enjoy the subsequent screen adaptations, this black & white version seems to evoke the Gothic feel of the novel best. Orson Welles inhabits the larger-than-life, tortured Rochester like no other actor. Just my favorite interpretation.

YES! Those two versions

Totally agree.

The 1970 version was one of the first few movies shown in China in 1979 when the country started to open its door to the west. Over 100 million people watched it. The whole generation still remembers the music theme made by … yes, John Williams. The later versions are much less popular in China simply because the theaters were flooded with Hollywood movies.

I agree with all you say about Rochester! Tim is perfect I however quite enjoyed how tiny and dainty Zelah was, Jane was small after all

@@b..-.5439 Yes, that's true. Jane often speaks of herself as small or little, and Zelah made quite a sweet and earnest Jane Eyre. I think Timothy's dynamic performance overwhelmed her understated one, in some ways. But don't get me wrong, I still loved the series and admired both actors greatly :)

B. .-. But Rochester wasn’t a tall man. So yes he should be taller than her but not 2 heads taller..

@@cellowali2865 That's an interesting point; I think you're right! And at the very end, even when he's horribly disfigured, he actually looks even more handsome with his longer hair, you can't help seeing him through Jane's loving eyes.

wildthornrose I think the same I love that version of Jane Eyre but be his height or handsomeness or just the air of righteousness of Timothy Dalton and Zelah god actress but physically very cute (my opinion) I think the novel should be called Rochester and not Jane Eyre if he is in the shot your eyes can leave him

Persuasion ?

@@patchouleigh_ He was in that too. There was a Jane Eyre 1996 and one in 1997. I prefer 1997.