Jude (1996)

81% of critics liked it
(36 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(6,454 ratings)

In 19th century Britain, a unconventional young man struggles against the limitations of a rigid, restrictive society. Based on Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, this somber period drama stars a suitably intense Christopher Eccleston as Jude, a young man with dreams of receiving a scholarly… More In 19th century Britain, a unconventional young man struggles against the limitations of a rigid, restrictive society. Based on Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, this somber period drama stars a suitably intense Christopher Eccleston as Jude, a young man with dreams of receiving a scholarly university education. Circumstances conspire against him, however, forcing him into a job as a stonemason and an unsatisfactory marriage. He remains true to his dream, however, and years later, after his wife's sudden departure, heads for the city. There he encounters his beautiful cousin, Sue (Kate Winslet), who shares his intelligence and disdain for convention, and the two develop a romantic relationship. These unlikely lovers must struggle to keep their relationship secret from a disapproving world, however, or else face the tragic consequences of public scandal. Though purists may object to several liberties taken with the text, director Michael Winterbottom fashions a relatively efficient tale of doomed romance from Hardy's tragedy. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 3 min.
Directed By: Michael Winterbottom
Written By: Hossein Amini
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Oct 18, 1996 Wide
On DVD: May 14, 2002
Studio: USA Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
It's worth seeing Jude, a stark adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, just for the extraordinary performance of Christopher Eccleston as Jude Fawley.
Derek Elley, Variety
Young English actress Kate Winslet adds luster and energy to Jude, a bold and generally successful attempt to adapt Thomas Hardy's final novel, Jude the Obscure, to the bigscreen.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Without the benefit of Hardy's prose, the point of the movie is lost in the grim, grayish ether.
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times
Jude remains a handsome if gravely flawed film.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
The dark, steel engraving look that cinematographer Eduardo Serra has given Jude endows it with a somber magnificence.
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle
Jude is knockout Hardy, filled with stormy visual poetry and accompanied by a gorgeous yet simple score.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The film has its period down cold, but what makes it special is its nerve, about which the best you can say is that it matches Hardy's own.
, Film4
It's good quality stuff, but sublimely miserable.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Ambitious, sensitive, but ultimately uninvolving.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Superbly acted by all involved.
Laura Clifford, Reeling Reviews
Jude isn't a movie to see as entertainment, but is a strong contemplation on man's struggle to overcome oppressive odds.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Sometimes outstanding but is a not always satisfying screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy's last novel.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Among the very best, frankest, and most honest of recent literary adaptations.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Harrowing and compelling screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel set in 19th century England
Lael Loewenstein, Boxoffice Magazine
Faithfully adapted from Thomas Hardy's novel, Jude (minus the Obscure)...It's also a difficult film to like because it is, simply put, a downer.
Almar Haflidason, BBC
...as modern British historical films go, this is visually one of the most impressive.

Read all 16 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

A good Thomas Hardy adaptation, needless to say, don't expect a happy ending. This film is quite hard going but very good!
Jason O

Dry and a rather borefest, worth watching only for Kate Winslet's naked body.
Mark A

Only because of Kate Winslet do I round this up to four stars. One of the strongest actors working in film today, she is radiantly beautiful, even in this overpoweringly sad adaptation of Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy. This viewer felt as though this were the Cliff Notes version of… More
Only because of Kate Winslet do I round this up to four stars. One of the strongest actors working in film today, she is radiantly beautiful, even in this overpoweringly sad adaptation of Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy. This viewer felt as though this were the Cliff Notes version of Hardy's weighty tome. So much of this seemed glossed over, with Jude's (Christopher Eccleston) seduction by, marriage to, and separation from Arabella (Rachel Griffith) taking place in the first ten minutes. The whole film came off that way. Maybe this suffers from comparison to the last film this viewer watched (and reviewed) which chose an entirely different approach to a long novel and achieved a brilliant result. The defining tragedy here nearly broke this viewer's heart, but was telegraphed long before the actual events unfolded. Whether this was the fault of the filmmakers or is inherent to the novel is irrelevant. One wonders why this film had to be made. Still, it was nice to see both Rachel Griffith and Kate Winslet, even if the film was less than satisfactory.
Marion R

meh. It was really sad. the film felt squashed together and I felt that they made things difficult for themselves. It is very hard for me to believe that it would be this hard to be together.
Leo L

A great movie!