Jude | Beyond The Some Scenes | The Critique



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Like Reader, on internet Jude is also more known for some explicit content than the quality of art. My sole intent to watch this Victorian drama was to familiarize myself with more works of my favorite actress Kate Winslet. Though the movie is pretty dark in its content and is not in the genre I usually prefer, stellar performances and impressive presentation of Hardy’s Jude the Obscure left me spell bound. It took me some minutes to recollect my voice and say… wow.

Jude aspires to become a scholar but class system creates hurdles for him. His marriage is unhappy. Then he meets his beautiful cousin Sue. Both are attracted towards each other. Sue marries Jude’s teacher. However the relationship end in tragedy. She leaves her husband and starts living with Jude. The incestuous relation is abhorred by the society. Jude is no way close to his aspiration to become a scholar. One fine day, a boy Juey/Jude comes. He is son of Jude and his former spouse. He starts living with Jude, Sue and his step-siblings. Another tragedy is in waiting…

As an actor both Christopher Eccleston and Kate Winslet did a fair job. Their chemistry gives you a feel of comfort and discomfort which complemented the role reprised. Liam Cunningham and Rachel Griffiths were good as supporting cast. June Whitfield was commendable. Jude, being based on a classic demands lots of effort to restore the era. The movie justifies the Victorian era beautifully. The story is a dark tragedy and the entire movie stands on two pillars- acting and conviction. Jude stands tall. Screenplay by Hossein Amini and direction by Michael Winterbottom deserves special mention. Carrying the burden of such a classic is a thankless job. No matter what you do, if its good… they say it’s a classic… if its bad, they call for your head.

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh