The Return of the Native

directed by Jack Gold
Category: "Drama"
Year of Release:1994
Date Added:06/29/2008
Date Watched:06/28/2008
Description:Based on the novel by Thomas Hardy. Eustacia Vye has big dreams and wants badly to get off the moor, so she sets her sights on Clym Yeobright, an educated man who has just returned from Paris. She breaks off her flirtation with Damon Wildeve and determines to put up with life until Clym goes back to Paris. But when Clym's eyes go bad, he determines to be a small-time teacher on the moor. He and Eustacia quarrel, and when a misunderstanding results in the death of Clym's mother, they part. Just when they're on the verge of getting back together, Damon shows up. Eustacia and Damon hatch a plan of escape, but it goes awry and results in death for both of them. Through it all, Diggory Venn, the reddleman, lurks in the background, fiercely loyal to Damon's wife, Thomasin.
My Rating:7

Reviews for The Return of the Native

Review - Return of the Native, The

I saw this movie on TV when it first came out and thought it was fairly spectacular. I thought Eustacia was very pretty, although I didn't realize the part was played by Catherine Zeta-Jones until she became famous several years later.

Now I still think it's good, but it's not as splashy or well-produced as many later period pieces.
Back to the list