Wuthering Heights Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
A passion. An obsession. A love that destroyed everyone it touched.
Heathcliff is Cathy Earnshaw's foster brother; more than that, he is her other half. When forces within and without tear them apart, Heathcliff wreaks vengeance on those he holds responsible, even into a second generation.
| Juliette Binoche | Cathy Linton, Catherine Earnshaw |
| Ralph Fiennes | Heathcliff |
| Janet McTeer | Ellen Dean |
| Sophie Ward | Isabella Linton |
| Simon Shepherd | Edgar Linton |
| Jeremy Northam | Hindley Earnshaw |
| Jason Riddington | Hareton Earnshaw |
| Simon Ward | Mr. Linton |
| Dick Sullivan | Parson |
| Robert Demeger | Joseph |
| Paul Geoffrey | Mr. Lockwood |
| John Woodvine | Mr. Earnshaw |
| Jennifer Daniel | Mrs. Linton |
| Janine Wood | Frances Earnshaw |
| Peter Kosminsky |
6.60 out of 10 (3055 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Another Great Version
posted on 23 Jul 2009I've enjoyed every version of this film that I've watched. I have not read the book so I cannot - nor to I want to - comment on which film Ms. Bronte would most approve. But even she must consider that her readers have different imaginations.This WH was downright carnal. I suspect that life in early to mid 19th century England time was too - or at least much more so than depicted in other versions of WH. Certainly adolescent sexuality better explains the passion and vindictiveness of Heathcliff. Such also humanizes Ms. Bronte. I'm reminded of Billy Joel's UPTOWN GIRL and the myth that the underclass is better at sex. Whether Bronte intended such or not it was only a current or idea running through the Hollywood versions of WH. Here that idea is explicit.Here you actually see people working, doing mundane tasks, etc., creating a realism that better contrasts the wealthy society that entices Kathryn. Indeed, the romance of she and Heathcliff truly can be described as "earthy". The significance of earth; i.e., plain dirt, nature, seasons and time give this WH an allegorical feel in contrast to the romance novel of, e.g., T.Dalton's WH or the tragedy play of L.Olivier's WH.Am I right that Bronte published WH in serial form; i.e., appearing as episodes in periodicals? I believe many early English novels were originally offered this way; e.g., Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN. I'm showing my ignorance here (and I've a degree in English lit!). But I can appreciate the idea that Bronte didn't know where she was going with this story until she sat down to write the next chapter. I like the idea that her moods and inclinations changed with the seasons.
A dark drama with a beautiful soundtrack
posted on 15 May 2009I can't say that I remember Emily Bronte's novel on which this film is based, which means that I didn't much like it when I read it some twenty five years ago. And I haven't seen any other film adaptation of this story, so I have nothing with which to compare this version.There really were two things that impressed me about this film. First, I really liked the soundtrack. Right from the opening, I just really enjoyed the music. And secondly, I thought Ralph Fiennes' performance as Heathcliff was brilliant. He was strangely attractive but also foul and brooding.But other than that, this film did very little for me, partly because it is not the type of film or story that I usually like. But it is fairly impressive visually and a very dark film.
Real Wuthering Heights fans will be disappointed
posted on 21 Apr 2009Firstly, I have to commend the amazing actor Ralph Fiennes who did a great job for the portrayal of Heathcliff. His acting was brilliant, making the viewers create catharsis for the character, even when Heathcliff was 'Evil'. Juliette Binoche also played Catherine very well, depicting the characters childish manner and selfish embodiment. The supporting cast also assisted well to the two lead characters process.But, there were problems that contributed to the movies downfall. The script was poorly put together and the continuity of the scenes were abhorrent. For example, as we see Catherine dying, we do not notice the supposed pregnancy bump. Even earlier in the movie, Catherine was suppose to be pregnant, but the viewers seem to be oblivious to its existence. Also, the movie moves on to briskly. The film also makes it challenging for non-readers of Wuthering Heights to comprehend the actions of Heathcliff and the years that so ardently pass by. And the make-up on the actors were horrid. There seemed to be no effort put forth to make Heathcliff or Nelly look older after the eighteen years.There were too many errors in the film and too many problems of consistency. If you enjoy the dark romance of Heathcliff and Catherine then you will be sourly disappointed after watching this film. The actors prospered wonderfully, but the direction and screenplay was poorly done.
Underrated by Million Percent!
posted on 08 Feb 2009This film is practically unknown either because it didn't get much publicity or it was overshadowed by other films that came out the same year.It is one of- if not the best adaptation of a book ever. The scenery is eerie and authentic and the atmosphere scary yet romantic.The unforgettable Heathcliff is beautifully portrayed by Ralph Fiennes with passion, anger and some world-class acting. He makes you hate, sympathise, fear and love the character. Fiennes deserves more credit for his roles, this is definitely in the same league as his Oscar-nominated Nazi Officer in Schindler's List. The power that comes off Fiennes is electric and frightening.Juliette Binoche plays Cathy better than anyone has before. Binoche's natural beauty is enhanced with the fact that she wears practically no make-up, making it more realistic than if she was plastered in it and it accentuates Binoche's beauty. She looks stunning and her acting is outstanding. The emotions, fears and love Cathy feels is shown brilliantly in Binoche's eyes. A couple of times her French accent comes through- but on the whole her English is impeccable.The romance between the two is the strongest out of all love stories. Their love roller-coaster ranges fantastically, making the film not boring for a second.Ryuichi Sakamotos score is stunning. It is a haunting and heartfelt soundtrack that is so original and superb that if it had filed the papers for the Oscar- it would definitely have one.Full all you lovers of romance, this film i perfect for it is heartbreaking, tear-jerking movie magic. It is one of the biggest shames in movie history that this film isn't well-known, is underrated and its cast, composer, direct get no credit.
what a great film, if not very cheering
posted on 03 Jan 2009This is one of the few classic's, I have not read or watched an adaption of before, and it surprised me as it was quite scary in places, and I thought "Wuthering heights" was a love story.It's very dark in spirit this film, showing the pain and damage love can cause, the way the locations are captured is also very cold, making this overall quite a bleak, depressing film. Reminds me of a Thomas Hardy tale.However I would still recommend watching it, because the narrative has such an intensity, and perhaps there are some useful life lessons in how treating people ill, can set of a terrible cycle of events.The characters are superbly brought to life by wonderful actors and actresses, you can really feel the torment, it has inspired me to read the book.
The movie (and the music too)
posted on 25 Nov 2008An awesome version of this film (which really is true to the original story). Juliette and Ralph really do have "it". I was always a fan of the 1939 Olivier version - now I can't watch any version but this one.BTW, Kim...This CD has that unforgettable theme: Cinemage
Superb!
posted on 02 Oct 2008I first saw this film when i was 14 years old on Sky. I was on my own in the house watching it on a rainy day. It moved me so much, I have never stopped watching it since. The actors, the music, its spine chilling. Heathcliff comes across as a lovable rogue, but has a nasty side which doesn't take long to surface. We all have a bit of cathy in us, happy with current situations, but show her another cake, and she'll go after it with no regard for others. From the moment Heathcliff enters the room with Cathy in a coffin, and THAT music starts, I am a blubbering mess every time. It makes it seem so realistic that love has such power and can cause so much distress and heartache. The story is so good, that i cant comment on the acting, camera angles, direction and so on..... the story is just so over whelming, i haven't got time to analyze it. If you haven't seen it, give it a chance when you've got a spare hour, with a nice cup of cocoa and a pack of tissues!
Very Good Adaption
posted on 23 Sep 2008I'm a big fan of Emily Bronte's novel, and have recently been trying to get my hands on movie adaptions (So far, I've only gotten the 1939 black and white version and this one). I thought that this movie was actually quite loyal to the book, including using direct quotes sometimes. The performances were excellent, especially Fiennes as Heathcliff.There are some things I didn't like. The scenes with Lockwood were a little awkward because A) the only time you ever saw him was his first visit to Wuthering Heights and B)You never did see him again after Heathcliff died, which kind of seperates him from the storyline. Also, I thought that Binoche did a very good job, but I often found myself thinking that her Cathy was just too nice. Scenes showing that Cathy wasn't absolutely perfect would have been a good addition. But I must commend her on playing both the mother and the daughter so well. You'd think it would be awkward, but it fit quite well, and she managed to make both characters unique.To compare it to the 1939 version, I have to start with saying that I loved both. I thought this one was truer to the book (which is kind of a give in, seeing as the 1939 only did the first half of the novel), but I guess this version was missing something, because I was practically sobbing after watching the 1939, and this one I just got a little blurry eyed in a few scenes.All in all, this is a very good movie and is pretty much faithful to the book. If you are a fan of Wuthering Heights, you should at least give it a try. I give it an 8 and a half out of 10.
Excellent actors, excellent movie!!!
posted on 24 Aug 2008This was a great movie, full of passion but also full of sadness. Ralph Fiennes is such an great actor, that you could feel his pain and you could live his anger. As i watched the movie i felt absolutely delighted by his interpretation. He's one of my favourite actors, and this was his first character in a movie. It's unbelievable! Juliette Binoche made a great job. I don't get why they criticized her so much only for being a french actress. She was a excellent Cathy and her work was really powerful. I admire not only that she was brave enough to accept this challenge but also that her interpretation was full of commitment towards the character and the story. I enjoyed very much watching the movie, even though it is really sad: it breaks anyone's heart, such a powerful and devastating story that make us forget the reality surrounding us. I'm looking forward for more movies like this one...
A Love Beyond Reason...
posted on 19 Jul 2008As I am a writer, very seldom am I at a loss for words. Yet now, I can find none suitable. I have written many reviews, in many places, for quite a long time. Yet, never, in all of that time have I sat down to write my thoughts immediately after watching a film. Still, I sit here now, trying vainly to describe what I am feeling. What this movie has MADE me feel.The story of Heathcliff and Cathy is not about love as most know it. It is MORE than love. It is a fusion, a union of two souls separated by society and circumstance, yet bonded so completely that even death could not sever them. Love beyond pain, beyond place, beyond reason.Never has an adaptation brought this classic Victorian novel so completely to the screen. That, in itself, is high praise. Wuthering Heights had been made 14 times before this, the 1992 incarnation. It is the only version to tell the complete story in all of its dark detail. It is also the LAST time, to date, it has been made. And that should be the highest praise of all.Why? Because there is no need to do it again. It cannot be improved upon beyond this. Yes, the movie can be a bit confusing, even abrupt in the plot shifts for those who have never read the book. But for those who have: Anne Devlin treats her screenplay with reverence for Emily Bronte's novel. Many whole scenes are intact, the dialog exactly as written originally. The scenery was breathtaking. And the house, the Heights itself, was perfect. Still standing there, after centuries, keeping its own secrets in the silence of its stones.The cast of actors includes not one single Hollywood darling. Thank God. They would have ruined it. But, because the cast is not overly well known in the US, you concentrate on the PERFORMANCES rather than the performers. And, it is in these performances this film rises above its predecessors. The actors all turn in solid efforts. Each is true to character, from selfish Cathy (Juliette Binoche) to vapid Isabella (Sophie Ward). Simon Shepherd's Edgar Linton is far more likable than the novel. His portrayal is an improvement on the original, and you actually pity him for being caught between Cathy and Heathcliff.Heathcliff. An immortal character, like Sherlock Holmes, or Hamlet. Sir Laurence Olivier, arguably the best Hamlet, played Heathcliff in the 1939 version opposite Merle Oberon as Cathy. Until tonight, I thought his was the best Heathcliff, as well. Until tonight.Tonight I watched Ralph Fiennes play Heathcliff. No, not play. He BECAME Heathcliff. Bronte's Heathcliff. A Heathcliff I had always pictured clearly in my mind, but had NEVER seen before my eyes. Before tonight. This man is RIVETING. He commands the story, seizing it, wrenching it to his will as Heathcliff does the lives of those around him. Yet, you do not hate him for it. Rather, you ache for him. You look into his eyes and feel every rip in his soul, the agony of every jagged edge in his shattered heart. You watch him wear his cruelty like a mantle, lashing out at a world which denies him the only thing he has ever wanted, the only thing which will make him whole. I cry at movies all the time. Seldom, though, am I torn in a grief so absolute I am left at the end empty, and spent. I don't know much about Ralph Fiennes work. I tend to like films that deal in anything BUT reality, so have not seen much of him. I loved Red Dragon, but until I read his filmography, I never connected Francis Dolarhyde to Heathcliff, which is perhaps the greatest compliment one can give an actor. Fiennes alone is the reason you cannot improve on this film. No one could ever bring Heathcliff to life like this. The role belongs to him. I have loved Emily Bronte's novel since childhood. I have read it often. But now, something has changed it for me, forever. No matter how many times I may read Wuthering Heights in future, after tonight, I know I shall never again read it without seeing the face, or hearing the voice, of Ralph Fiennes.
This is the best version ever and there will be no better one ever!!!
posted on 18 Mar 2008I think this version recaptures all the darkness and torment and it is so loyal in showing it that I can't have enough. Both Binoche and Fiennes are spectacular. In my opinion he should have been nominated for an Oscar on that role. The two most amazing scenes to me are first when Heathcliff comes to know of Catherine's death. Fiennes is amazing in showing how much pain the character is feeling, I never saw so much sorrow in someone's eyes! The second one is when he grabs Catherine's body from the coffin in so much pain and despair. Amazing!!! The soundtrack scores more than a 10!!! I don't believe someone could ever do a better and more accurate version...
Outstanding score
posted on 03 Mar 2008I loved this adaptation and found it really captured the romance, violence, and power of the novel. I thought the leads were excellent, although I didn't like the fact that Juliette Binoche played both Cathy and her daughter (with blond hair). But the real star of this picture is Ryuichi Sakamoto's haunting score. I've been looking for it on CD for years, to no avail.
Withering Blight RFD
posted on 11 Oct 2007I'm really glad that this got made before The English Patient (1996) otherwise there would be much gloating of a Miramax cash-in gone horribly wrong. Stick to Larry Olivier, if only to avoid Fiennes' wig, as if Ridley Scott's alien has got hold of the wrong bit of it's prey. Fiennes is perfect in theory for a human clone of the moors but is broody - lazy even - where detachment would brutalize Heathcliff more effectively. Binoche's English isn't good enough I'm afraid, plus she's a bit too with it for Cathy.Many have said it, I'm sure, but just in case... READ THE BOOK 3/10
Touching and sad
posted on 29 Sep 2007This film is about an adopted son's revenge on two families that treated him bad.I find the plot very touching. The reason why Heathcliff has so much hatred towards the two families are clearly laid out. It is heartbreaking to see Heathcliff to live for revenge, and only for revenge. This hateful theme dominates the film, making it a very sad film. Ralph Fiennes is great as Heathcliff. Another notable thing is the fact that the ending echoes the beginning. Some details of the scenes are shown in the beginning, while the rest of the details are later filled in to avoid overlap and to avoid spoiling the rest of the film. Location scouting is great as well, the place covered with white rocks is quite a natural wonder. "Wuthering Heights" is a sad tale of romance and revenge that I touched me.
I give this flawed film an 8 because . . .
posted on 05 Sep 2007I recognize that this film is flawed, nevertheless, I will give it a rating of 8. Why such a high number? I cannot compare it to Emily's book as others have done because the film industry cannot be expected to encompass WH in the span of 2 hours or so. I must, therefore concentrate on its forebears. And, I might as well pick on the considered classic WH, William Wyler's 1939 version.Here is what is wrong with 1939. It is a Hollywood romance and only tells half the story. 1992 at least TRYS to tell the whole tale, flaws and all. More importantly, however, is that Emily did NOT write a romance. She wrote a tale of obsession and perhaps even of evil. Even tho' Fiennes is not physically dark enough to portray Heathcliff, he does come across as the cruel and obsessive character Emily intended. It is also significant that Steven Spielberg (who apparently can do no wrong) chose Fiennes as his concentration camp commandant in "Schindler's List" based on Fiennes' WH performance. That should tell you something.Also, remember that this story is essentially Heathcliff's story, not Cathy's. That is why half a story cannot do it justice (and probably why Hollywood chose to make it a romance).P.S. I also like the music score by Ryuichi Sakamoto. It is fittingly haunting. And, I must say, the Sinead O'Connor cameo as Emily Bronte is quite effective theater.
The best adaptation of Wuthering Heights that I've seen.
posted on 07 Jul 2007Having been fascinated by the Brontes for several years and growing up in Yorkshire, I've longed to see a faithful adaptation of Wuthering Heights for a long time. Why it's taken me so long to see this version I don't know! I just watched this film tonight and I'm left shattered by it. It is stunning. It's probably a sacrilege to some to say that I thought the 1939 version with Laurence Olivier was awful, but there it is. That was saccharine and gave no hint as to the darkness of the original novel. This version, however, recaptures all that darkness and torment and shatters your soul with it. Ralph Fiennes is an astonishing Heathcliff. Capable of tenderness but torn apart by what he can't have all for himself. The chemistry between him and Juliette Binoche is electrifying - Heathcliff and Cathy were born to be together and to see them almost forced apart by each of them failing to be true to their heart well.. it breaks YOUR heart. The poetic dialogue with Heathcliff and Cathy on the moors and the movie score complements this perfectly. Supporting roles are also solid especially the actress who played Ellen Dean and an interesting cameo by Sinead O Connor as Emily Bronte! The only complaint I could make about this film is that it's not long enough! Years seem to fly by far too quickly and we barely get an insight into why Cathy and Heathcliff's souls are intertwined. However, what we DO see is stunning.For me - 10/10.
WONDERFUL!
posted on 22 Jun 2007I read the book before I saw this movie, and though it had several differences from the book it was still marvelous. This movie is just plain magical. I could think of no one better than Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes to play the roles of Kathryn and Heathcliff. They are Wonderful. This is definitely the best adaptation of Wuthering Heights I've Ever seen.
a devastating adaptation
posted on 05 May 2007The haunted moods & perverse emotions of the novel have never been more fully realized. The powerful incestuous relationships of many of the characters, the insights on gender, race and class, and the power of obsession are in full realization. Can love transcend death, can stymied love turn to hatred?The score is haunting, and Ralph Fiennes is in top top form.A soap opera, horror film, and gothic romance all in one. This film is sexy, creepy, sad, yearning, tragic, engrossing. You'll be a believer.One of truest adaptations to the "spirits" of the original.
It weathered the storm I threw it
posted on 18 Mar 2007I was prepared (VERY prepared) not to like "Wuthering Heights" as a movie. I hadn't at the time ever seen anything with Ralph Fiennes or Juliette Binoche in it (I know, how is that?!). I had LOATHED the book with a TERRIFIC PASSION, I cannot stress that fact enough. I only read it on account of one figures that the sister of Charlotte Bronte might be able to write (nope). What a waste of time that book was, though I stuck it out. I never could figure that in real life, Heathcliffe would have stuck with loving Catherine. She's such a ninny. That having been said, Juliette Binoche played my idea of Catherine to the hilt. I was awfully bored of her laughter by the end of the movie, she laughed constantly and inappropriately. The scenes were breathtaking, however; Binoche was beautiful; and Ralph Fiennes is the most indescribable actor I've ever watched. The intensity he shows in all of his films is truly his hallmark. Even dirty and with oily hair, Fiennes tears my heart out over and over. Worth watching twice.... 5/10 -Angel, TX
Almost as good as Kate Bush
posted on 10 Aug 2009Prompted by seeing Buñuel's Mexican version, 'Abismos de pasión', and encouraged by the many positive comments here, I finally watched this most recent filming of my favourite book. It was satisfying to see finally a filmed version which covers the whole book. The Yorkshire mise-en-scène is authentic and impressive. OK, the façade of Wuthering Heights, the house, was perhaps a tad grand but this is a movie. The acting is also excellent, particularly Fiennes' masterly, scorpionic Heathcliff and Janet McTeer's understated Nelly.I have always felt, quite seriously, that Kate Bush's five minute song was the most intense and faithful interpretation of 'Wuthering Heights', and if there is anything lacking in this film, it is that song's wild, unhinged momentum. What would have made this film the perfect version, for me, is if it had had the soul of Kate Bush's song, driven by a tormented spirit and possessed by a passion that cannot be calmed or sated. This film's fault lies in the formality at its core. It is restrained by a stiff and conventional structure when it really needed to break free from its foundations, "grab your soul" and fly away, howling with the wind over the moors.