Jane Eyre when it was first published over 150 years ago, created a public scandal. It remains a popular novel even today and not only is it a classic, but it is also considered far ahead of its time. Jane Eyre is the story of a passionate young woman's search for happiness and a place in a world where the odds are against her. Orphaned at birth, young Jane lives ten years with her cruel aunt and then is sent to a strict boarding school where she spends the rest of her childhood. At age 18 and alone in the world, Jane is accepted as a governess to a little French girl at Thornfield Hall. The master of the house is the ever-enigmatic Mr. Rochester, and from the beginning there exists a subtle friendship between him and his young governess. He senses the passion buried deep within her, and she senses there is something more to him than what his stern exterior displays. This creates an uncanny understanding between them which reinforces their friendship. They may seem an unlikely pair, but destiny has placed them together. For the first time in her life, Jane begins to know what joy and kindness really are as their relationship grows stronger and becomes true love. But he is hiding a dark secret that threatens to destroy all the happiness Jane, and Mr. Rochester, have ever known...

Over the years, numerous film adaptations have been made, but there is only one that meets the high and magical standards of the book. This production, made in 1983 by the BBC captures the true essence of Charlotte Bronte's famous novel like no other. Although the scenes and settings are exquisite in themselves, it is the actors which truly make this production the masterpiece that it is. The talented cast features Zelah Clarke as the indomitable Jane, and Timothy Dalton as her mysterious employer Mr. Rochester.

The actors embody the characters, their feelings and thoughts and voices and passions, with incredible accuracy that is far beyond the norm. Never have two actors done better in fully becoming the characters - in bringing them to life. Zelah Clarke is Jane in every way and Timothy Dalton couldn't have put more passion into his arrogant, brooding (and uncharacteristically handsome) Rochester.

The story, in spite of its somewhat grave tone, is also dashed through with humor, which is delightfully portrayed by Dalton and Clarke. Among the numerous scenes with humor, a few come instantly to mind.

In one scene, Jane's second official meeting with Mr. Rochester, the two are seated near the fire and while his attention is fixed elsewhere, Jane examines her employer. Turning, he finds he is the object of her scrutiny and mischievously inquires whether she thinks him handsome. Her immediate reply is "no sir!" He chuckles good-naturedly at the impertinence of her answer while she, embarrassed, lowers her eyes to the floor. This scene is all the more hilarious to viewers, because technically speaking, Mr. Rochester is supposed to be rather ugly, but no one can agree with Jane's blunt statement in this adaptation!

In another earlier scene, Jane is showing Mr. Rochester her portfolio of paintings. He, as if refusing to accept the fact that she is indeed quite a good artist, asks if she was aided by a drawing master. She indignantly replies, "certainly not, sir!" and he, amused, says, "ah! Hurts pride!" They stare sardonically at each other for a few moments with looks that say: "so that's how you want to take it! Well, I can easily match you in a battle of wits!"

Thirdly, there is a delightfully funny scene when Jane is summoned to have her fortune told by a mysterious gypsy. After muttering a whole bunch of puzzling nonsense to Jane (which actually makes a lot of sense to viewers when they've seen the movie a couple times, and/or read the book), the old hag reveals herself and turns out to be none other than...Mr. Rochester! Jane's surprise upon discovering this is funny in the extreme - and all the more so because her scheming employer can't seem to stop giggling at the success of his wonderful joke. Book devotees must give the BBC special credit for this scene because all other adaptations of the novel have disgracefully left it out!

Dalton clearly enjoys the role (said to be his favorite one!) because of all the real-life personality and emotion he puts into his character, becoming at turns sardonic and harsh, brooding and melancholy, mischievous and funny, or downright heart-breaking!

For all those who ever loved Jane Eyre or any of the Bronte works, and for all those who like an inspiring love story, unforgettable characters, and excellent actors, here is the movie for you! Surely a more truthful, deserving, and delightful adaptation of a novel never had the privilege of existence in the history of film-making!