This 2011 film is an adaptation* of Charlotte Bronte’s novel “Jane Eyre.”

    The plot is presented in flashback* form. Orphaned, cruelly treated as a child, Jane has left behind a brutal* boarding school and finally arrives as a governess* in Thornfield Hall, a faraway house in the Yorkshire Peak District, teaching a little French girl. But she is to be not the mistress*, but rather the pupil to the master of the house — the charismatic* Mr. Rochester.

    In some ways, the very first meeting between Jane and Rochester, and their subsequent* meeting when Jane finally realizes who this man is, could be the most successful moment in their relationship. Jane is out walking in the woods; a man on horseback falls when his mount* shies* at the sight of her. She has to put her arms around him and help him back onto his horse. Later in the house, Rochester capriciously* blames Jane for his injury. Michael Fassbender plays Rochester with a measured intensity that mirrors Mia Wasikowska’s Jane. The two make this moment not a meet-cute*, but a meet-fateful.

    The handling of two other dramatic episodes — the wedding scene and the Bertha Mason outcome* — is rather light, especially compared with the unhurried way the rest of the film dwells on* the countryside and Jane’s lonely place in it.

    Unlike all the other teatime drama versions of “Jane Eyre,” this film shows a lot of restraint*. But also missing is a blaze of feelings between Jane and Rochester.

    Judi Dench provides good support as the housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax; Simon McBurney is creepy* as the hateful schoolmaster Mr. Brocklehurst and Sally Hawkins is very effective as Jane’s heartless aunt, Mrs. Reed. Interestingly, Jamie Bell presents himself as Jane’s brave protector St. John Rivers. Falling secretly in love, he is as delicate* and proud a subordinate* to Jane as Jane is to Rochester. This adaptation is balanced, beautifully acted, though without the fire of passion.(SD-Agencies)