An ‘underseen’ period drama adaptation has completely mesmerised audiences, with viewers bestowing upon it the ‘highest recommendation’ and proclaiming it will become a classic adaptation ‘just like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1995)’.

Featuring Wives and Daughters star Keeley Hawes in the leading role, it’s the ideal suggestion for your next period-drama marathon.

Written and adapted for television by Ashley Pharoah and helmed by Nicholas Laughland, the 2005 film Under the Greenwood Tree draws from iconic author Thomas Hardy’s 1872 anonymously published novel Under the Greenwood Tree: A Rural Painting of the Dutch School.

Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Keeley Hawes is joined by James Murray, Terry Mortimer, Richard Leaf, Ben Miles, Tony Haygarth, Jane Wheldon, Sian Brooke, and Ellie Thackeray to complete a stellar ensemble, reports Wales Online.

The film’s official synopsis reads: “In this lighthearted romance from Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy, the beautiful new village school teacher is pursued by three suitors: a working-class man, a landowner, and the vicar.”

The period drama has attracted glowing praise from all corners, with one critic writing: “[Its] deft intertwining of satisfying romantic period drama tropes with genuine reflection on the historical period itself – all while remaining lighthearted – […] makes this underseen adaptation worth watching.”

An audience review on Rotten Tomatoes says: “A pleasant, rural story from the early works of Thomas Hardy. If you like period pieces (which I do) then you’ll very much like this romantic tale. Keeley Hawes – who was wonderful in Wives and Daughters – is a delight to watch in this film.”

One fan of the drama writes: “Based off of a short, happy novel by Thomas Hardy (one of his only happy ones), this delightful movie leaves you with a pleasant, almost Christmas-y feeling. The most amazing is the humorous yet touching love story and the fantastic singing. If you like Paltrow’s Emma or any Austen/Dickens movies, or just enjoy British period dramas, this is something you will enjoy.”

A user review posted to IMDB reads: “A simple love story on the surface, the deeper genius of Under The Greenwood Tree lies in the understated brilliance with which it encapsulates, in a particularly moving and emotionally evocative way, the great social revolution that underlay the 19th Century. Under The Greenwood Tree is distinguished by brilliantly nuanced performances, not just from all principal actors but an extraordinarily strong supporting cast.

“Special credit is due to Ashley Pharaoh for a truly inspired screenplay which is both more focused and more emotionally moving than Thomas Hardy’s rather rambling original novel. 10 out of 10. Highest recommendation.”

One fan of the period drama said: “Superb. This film, although made for TV, will be a classic, just like the 1995 Pride and Prejudice directed by Simon Langton. The sets seemed remarkably authentic, and all the cast were excellent. I particularly enjoyed every scene in which James Murray appeared, he is gorgeous.

“The chemistry between the two main characters is clear for all to see. Ben Miles who played Parson Maybold was very believable and you could actually feel his inner turmoil, acting at its best. I have watched it 3 times in two days.”

Under The Greenwood Tree is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.