Adapted by director James Duigan from Jean Rhys' prequel to the classic novel, Jane Eyre, this is a loosely threaded together story that gives the tale and background of both Edward Rochester and the madwoman. (I'm being deliberately vague for anyone who has neither read the book, nor seen any of the several adaptations of the novel by Charlotte Bronte.)

Opening with her mother's remarriage to a wealthy Englishman by the name of Mason (Michael York in a brief cameo), Creole born Antoinette Crosway is brought up in both luxury and squalor. Unlike other european women, we see Antoinette thrive in the lush climate of the West Indies, protected by former black slave named Christophene (Claudia Robinson) and living with her uncle and aunt by her mother's second marriage.

Unknown to the now grown Antoinette (Karina Lombard), she has been engaged to another Englishman by her stepfather -- Edward Rochester (Nathaniel Parker). Young Rochester is unsure, but literally swoons at her feet, and after some awkwardness, the pair fall in lust -- oops, I mean love, and are soon married, and off to spend a blissful interlude away from the other Europeans in the mountains.

But soon enough, doubts about Antoinette and her moods, and especially about her mother, Annette (Rachel Ward) soon arise and what was a happy relationship soon begins to unravel, held together by the thinnest of threads.

Both of the leads are interesting, attractive, can act, and there was an interesting plot of sorts that started off well enough. But somewhere, something went wrong and this became all too quickly a soft core porn flick. Which is unfortunate, because I understand that the novel is rather interesting. Rochester especially becomes more of a cad, especially when you contrast the later character with this one, and Antoinette becomes the most unfortunate of victims. Worst of all, the film lacks any real character development, and by the end, not only was I relieved to see it grind to a close, but was also left with little interest in anyone.

Three stars only -- I watched the unrated version, which was about 50 minutes of sex scenes in 100 minutes, there is a milder R-rated one out. Little character developement. Obligatory black mistress of Mr. Rochester. Voodoo. Family secrets. One burning plantation house, with one very grisly bit with a pet parrot. Madwoman bit. Native drumming and dancing. Both male and female nudity and very graphic sexual scenes. Not for children of any age, and most adults will find it rather distasteful.

My final thoughts -- skip this one entirely unless this is your thing. To be honest, I found the soundtrack to be much more interesting than the film itself -- for fans of the Police, it might interest them that Stewart Copeland composed the music and it's rather good.



Recommended:
No

Viewing Format: VHS
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age