Sep. 02, 2022|United Kingdom|103 Min.|R
Genre: Adult;Drama;History;Romance
Description: With the resurgence of book bans, revisiting *Lady Chatterley’s Lover*, one of the most famously banned novels of the 20th century, feels timely. Written by D.H. Lawrence and completed just before his death in 1930, the book was only fully published uncensored in Britain in 1960. A renowned line by Philip Larkin suggests that “sexual intercourse began” between the publication of this novel and the release of the Beatles’ first LP.
The novel is known for its explicit depiction of sexual relationships, portrayed with honesty and psychological depth, which both shocked censors and captivated readers. Over the years, numerous film adaptations have emerged, reflecting the evolving attitudes toward onscreen intimacy. These include a 1981 soft-core classic starring Sylvia Kristel, a 1993 BBC mini-series, and a 2007 French art film by Pascal Ferran. The latest adaptation, directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre for Netflix, strikes a balance between bold sensuality and restrained elegance, offering a mix of forbidden passion and English literary tradition.
The film stars Emma Corrin, known for her role as Princess Diana in *The Crown* Season 4, as Constance Reid, a spirited young woman caught in a loveless aristocratic marriage. Initially, her husband, Clifford Chatterley (played by Matthew Duckett), appears kind and progressive. He is a baronet managing an estate near a coal-mining village in the Midlands.
On their wedding day, Connie confides in her sister, Hilda (Faye Marsay), that Clifford makes her feel safe. However, their life takes a tragic turn when Clifford returns from World War I paralyzed from the waist down. The couple relocates to Wragby Manor, the family estate, where they attempt to adjust to their new reality. Clifford focuses on writing a novel, which Connie dutifully types, before shifting his attention to managing the land and modernizing the mines.
The story explores themes of love, desire, and societal constraints, making it a timeless exploration of human relationships.
Cast director: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
Cast actor: Emma Corrin, Jack O’Connell, Matthew Duckett, Joely Richardson, Ella Hunt, Faye Marsay, Nicholas Bishop
Original name: Lady Chatterley’s Lover