Bridgeton fans will love ‘compelling’ BBC period drama based on much-loved novel | Books | Entertainment

Period dramas are truly enjoying their moment in the spotlight on our screens, and this 2002 adaptation stands out as a remarkable entry, featuring an iconic British actress in the leading role.

With the arrival of the Wuthering Heights adaptation this year, alongside The Other Bennet Sister and Bridgerton being devoured by audiences, it’s evident that film and television enthusiasts cannot get enough of these historical love stories.

Contributing to this landscape is a ‘powerful’ adaptation of Rosamond Lehmann’s 1953 novel The Echoing Grove, presented as a film entitled The Heart of Me.

Released in 2002, the British drama, helmed by director Thaddeus O’Sullivan, has left a considerable mark on audiences.

Set during a turbulent era, spanning both before and after the Second World War, the narrative centres on a marital affair. It exposes the ramifications of a woman’s liaison with her own sister’s husband and their forbidden passion for one another.

At the core of this complicated love story is the beloved British actress Helena Bonham Carter, alongside Paul Bettany and Olivia Williams. Carter has garnered acclaim for her performance in this film, and despite its modest ratings, it appears her portrayal consistently stands out.

A fan of the film shared on Rotten Tomatoes: “I love this movie to bits. I’m a major Helena Bonham Carter fan, and I’ve heard that this is one of her best movies.

“It’s so moving and powerful that I ended up crying throughout it, which I have never done before in my life with any other movies! The acting is brilliant!

“You couldn’t have got a better cast to play each role, and the script they go by is beautifully written. This is a must-have movie that’ll send shockwaves through you!”

Another review reads: “How did I miss this gem? Was it originally broadcast on television? Paul Bettany, in one of his strongest roles, makes adultery seem delicious in this period drama.

“The complicated love story involving sisters reminded me of Atonement, a universal favourite. The love triangle with Helena Bonham Carter also reminded me of Wings of the Dove, a Merchant/Ivory production and a personal favourite of mine.”

What lends the film an even greater period drama quality is the characters’ considerable wealth and aristocratic backgrounds, meaning viewers can anticipate dialogue delivered in the most refined of English accents.

Further enhancing the sophistication is the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Man, which plays a pivotal role throughout the picture.

Despite all this, years after its release, the film has accumulated a modest 50% overall score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Some disgruntled viewers have dismissed it as “predictable” and “lame”, while others described it as “heartbreaking” owing to its tragic conclusion.

One particularly enthusiastic viewer remarked: “I thought this movie was excellent and all that you’d expect from a BBC period production. The actors were marvellous and rendered all their characters very well.

“The story didn’t turn out as I wanted, but it was classy and compelling to the very end. Well worth watching.”

Watch The Heart of Me and decide for yourself, as it is available to stream now for free on BBC iPlayer.