This 1998 version of "Wuthering Heights" here depicts the emotional intensity, violence, and cruelty of the novel. Never a "sweet romance," it depicts the quite understandable actions of two "soulmates" and the destruction they wreak around them--a drama that somehow ends perfectly in another romance that promises to be as rich and soulful, if more temperate.As Cathy, Orla Brady has the beauty, brashness, and vitality of the original, if not as much of the desire to dominate others. As Heathcliff, Robert Cavanaugh has intensity, intelligence, and physicality, if not the "otherness" of appearance that the book describes. Together, Brady and Cavanaugh show the primal need for each other that is so essential to the book.Like all other film adaptations, this film suffers from the needs of practical aspects of film-making. The essential parts of the story happen when Cathy and Heathcliff are about ages 8-9, 12-13, and 15-16. As in most films, most of these events are played by actors much older than are credible for the events portrayed. It makes no sense for a mature Heathcliff to stay at Wuthering Heights, but it does for a boy of 12 or 13. Why would Cathy value the attentions of a wealthy neighbor? Because she is only 15 and wants to become part of the elite in a stratified society.Maybe someday the film industry will find a way to show people growing and evolving--then one can finally have a perfect film version of "Wuthering Heights." But as it stands, the bleak, yet beautiful landscape, the characters' isolation, and the depth and complexity of each main character are admirably presented. If only the film could be longer! Melanie Matson, 6-11-10

I've read the book "Wuthering Heights" many times and it's my favorite love story, so passionate and real. So I wanted to see an appropriate film version to this wonderful book. And I must admit, that this film completely catches the spirit and atmosphere of the book. I think it's very difficult to play the leading roles, especially the complicated Heathcliff's character. It's very hard not to make Heathcliff too human and otherwise not too savage. He is not a romantic hero and it's hard to show his vulnerability and passionate love for Catherine and his dark, cruel and vengeful nature at the same time. But I was pleasingly surprised. Robert Cavanah unbelievably well plays this role and the other actors are really good too. This film is really for those who love "Wuthering Heights".

As a big fan of wuthering heights, i was ready to give this film a chance. But i have to say, i hated it. Robert cavanah is not right for heathcliff. More importantly, this film does not follow the book. it kills the book in fact, and changes the plot. Cathy and hieroglyphs loveis more sexual in the film than in the book, and shows lust rather thanlove. i was very upset with this adaptation. as a stand alone film it would have been good, but as a novel adaptation - a very poor interpretation. The 1992 wuthering heights with Ralph fiennes however is an amazing film. it is very true to the book, very emotive. i cried 3 times throughout the film. Ralph fiennes plays heathcliff exactly as i imagined him. Juliette binoche pulls Cathy and Cathy's daughter off very well. Horton is portrayed perfectly too. i recommend anyone to watch the 1992 film, and not this television version.

I'm sorry, but I'm absolutely perplexed at all those people who claim that this is the most accurate film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. It is NOT at ALL! As a devout reader of Emily Bronte and beloved fan of the novel (I've managed to read it three times in less than a month) I can safely say that this adaptation doesn't even come close to capturing the spirit of Emily Bronte or the structure of the novel. To begin with, Nelly and Joseph's parts are drastically reduced.I mean, I was atleast expecting Nelly to narrate the damn movie. But she doesn't, in fact, she hardly appears in the movie at all. (by the by, they also chose a really old actress to play Nelly. She is supposed to be Hindley's age but instead looks 50 throughout the entire film). Robert Cavanagh delivers a decent performance as the conflicted and tormented Heathcliff. Orla Brady, however, just falls short from portraying the fiery and vivacious spirit of Catherine Earnshaw. Her defiant, mercurial, and headstrong nature that is evident in the book is not carried through in the movie. Aside from this, they also didn't put much consideration into the age continuity. In the novel, Cathy and Heathcliffe are both around 12 when they meet the Lintons. In this film, they skip 10 years altogether and introduce them as adults from the start. Other characters that were reduced included Hareton, Cathy Linton, and Linton himself. In fact, the entire second generation of characters in the film are as far removed from the context of the characters in the novel as possible. I dunno, it's just too many faults to list. All I know is that I kept grumbling and shouting "NO! that's not the way it went in the novel!" or "Hey, they said more than that!" I give credit to the director for atleast attempting to make a semi-accurate adaptation...even though he failed miserably. I'm beginning to think that Wuthering Heights really is an IMPOSSIBLE novel to film...or at least impossible to film in a way that can satisfy the true Wuthering Heights fans. Maybe if they made it into a mini-series/soap opera...