Fans of period dramas like Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility have been urged to revisit a “brilliant” forgotten gem. The cosy romance, set in the mid-19th century, has been praised for its “beautiful” scenery and “heartwarming” story. First airing on the BBC in 2005, the film features a star-studded cast led by Miss Austen’s Keeley Hawes. Other cast members include The Crown’s James Murray, Inside No. 9’s Steve Pemberton and Lark Rise to Candleford’s Ben Miles.

As the movie is now available to stream on Prime Video, viewers have been rediscovering the picture based on Thomas Hardy’s classic novel of the same name. Under the Greenwood Tree is the second published novel by the English author Thomas Hardy, having first been published anonymously in 1872.

It tells the story of a romance between school mistress Fancy Day (Hawes) and church musician Dick Dewey (Murray).

The 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.”

Directed by Nicholas Laughland, the film holds a 6.9/10 score on IMDb and does not appear to have been widely reviewed by critics at the time of release.

Viewers have taken to IMDb to share their appreciation for the forgotten period drama, calling it ‘brilliant’ and ‘perfect comfort viewing’.

One person wrote: “In the tradition of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, there is the mix of position, miscommunication, and the delightfulness of authenticity of period. A treat to watch. The acting, script, and setting all played well together. If you adore period romances, then this should go on your list to watch.”

Another fan gushed: “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 have watched it 3 times in two days.”

A third person reflected: “The scenery was stunning, the plot had depth and kept me and my family gripped throughout. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a warm heart, as it certainly warmed mine.”

“Beautiful film in every way, from the classic Thomas Hardy novel,” another viewer said, as one more agreed: “A thing of beauty and wonder.”

Meanwhile, some people were less convinced by the film, with one calling it a ‘big let down’ and another writing: “I usually don’t like Hardy’s stuff… I guess that continues.”

Under the Greenwood Tree is streaming now on Prime Video.