Written in the 1920's but not widely released until the 60's, D.H. Lawrence's novel caused quite the controversy for the explicit sexual detail and the use of four letter expletives.
On film, the novel has produced nothing but unwatchable soft core nonsense over the years. But this latest version from director Pascale Ferran seems to be very true to the source material.

Lady Chatterley, whose husband is left crippled after fighting in the Great War, delves into a fervent affair with Parkin, the groundskeeper. While, at the forefront, it is a sexual awakening, it is really about her rediscovering her passion for life, her emergence from the mundane, and the forest in the film acting as the passageway from the blandness of the mansion where she lives to the wholeness of her time with Parkin.

Technically however the film is very poor. It states that it was shot in 35mm but it looks more like 16mm and blown up to 35. Very poor quality and it ultimately suffers from it. What should have been a glorious photographic experience turns into nothing more than badly lit, grainy footage. Scenes in the forest that should have radiated vibrance are unfortunately dull and lifeless.

With very little background music, it's is up to the surrounding sounds, the birds singing, rain falling on leaves etc, to provide the soundtrack and they do so brilliantly.
The acting is superb, Marina Hands plays the lead role subtlety yet with immense passion. Jean-Louis Coullo'ch is excellent as the sullen, lonely gameskeeper who ultimately falls for Lady Chatterley's sensuality and charisma. The love scenes and nudity are handled with care and respect, and while there is a lot of it, they are tastefully done. The director, Pascale Ferran, expertly handles the evolving relationship between the two lovers with a frankness that's a pleasure to watch.

With a running time of two hours and forty minutes it is tough going at the start but ultimately a very rewarding experience.
Just a pity about the technical aspect though.