There have been several adaptations of “Jane Eyre” over the past few decades. The most memorable perhaps being Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine in 1944. But, now, Cary Fukunaga takes his turn directing this English film with Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) playing the lead role.

The film opens with Jane running from someone somewhere. Exhausted, cold and drenched, she is taken in under the caring wings of the St. John sisters (Holliday Grainger and Tamzin Merchant).

Then, through a series of flashbacks some short and some lengthy, her story unfolds from her past and back to the present.

It tells of the orphan being mistreated at Gateshead by Mrs. Reed, (Sally Hawkins, “Never Let Me Go”) and being confined to a charity school during holidays and others were ordered to shun her.

She perseveres through this, completes her schooling and is relocated to remote Thornfield as governess. Here she meets the hardly-ever-there, bitter owner Edward Fairfax Rochester (Michael Fassbender (“Jonah Hex”, “Inglourious Basterds”) who has no time or patients for anyone especially children.

Rochester tests Jane’s intelligence and seeks out her advice and company. But housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax (Judi Dench, best known as ‘M’, on the Bond flicks) warns her of man’s intentions and especially those of good wealth such as Rochester.

As it turns out, Rochester is closely guarding a very long secret, but at the same time both are destined for fully committed passion to each other. Then guess what? His 15 year old secret surfaces.

Fassbender, who also will play Magneto in the upcoming “X Men: First Class” film, is no Welles but holds together very well here. It is Wasikowska, however, who carries the burden of the story and keeps us interested in this reboot classic. But was is necessary to retell this story almost a twentieth time? You decide.

“Jane Eyre” is directed by Cary Fukunaga and based on a novel-of course, by Charlotte Bronte and screenplay is credited to Moira Buffini. I also have to give a shout out to costume designer Michael O’ Connor, who had a wonderful staff. Their talent shows in this film.

“Jane Eyre” opens in limited theaters April 1, 2011 and is rated PG-13.

by Hustlin Bob Higgins 2 1/2 stars