"At first sight, the story contains all the elements of period romanticism and a number of literary stereotypes. (...) Yet is has a novel element that continues to make it very "different" even nowadays: its heroine, Jane Eyre, the first female character in literature aware of herself, of her will, dignity and feelings. A totally modern woman (something unthinkable at the time - the story being set in 1830) who acts, speaks and moves in full awareness of her rights and duties: modestly heroic, meekly proud, unflinchingly honest and discreetly "loving". A character that we can easily offer today's audiences, in this tormented world thirsting for ideals. (...)"

(Franco Zeffirelli)