Zeffirelli’s most English film, based on the famous 19th-century novel by Charlotte Brontë, was in fact a complex co-production between Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. The story featured themes and characters dear to Zeffirelli: the difficult coming-of-age of an orphan girl, from an affectionless childhood through a journey marked by independence, always supported by a deep Christian faith.
The film was shot in London and on location in Derbyshire.
Charlotte Gainsbourg, herself the daughter of artists, and already an established singer and actress at the time, received particular praise for her performance; the male lead, William Hurt — though considered one of the most interesting actors of his generation and an Academy Award winner — was judged less convincing.