(Cover) - EN Movies - Dame Judi Dench was an "amazing inspiration" to Mia Wasikowska in the making of Jane Eyre.

Directed by Cary Fukunaga, the 2011 film adaptation of Charlotte Bront's 1847 eponymous novel has received vast critical acclaim.

It stars rising actress Mia, 21, as the title character and British acting icon Judi, 76, as Mrs. Fairfax, while Michael Fassbender, 34, has the role of Rochester. Cary believes Judi had a wonderful impact on the film, and influenced the younger stars greatly.

"And every time Judi was on set, it was like having royalty around. She is just so inspiring and there's nothing about her that isn't still excited about making movies.

"There's no jadedness or fatigue with having done this for decades. She treats every prop and every day on set as another exciting adventure, and I think for the young actors, like Mia and even Michael, to see that sort of dedication and that positive attitude is an amazing inspiration," he gushed to Collider.

British thespian Sally Hawkins portrays Mrs. Reed in the film, and Cary was also particularly impressed with her. He admits helming such an all-star cast was daunting.

"It's kind of overwhelming when you name them all at once. They were fantastic. They really were. It was such a pleasure working with all of them and some of them just really stood out to be jewels. Sally Hawkins only spent two or three days. I just loved working with her. She really gave it her all. She's a really fantastic actress and also a giving soul," he smiled. (C) Cover Media