CAEL - I did find it oppressive and depressing - both the book and the 1990 movie.  I think the story was/is important as a counter view to those who think the change in women's position in society has gone too far, "strayed from the Biblical", leads to the decline of the family, and all the things people have come up with to oppose changes that have made tens of millions of women's lives better.  

I have to admit, I have not reread the book in years and I am not watching the series.  Just seeing those characters enfleshed by actors once was more than enough.  I am, however, following commentary on it because I want it to upset people, especially with so much political power in the hands of the far right.