Sense and Sensibility (Classic Masterpiece Book & DVD Set)

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: If you liked the book by Jane Austen, then you MUST see this movie adaption. Emma Thompson has done a wonderful job adapting Jane Austen's text to film -- the dialogue is just as snappy & fun as the writing. This is one of those rare cases in which I liked the movie as well as the book. The movie's setting & cast even exceeded the mental pictures I concocted in reading -- the Barton cottage & the choices of Hugh Grant for the role of Edward and Thompson & Winslet for the sisters are perfect matches for Austen's witty descriptions. The few scenes from the book which are left out seem incidental to the heart of the story -- also, a few characters are left out or "streamlined" into one. My only complaint is the "Hollywood" ending with Marianne's sudden transition to happiness. Austen shows her gradually coming back around to love -- which seems much more true to life. If you've read this book, you'll want to see the movie -- Thompson is to Austen as Kenneth Branaugh is to Shakespeare. For those who HAVEN'T read Jane Austen's wonderful book, this is one of those rare cases in which you can watch the movie first & not feel dissatisfied with the book later. Go ahead & indulge! If you like a period movie, this is a lovely choice -- the depiction of late 18th century British society is both enchanting & funny. If you've seen Hugh Grant in any of his later charming, self-effacing roles & liked him, then you must catch him in this movie -- it's the model for many of his later roles. The costumes, the setting, the dialogue, the acting & the "lesson" are all wonderful here. It's not action-adventure -- it's an Ang Lee film rather than a Bruce Lee movie. Don't expect to like it if you prefer chase scenes & excitement. However, for a heartfelt portrayal of romance, family, and (to boil it down) the quest for "Mr. Right," all set in Georgian England, then try "Sense & Sensibility." It's well-worth owning so you can watch it again & again!

Rating:
Summary: A classic based on a classic
Review: It seems that for a few years, Hollywood couldn't turn out Austen movies fast enough. This is the only English production of the bunch, and it is wonderful.

The casting is perfect. I thought it very silly that Emma Thompson was going to be the 19 year old Eleanor, and since she produced the movie I thought that was just silly vanity. But she is actually perfect as the too-sensible-for-her-own-good Eleanor. Kate Winslet is great as flaky Marianne. Even little Margaret (Austen's only fully-realized child character) is great as the spunky pre-teen. I remember when the movie came out one reviewer said that Hugh Grant's character "looks like he's forgotten to take the coat hanger out of his clothing" and that is so true... but he's so good as the clueless cad.

The film is beautifully shot, with great sets and scenery. It's a little hard for a modern person to understand why the Dashwoods were so upset to have to move to such a charming cottage! Historical perspective is maintained in the movie, though.

It is also very well written, with my very favourite line in any movie appearing (though I've read the book twice looking for it). Truly words to live by, Mrs. Dashwood tells blabbermouth Margaret that if she can't think of anything appropriate to say, "please keep your conversation to the roads and the weather!" Advice that has never failed me yet :-)

Rating:
Summary: Looking for love in jolly olde England
Review: Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility comes to the screen in a visually stunning, beautifully acted film. Emma Thompson stars as Elinor Dashwood, the sensible older sister of Marianne (Kate Winslet), who is idealistic and passionate about life and love. Elinor falls in love with the handsome and wealthy Edward (Hugh Grant), who may be keeping a secret from her. Marianne is completely besotted with the dashing and mysterious Mr. Willoughby. She, however, is persued by a much older and very conservative nobleman, Col. Brandon (Alan Rickman), who has a painful past.

The film follows the sisters on the road to love and happiness, which is quite a bumpy road, due to the rigorous constraints of 18th century society and manners. In the end, of course, true love previals for both sisters, as we always knew it would.

The English countryside is photographed in its splendor and the period homes and costumes are a delight. Emma Thompson captivates as the long-suffering Elinor, and Alan Rickman steals the show as the pitiable Colonel. If you like romance and period films, you will enjoy Sense and Sensibility.

Rating:
Summary: Sense and Sensational
Review: Let's face it: Jane Austen film adaptations have a reputation both for being slow and for being chick flicks. Yet here we have a male reviewer who hasn't read any one of her novels who's also telling you that this is one the finest movies he's ever watched.

I have seen a great many of Victorian-era films and I believe this picture captures the old fashioned "English reserve" better than any other. Everybody acts so decent and proper that it really makes you laugh. How did people ever express themselves and let out their true feelings in that day and age? They didn't.

As with any movie bearing costumed actors and beautiful English countrysides, it is also a great looking film. The casting is perfect, with Hugh Grant in a shining moment of his prosperous career and Emma Thompson giving an unforgettable over the top climactic performance. My advice to the men out there is to give this movie a try because you'll get more out of it than you will with Terminator 2. Yes, there really is such a thing as a chick flick for guys, and its name is Sense and Sensibility.

Rating:
Summary: JANE AUSTEN'S TIMELESS CLASSIC COMES TO LIFE
Review: This film is so beautifully realized, in its scope and execution, that I have nothing but praise for both screenwriter/actress - Emma Thompson and director Ang Lee. Based on the novel by Jane Austen, the film follows the exploits of Mary-Anne (Kate Winslet) and Eleanor (Thompson) Dashwood; two angelic sisters determined to find romance amidst the sublime grandeur of the English countryside. Also stars Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman.
Columbia's transfer is, on the whole, gorgeous. Colors are well represented and fine detail is rendered accurately. Contrast levels are subtle, as they should be and dark scenes are accurately represented with only a slight loss of fine detail to speak of. Unfortunately, there are several scenes that exhibit pixelization that breaks apart background information. There is also the inclusion of some minor edge enhancement that, while not terribly obtrusive, is nevertheless present. This special edition includes a wonderful featurette and Emma Thompson's witty acceptance speech at the Golden Globes - a real treat. FINAL WORD: There's no costume drama of the 90's more poignantly captured. A British legend becomes an American Movie Classic. Get this one!