Rating: 
Summary: Shame on Patricia Rozema
Review: I am a Jane Austen snob, meaning that I don1t think her stories should be distorted to fit a political agenda that wasn't her own, as Patricia Rozema's version of "Mansfield Park" does, specifically a lesbian agenda, in which all the males are either demons, dolts, or wimps, and Mary a bisexual who lusts after Fanny. Of course, what can one expect from Canadian director who has nothing but disdain for everything old, masculine, and British. More to the point, Ms. Rozema's version of the novel is a grotesque caricature of Austen's story, one that has little inherent merit beyond some capable acting and picturesque photography. Rozema's film, unlike Austen's works, will soon be forgotten, for it is propaganda, not art. I recommend watching David Giles's 1986 version, which is less provocative, but faithfully captures the spirit of the novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Exceeded my expectations
Review: This film was a wonderful, pleasant surprise. It had a lot to live up to, with previous Austen-based films setting a high standard. I like what Rozema did with the story. She added and cut quite a bit, but not enough to change the basic plotline or the wonderful ending. O'Connor is great as Fanny and we should see a lot more of her in the future. She quietly and compellingly shows her pain from her unrequited love for Edmund. Embeth Davidtz, in a different kind of role for her, is wickedly funny and despicable as Mary. Wonderful film and a must for any Austen fan, unless your an Austen snob who believes a director should take no liberties when adapting the great author's work.
Rating:
Summary: Not Jane Austen but enthralling nonetheless
Review: Anyone purchasing this movie and expecting a typical adaptation of Austen's novel will be disappointed. Unlike the BBC productions and the recent Gwyneth Paltrow adaptation of "Emma," "Mansfield Park" is more experimental, much more risque - and these differences, in my opinion, only enhance the experience. I consider myself a diehard Jane Austen enthusiast and an avid supporter of the traditional Jane Austen movies. Even so, I feel that this film presents a likeable heroine in the revamped Fanny Price. She is bolder, more assertive, and her biting sense of humor makes her more like an Elizabeth Bennett than a Fanny Price. Those who resent this remolded character will undoubtedly be annoyed with the entire film. But why get bogged down in the traditionalist view? The new Fanny Price is endearing, the lesbian undertones perplexing, and the dark genocidal issues intriguing. The love story between Fanny and Edmund grabbed me from the very beginning. As opposed to many of the other Austenites, I feel that this movie does not betray the Austen tradition. It rather pays homage to Austen through the marriage of new and old.
Rating:
Summary: Emotion in Neon, Austen style
Review: I just saw Mansfield Park on DVD (which is average in terms of DVDs. Not extensive at all, but does really well with what it gives you). I think it's becoming my favorite Jane Austen movie, even over the beloved Sense and Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice. It's not as finely crafted as others, but I think what I love so much about it is how VIVID it is, emotionally, visually, thematically. It's very passionate and alive. It's more colorful, darker, deeper than most period films, just because it takes off a top layer of gloss and polish, and it doesn't lose that definite delightful Austen humor and bite. It's more at ease with itself, lacks some reverence, and even brings some techniques more associated with modern movies, and all this, although used carefully and even minimally, serves the film well.I love how they tell a lot of it visually, I just fell into the film during some scenes, it's mezmerizing; and some shots and scenes are just bursting off the screen. But this is one of those movies where the cinematography really works for the story as opposed to being something to stare at as a separate entity. The film being a character drama, over and over in scene after scene it works to enhance the story of these characters. And the best thing is how you FEEL these characters, the tension and heartache etc. is so palpable, more than most period films, probably because this strips away a very fine layer of "preciousness" and lets the characters really breath and be realistic people, in fact there are points where the film tries to show us some of the grittier realities of the time, but all this done without ever losing the FAMILIAR historical context and setting. Now, some films go hog wild in the other direction, which can also be alienating if not done correctly because it makes it feel too much like we are watching a modern people in old clothes and that doesn't do justice to the people of the period. We have to understand them at their own level, but often the expanse of time can cause a communication gap, if you will. In this film, the vividness of the inner world of these characters is what counters the "period" setting of the film. It's a perfect balance. We are always firmly within the era, the historical setting, but completely taken with these characters and their feelings and the sparks in the air, we are all on a level where we can relate to each other clearly. This is thanks to fine, emotionally lucid acting from the cast (Frances O'Connor, gasp! I bow down to thee m'lady) an amazing writing and directing job by Patricia Rozema, and I have to say the brilliant, brilliant cinematography by Michael Coulter. Wow. And I have to rave about the gorgeous score which I didn't actually realize how great it was until the end credits. The only problems I think there are in this is that it could have done to have been longer in order to flesh out some parts and to just use the great vehicle they created to carry the story even further. And I think it would have done to have slight fine tuning in terms of some of the writing and some specific shots (some of which kind of earmark it as "Indie! Indie!"). And I'm no expert on regency, but I don't think the costumes looked entirely right. But all in all, undoubtedly one of the best movies I've seen.
Rating: 
Summary: Um...
Review: I rented this movie along with "Emma" one night in my goal to absorb nearly everything Jane Austen. So far I've read and seen the most recent BBC version of "Pride and Prejudice"--a bit of a slow start I'll admit lol I did get most of her books from the library though and am actually reading "Mansfield Park" right now. It's definitely slow compared to P & P, but good enough to keep reading. The movie is kind of chop-sockey, incorporating things from the book in random order with no real point, especially the whole slavery thing. In defense of the movie though, at least it moves a lot faster than the book and while I'm only half way through, it's amazing what Frances O'Connor has down with the character of Fanny Price. I actually liked the Fanny in the movie, the Fanny in the book on the other hand is such a simpering goody-goody moron I want to slap her. Sorry, but she feels evil about the stupidest things, and while those around her ARE corrupt at least they have fun. Example : When Edmund asks for her opinion on something, Fanny gasps and goes "My opinion" like it's the grandest honor next to being invited for tea with the queen. Must admit that my favorite character in the movie was Henry Crawford; I felt sorry when Fanny rejected him, and I'll probably hate her in the book for it, but in the movie I could see why she did it. She had no way of knowing whether his affections were truly sincere or would stay that way. Worth watching if you're an Austen fan and not nearly as boring as the book, but not great. I have no idea why Fanny Price was one of Jane Austen's favorite heroines though; Emma was a little irritating in her over-perfectness, but not nearly as annoying and Elizabeth Bennet is definitley my favorite thusfar. The whole reason her and Mr. Darcy were perfect for eachother was because they saw the superficialness in their society and what they said wasn't as important as the underlying meaning of their words. Fanny Price on the other hand would NEVER say or think anything bad against anyone without feeling that she should get down on her knees and pray intensely for forgiveness.
Rating:
Summary: WARNING! NOT at all like the book!
Review: This movie is not for those of you who just finished reading the novel Mansfield Park and plan to enjoy the movie that was based on the book. I should say LOOSELY based on the book. It is perhaps better if you have not read the book at all. Or if you have low expectations and will not be disappointed in a few, er. . . slight changes in the characters, script, and so forth.
Let us not claim it as a horrbile movie though, it is still enjoyable. Fanny is now a character we can admire, that's positive! She is strong, determined, brave, and witty. This is contrasting greatly with what is written, I know, but I still enjoyed it.
The movie has other pluses such as beautiful scenery, beautiful men, and the discussion of serious issues, such as slavery.
There is alot more in the movie than you think. There is passion, unrequitted love, evil plots, and of course evil characters, illness, rakes, love games, betrayal, adultery, inhertances lost, and inhertances won. So exciting! You might enjoy it so, be fair and open-minded and give it a try.
Might I also recommend you purchase the soundtrack, it is brilliant! Great to read by.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Mess With Jane's Stuff
Review: It irked me that this director took so many liberties with Austen's story. Jane is so good she needs no help. There are plenty of Hollywood movies that make a social statement- I wanted Jane Austen, not filmdom political commentary. Also, after having seen Justine Waddell in Wives and Daughters, I realized she would have made a terrific Fannie Price. Casting Waddell as the younger sister (small role) was like having Peyton Manning on your team but using him as the backup quarterback.
Rating:
Summary: Taking artistic license:
Review: I like the movie very much. The cast is excellent and the story is interesting. However, if you expect it to follow Jane Austen's book, you will be disappointed. The differences between this movie and the book are too numerous to mention here, but many characters and events are changed or rearranged (presumably to shorten the movie and give it more mass appeal). If you can judge the movie based on its own merits, I think you'll enjoy it. But, if you're looking for a faithful portrayal of a Jane Austen novel, try Pride and Prejudice (Special Edition)(1996).
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous film from equally important novel
Review: You literary purists--get over it! If you watched the credits, you'll have seen that this film is inspired by and based on the novel, as well as Austen's letters and other writings. The director's emphasis is clearly on a broader sociohistorical context--one admittedly driven by a 20th-century feminist perspective--but this makes the film no less successful. The editing is superlative--note in particular the ball sequence at midpoint and the final shots that close the film--as is the acting, the direction, the cinematography, and the soundtrack. Highly rated! Far better than the usual fluff of period films!
Rating: 
Summary: Mansfield Park
Review: This movie is not unenjoyable and has several scenes that are rather cute or witty. However, it is very far from being a decent film adaptation of the novel. Much of the book is skipped over, which means that character development is often skipped over. Additionally, those characters that are developed are very different in many respects from the characters of the novel. Perhaps, in the case of Fanny, this was done to make the "heroine" more appealing to modern women, but it does change the story quite a bit. Also, the movie seems to be rather choppy at times. It's worth a watch, but the changes made have really detracted from the complexity and drama of the novel.
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