Rating: 
Summary: Sense and Sensibility: My Review
Review: Sense and Sensibility is a very good movie with wonderful acting from each member of the cast. Particularly noteworthy is Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, because she not only stars in the film but also wrote the screenplay! Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman are also great in their roles as Marianne, Edward Ferrars, and Colonel Brandon - and as a fan of "All Creatures Great & Small," I can't leave out Robert Hardy, who plays Mrs. Dashwood's (Gemma Jones) jovial cousin, Sir John Middleton.If you've already seen this film and enjoyed it, you might want to check out a book, written by Emma Thompson, entitled "The Sense & Sensibility Screenplay And Diaries". It contains the entire shooting script as well as Thompson's account of what making the movie was like, and it's just as awesome as the film itself.
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!
Rating:
Summary: Sublime Adaptation
Review: Thanks be to Emma Thompson for bringing this marvellous Jane Austen novel to life so beautifully and respectfully! Let me first remind all reviewers and fans that this story is NO where near the Victorian Era! As an English major and bibliophile, it makes me cringe to read how many people think so. It's like saying that 2000 is the Kennedy era. All Austen is GEORGIAN England, over fifty years before Victoria ever came to the throne; England under the reign of George III/IV; the era of Napolean (the Regency era), complete with less constrictive Grecian-inspired clothing for the women! (Regency: hence the term, EMPIRE waist) By contrast to the rigid manners and clothing of the successive eras, this era is VERY liberal and free, almost contemporary (to our own). Women were not so restricted at this time as they later would be. Isn't that obvious by Marianne's behaviour throughout? =) (And look at Lizzy in P&P! No Victorian woman would have behaved so!)
Now to the film: While many changes were made from its source - no Lady Middleton and child, and no child of Mr and Mrs John Dashwood (John and Fanny) - I am guessing that these ommissions of children must be due to the fact that these children were so young, and not all movie makers want to deal with directing young kids. That is all I can think of to excuse this ommission. What we lose is how different the mothering of Mrs Dashwood and Fanny is, as well as how different Sir John Middleton is from his wife- the former extremely gentile and well natured, the other completely snobby. What we also lose is the chief reason John and Fanny would NOT give the Dashwood girls any financial support, lest it "ruin himself and their poor little Harry". Alas, we see soon enough through Thompson's wonderful screenplay that the step-siblings care for nothing but themselves and this is thrown wonderfully into relief by Elinor, Marianne, Margaret and their mother's more generous behaviour, as well as that of Mrs Jennings and her son-in-law, Sir John Middleton. This said, we lose, too, the contrast between sisters in THIS family - the difference between Charlotte and her sister Lady Middleton. A shame, but still a wonderful film.
Keira Knightly is today's Kate Winslet. They are both young, beautiful talented girls. Watching this film again, reminded me how much I loved and currently miss Winslet's acting. Winslet is the perfect Marianne: vibrant, rash, passionate, and utterly Romantic.
I had reservations at first about how old was Emma Thompson for the role she played! But she pulls this role of Elinor off admirably, my favourite moment of her acting is when she utterly breaks down at the bedside of her feverish, ill sister - a stirring performance that brought tears to my eyes. As much as I love this film and love the two actors, I could not suspend belief that there was actual chemistry between Grant and Thompson - their performances both made it seem as though they were merely old friends who enjoyed each other's company, not lovers who had been divided with heartache by another (ie, Lucy Steele). Indeed the actor's relationship seemed to seep through into their characters, and this was a shame, as I felt some poignancy was lost.
This did not, however, impede any of the fine acting: A finer bumbling Edward was ne'er to be found, and Grant is his usual awkwardness fits this artless, affectionate man to a "T"! A great, comic role.
Alan Rickman's Col. Brandon was fantastic - he does not come across as being too old for his role, and is so handsome in looks and performance as Brandon that it would have mattered anyway. He plays wonderfully a handsome, shy, hurt creature whose chemistry with Marianne was subtle, sober and beautiful, not rash and impulsive as was Marianne's and the dashing young Willoughby's, very smoothly played by an exquisite Greg Wise.
And what a difference for Hugh Laurie from his Blackadder days! I never thought it was the same person. But he is a fantastic actor, and this screenplay allows him, as Mr Palmer, to be both sardonic throughout and then suddenly revealed as compassionate - a complete alteration of character at the end, well played.
Marianne's singing is just lovely, and shows Kate Winslet a very talented girl. It's a shame there is no copy of her performance on any Soundtrack recordings, as countless fans would have purchased it for its amateur sweetness and artless, fine quality.
The pace is so quick that one does not notice that more than two hours have gone by, and it seems not enough time to have spent in this beautiful story.
So, with fine acting, directing and writing, marvellous costumes, gorgeous countryside scenery and a lush score, this movie can be enjoyed by Austen fans and non-Austen fans alike.
Rating:
Summary: Does Austen Proud
Review: Rarely does a film like "Sense and Sensibility" come along, with that perfect balance of drama, humor, and romance, the sort that leaves you simply feeling happy as the final credits roll. I hated to see it end, in fact; I could have gone on watching the marvelous cast much longer, and that's saying something. Based on the Jane Austen novel (and deftly adapted by Emma Thompson), the plot is uncomplicated, but never tedious or boring. We can thank a terrific cast for that. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet shine as the Dashwood sisters, Hugh Grant quietly charms, and the supporting cast adds depth and, in some cases, hilarity. Director Ang Lee has quite a wide and accomplished repetoire ("The Ice Storm", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), yet I would not hesitate in listing this film among his best. His accomplishments with this thoroughly British film are even more considerable since he is Asian. He paces the film fluidly, giving each actor multiple chances to shine, and quite competently balancing the mix of comedy and drama. "Sense and Sensibility" is the perfect movie if you are in the mood for something funny and heart-warming. Essential for any Emma Thompson fan.
Rating:
Summary: Jane Austen would be proud
Review: Emma Thompson not plays a lead character, but has written a brilliant screenplay adapted from the Jane Austen classic. The Dashwood women Elinor (Thompson), Marianne (Kate Winslet) and Mrs. Dashwood (Gemma Jones, fron "Bridget Jones' Diary") are in a mighty pickle- their father/husband has died, leaving his fortune and estate to their half-brother John (the wonderful James Fleet). The will instructs John to generously provide for his Step-Mother and half sisters, but John's greedy wife Fanny (Harriet Walter) convinces him that a yearly stipends of 500 pounds is plenty. Thus, the ladies' Dashwood are forced to move out into Mrs. Dashwood's cousin's pokey little cottage. To Fanny's dismay, her brother Edward (Hugh Grant) and Elinor have taken a shine to one another, so Fanny goes to great lengths to keep them apart. Meanwhile Marianne has fallen in love with John Willoughby (Thompson's real life husband Greg Wise), a nearby neighbor and heir to his Aunt's fortune. But all is not as it seems with Willoughby, as Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman) is all-too aware of. Brandon falls in love with Marianne, but writes the romance off as impossible, as he is much older and no competition for Willoughby's affections. But things change when Willoughby's aunt threatens to cut him off if he doesn't stop associating with the penniless Dashwoods. The overall theme of this fascinating tale is greed and fortune vs. love and following your heart. What choice will Willoughby make? And what secret is keeping Edward from acting on his obvious affection for Elinor? A wonderful movie, with a stellar cast that seem tailor made for each character.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful film
Review: Sense and Sensablity with Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson is wonderful and a must see. The costumes and scenery are greta I highly reommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Does Austen Proud
Review: Rarely does a film like "Sense and Sensibility" come along, with that perfect balance of drama, humor, and romance, the sort that leaves you simply feeling happy as the final credits roll. I hated to see it end, in fact; I could have gone on watching the marvelous cast much longer, and that's saying something. Based on the Jane Austen novel (and deftly adapted by Emma Thompson), the plot is uncomplicated, but never tedious or boring. We can thank a terrific cast for that. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet shine as the Dashwood sisters, Hugh Grant quietly charms, and the supporting cast adds depth and, in some cases, hilarity. Director Ang Lee has quite a wide and accomplished repetoire ("The Ice Storm", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), yet I would not hesitate in listing this film among his best. His accomplishments with this thoroughly British film are even more considerable since he is Asian. He paces the film fluidly, giving each actor multiple chances to shine, and quite competently balancing the mix of comedy and drama. "Sense and Sensibility" is the perfect movie if you are in the mood for something funny and heart-warming. Essential for any Emma Thompson fan.
Rating:
Summary: DVD worth it for the extras
Review: I wasn't going to buy this DVD. I already have the film on VHS normal and VHS widescreen. Now I have all 3 formats. The commentary track by Emma Thompson and Lindsay Doran is the most entertaining I've heard on any DVD. The two of them obviously enjoyed making the film and they have lots of little stories to tell about it. Their comments fill in a lot of questions I was left with after reading Emma Thompson's published screenplay. I was curious to see the infamous kissing scene. I see why it was left out, but it's nice to have finally seen it. Mix it with brief cuts that are in the trailers and not in the film, and there's some interesting extra material. But of course films are best if they leave you wanting more. The only thing I'd change about this movie, if I could, would have been to have the sisters both be teenagers. Emma Thompson did a great job as a twentysomething older sister, but Elinor's character really should have been an older, serious teen against Marianne's impulsive teen. Pronouncements by Emma's Elinor carry too much conviction because she's just those few years older. The "I wish Marianne had a better acquaitance with the ways of the world" exchange with Col. Brandon has a very different flavor if it comes from, say, a nineteen-year-old.
Rating:
Summary: Completely wonderful
Review: This movie is one of my all-time favorites. I watch it because I find it warm and comforting. The drama and acting was superb. I think Alan Rickman just about stole the show. He's wonderful in everything. This is the only movie that I've seen him play a good guy, and he's absolutely wonderful. You can't help but to fall in love with him. Where are the Colonel Brandons of this world! I was highly impressed with Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson. They were so convincing as the Dashwood sisters that I'll never be able to separate them from the roles. On top of the fine acting, magnificent scenery, and lovely costumes, you have thoughtful cinematography. Pay close attention to the framing of the scenes. I particularly like the scene where the atlas is delivered to the cottage but not by Edward. While Elinor and her mother are talking about Edward you notice that the camera zooms away. The door frame becomes a picture frame for the scene. You feel like you're in the house, almost eavesdropping. Then Elinor closes the atlas as if to say the conversation is over. There are subtle moves like that throughout the entire movie.
Rating:
Summary: Sensibly artistic
Review: I love movie adaptations of Jane Austen classics. I don't like reading her books, because they are too lengthy (eg. Mansfield Park), but watching movies based on them is a whole different story. Ang Lee added his delicate touch to this one. The story flows on scene by scene smoothly, and he had a great cast. Emma Thompson is able to show Eleanor to be a strong-willed woman, introverted, but nevertheless sensible. Kate Winslet gave a strong performance as the impulsive, free-spirited Marianne. The contrast provided by both actresses is what drives the movie. After all, Marianne is Sense, for she relies on the senses of her heart, and Eleanor is Sensibility. Alan Rickman, as always, gives us a spectacular portrayal of the Colonel - wise and old, and deeply in love with Marianne. We feel and at the same time, comprehend his concern for Marianne, and at once, he gains our sympathy as well as respect. Hugh Grant is disappointing as usual. I'm not a fan of Hugh, so perhaps I'm being biased here, but I find his stammering, and blinky eyes really annoying (the guy can't even speak right!). Half the time he is mumbling, and his enunciation is so poor it is hard to catch what he is saying. If Hugh doesn't get too much on your nerves, and if you love a little bit of romance, drama, and comedy, this is definitely your cup of tea. At some points, it had me close to tears, while at others, I couldn't help but smile. I love the contrasting personalities of Charlotte and her husband, as well as the direct similarities between Charlotte and her mother, Mrs Jennings. Brilliant. Care for a cuppa, anyone?
|
