Persuasion

Rating:
Summary: Persuade Me A Little Better
Review: ~~
Storyline:
(Past story) Rich Girl meets Navy Boy, they fall in love. Nosy stepmother-figure decides he's not good enough for her little angel; Girl dumps Boy.
(Movie, present time) Eight years later, Wentworth returns a wealthy Man. Anne, now extremely pale(someone throw a little sunshine her way) and unwanted, is forced into a re-acquaintance when spendthrift effeminate father has to lease family mansion to Wentworth's relations. She's packed off to her married sister's place while daddy and the beloved sister waltz their way to Bath.
Anne spends the next forever (7? 8? hours) moping around while Wenworth makes a play for an empty-headed cheerleader-type. Cheerleader throws herself off a walkway for the joy of it and Anne takes control while everyone else goes into hysterics. Wentworth (suddenly looking at Anne in a whole new way and realising that maybe the dominatrix fantasies aren't out of the cards with English women after all) runs for it while the girlfriend's unconscious. Anne returns to her father (in Bath), and surprise, surprise, but Wentworth appears soon after. Man and Woman are reduced to Boy and Girl again while they tiptoe around the fact that they're itching for a shag. But life ends happily and all is well; boy and girl settle for a public kiss (scandalous stuff) and riding off into the sunset on the trusty horse.....er, ship.

Personal impression: Book was better. Movie went too long, and this is coming from someone who fell in love with the 1996 version of Pride and Prejudice, which has 2 tapes and goes for longer than Gone With the Wind.

I made the mistake of watching the movie before the book. Don't. If you're going to watch the movie, read first so that you'll understand all the little nuances that don't really explain themselves. Overall, I've seen better, but also worse.

Rating:
Summary: Great Movie Surprise!!
Review: I stumbled on this movie in a rental store, and I was very pleasantly surprised with this adaptation's faithfulness to the book. The main characters are wonderful, and their chemistry will stick with you for days after you soak up their performances! Kudos to British productions of British novels!!

Rating:
Summary: Not up to standards
Review: While I absolutely love the book (I am a huge Jane Austen fan), and I love watching other movies based on her books, this book was just not up to standards. The acting is rather weak, as is the production, and it tends to be rather boring... I've watched it a total of 3 times, twice i didn't watch it all the way through. The characters are not well portrayed at all, and through the movie they seem way too weak and whimpy... I was rather disappointed with this as I don't believe there are any good productions of Persuasion.

Rating:
Summary: Second Chances
Review: "Persuasion" is one of Jane Austen's loveliest tales! Indeed, one full of hope and second chances. I think everyone can relate in one way or another, because we all have made decisions (which later we discovered were actually MISTAKES!) that were partly based on outside influences and opinions, and have lived to regret them. :`(

This is precisely the case with sweet-tempered Anne Elliot (Amanda Root), a not-so-young woman in her late twenties, who chose (in her younger years, when she was about nineteen) not to marry the man she truly loved, Frederick Wentworth, because he was thought to be "unsuitable" (by some anyway), for no other reason than his lack of fortune and connections! He was just a sailor, with nothing to offer- if LOVE and COMMITMENT are nothing (gee! the English were really shallow!). Her young, inexperienced heart was led, or "persuaded" if you will, to believe that his seeming lack of position in society would interfere with her happiness, and that opinion, which was not her own, no doubt contributed to her decision to turn down his proposal. As the years fly by, Anne is left to bear the burden of her choice. In her household she is made to feel less than appreciated, considered by this time to be an "old maid", she is not thought to be as pretty as her sister Elizabeth, and is generally neglected by her father (her mother died). Add to that, the fact that her family is teeter-tottering on the edge of financial ruin, and Anne has quite a load to bear! All her hope of finding happiness, love and contentment, is seemingly dead until... the once "unsuitable" sailor returns (this is eight years later mind you) as a Captain, of rather large fortune I might add! Captain Frederick Wentworth, charmingly played by Ciaran Hinds (gotta LOVE Ciaran!). He is yet unmarried, and is quite dashing, quite the talk of the town, quite the gentleman. As you can imagine, plenty of YOUNG ladies (younger, fresher than Anne) are more than willing to become Mrs. Wentworth. Could Anne be a consideration still? At her age? With their history? Just as Wentworth reappears in her life, and she is forced to look her past straight in the face, another man, young, handsome, seemingly wealthy Mr. Elliot (her cousin) also appears, and takes an interest in Anne! (When it rains it pours, huh!?) Could it be Mr. Elliot is right for her?

Ah, and here's where second chances come into play. What to do? What to do? Is it possible Wentworth could still love her after so many years? She has certainly never forgotten him. Could it be that her heart which was once "persuaded" to let him go, could now be "persuaded" to reach out to him again? Would HE be receptive after being rejected so many years ago, by the one he truly loved? Could he be "persuaded" to forgive her? Wouldn't YOU like to know? You have to see the movie! I won't give it away. But, let me just say it is quite rewarding, because too often in life (and even in movies/books too I suppose) those worthy of second chances do not get them, or, they are too blinded to recognize them when they come back around. Even worse, they may be too hesitant to go for it when they do recognize! Love though, "persuades" us to do what we never thought possible! It emboldens us, encourages us, and pushes us to go after our dreams!

To be honest, parts of the film are a tad... well, dull, but the overall theme, the storyline, allows you to endure them in order to see the outcome. Ciaran Hinds, and Amanda Root have a good chemistry. So often in the movie Anne has this wide-eyed, "I think I'm about to faint" expression on her face whenever she sees/talks to Wentworth... it is quite funny to see. And Wentworth's stares are enough to make any woman feel that way! This is a beautifully done adaptation, and you can't help but adore Ciaran Hinds! "Persuasion" is the perfect name for this story, because though our thoughts and opinions, and as a result our actions, can be influenced by others, it is really the heart that is the most persuasive influence! Really, each person must decide for THEMSELVES what is best and right for them. Love is never of little importance, but of the GREATEST, and a heart that has known true love will be persuaded to seek it again! All-in-all this movie is great! Why rent it when you can own it? I hope I have persuaded you (pun intended) to do so. Enjoy!! :-)

Rating:
Summary: The Best By Far!
Review: This is the most authentic adaptation of Jane Austen's wonderful book. There is much more realism as far as daily life and class issues than in a movie that is more glammed up like Thompson's Sense and Sensibility. They are both great to watch, but this one is for the more sophisticated viewer rather than the one who doesn't know or care who Jane Austen is. People complain that Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds are not "beautiful" enough but that isn't the point (and they are very appealing in anycase-just not a Kate Winslet or Colin Firth). The point is, they depict the tension and longing so well that even if you are romantically inept you should feel this anticipation and desire. And actually C.Hinds is very handsome and strong and Root is rightly understated but pretty. There attraction is very subtle on one level but palpable if you pay attention. As I said, one of the best J.A. adaptations as long as you aren't a simpleton or snob.

Rating:
Summary: Any truly great adaptation...
Review: will motivate those who have not experienced it in literary form, to do so, and that is precisely what this movie will do to most who view it! Honestly, I have just ordered "Persuasion" in book form from this very site because of seeing this movie. And even if you are not so inclined, you will definitely be entertained, if not touched by the long-suffering of the two characters portrayed.

I truly adore Ciaran Hinds, who is one of the best actors around, especially when placed smack-dab in the middle of a romantic period piece! He is what some guys would call a "man's man", with just the right amount of strength and tenderness to make you love him just as much as Anne! Speaking of Anne, initially I was not impressed with Amanda Root in the role of Anne, but, I soon gave in to simply adoring her also. She played a very patient, long-suffering young woman, and her sweet, mild-temper really grows on you.

Even if you find parts of the movie dull (as I did truthfully) the storyline is truly one of the most touching you will ever know, and so allows you to almost completely forget about the less than intriguing parts. It answers so beautifully the often-asked question: 'can true love stand the test of time?' with an affirmative 'most definitely!' Ah, indeed true love can withstand miles, and years, and even the skepticism of on-lookers! Cpt. Wentworth and Anne are two very endearing fictional characters, and the movie itself is just as sweet and charming as they are! How wonderful to see those worthy of a second chance, receive it! I am sure that I will get just as much, if not more pleasure from reading the book. "Persuasion" is an essential addition to any Jane Austen admirer's collection... and certainly is a jewel in mine! I would recommend anyone to purchase! Enjoy! :-)

Rating:
Summary: Miss Austen would be proud.
Review: I rented this movie because, as a Jane Austen fan, I am always anxious to see how her work has been translated to film. I was very pleased. However, I BOUGHT this DVD based on other's recommendations because, despite some flaws ( like the added superflicious scene and Charles and Mary having been only married
for four years { see page one of the book) their boys are about 7 and 5) the movie catches the spirit of the book. Amanda Root and Ciaran Hind are great; so is Sophie Thompson and the actors ( names ? I'm sorry) who play Charles Mugrove, the Admiral and Mrs. Croft. Loved their performances. Thank you, other reviewers. See someone does read these!

Rating:
Summary: Persuade yourself to finally stop renting it & buy the movie
Review: From Mr. Rochester to a professor in "Circle of Friends," Ciaran Hinds finally gets a role that is truly spectacular! "Persuasion" is a wonderful movie that will not disappoint any Jane Austen aficionado. It is worthy of a space on your self next to A&E's "Pride and Prejudice."

Rating:
Summary: The test of time
Review: This movie was magnificent because it wove such a sweet story and told us of love that stood the test of time. This story doesn't give a lot of attention to the high society or wealth of the characters, nor did it dazzle us with splendid manors; it showed us only enough to show the situation of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth. The storyline is more focused on their enduring love. It is simplicity; yet, way beyond with all the puzzlement and confused thoughts from Anne and the tortures of Captain Wentworth, who tries to treat Anne with indifference after she refused his love years ago. I liked this story because it was genuine, with characters you can sympathize with. Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds give wonderful performances; truly hard when most of the battle is within themselves.

Rating:
Summary: Jane Austen done well
Review: Persuasion is a much quieter movie than either Pride & Prejudice or Sense & Sensibility. It begins slowly and requires careful attention initially to understand what is happening. It opens with the falling financial situation of the Elliots of Kellynch Hall and displays the great vanity of the Baronet and his eldest daughter. But it is the quiet middle daughter, Anne Elliot, that we are here to watch. Through early dialog we learn that she is scorned by her elder sister and forgotten by her father. Only their neighbor Lady Russell sees her value. But 10 years earlier it was Lady Russell who counseled her to give up an attachment to young sailor "who had only himself to recommend him". Now the young sailor is Captain Wentworth, wealthy from the Napoleonic war, and his sister and brother-in-law, an Admiral Croft, are to rent Kellynch Hall.

Amanda Root plays Anne quietly and it is in the small gestures that we come to see her depths: a hand to her face when Wentworth's name is first mentioned, holding a old paper boat with great care as she cleans out Kellynch Hall; gripping a chair to hold herself steady the first time she unexpectedly sees Wentworth; and her expression when her sister cruelly repeats that Wentworth "hardly knew her, she was so changed." But we also see her quiet strength when she cares for her constantly complaining sister Mary Musgrove and then nurses her nephew after a fall. Anne is the quiet one that everyone depends upon.

Ciarán Hinds (recently seen as the Russian president in Sum of All Fears) is likewise excellent as the man once scorned by the wealthy Elliots. He is determined in his coldness toward Anne and likable in his warmth toward the Musgroves.

The dinner party scene when the Crofts and Wentworth dine with the Musgroves shines as it exposes each character in turn. When Mrs. Croft describes her adventures sailing with her husband, you can see in Anne's eyes how she yearns for this life that she gave up 10 years earlier. (I finally figured out where I had seen Fiona Shaw, the actress who places Sophie Croft - she also plays Harry Potter's aunt Petunia Dursley. What a great range this actress has!)

The period costumes, location filming, and wonderful music give this movie an authentic feel like other recent Austen films. Unlike the magnificent 6-hour adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, much of the novel's details are missing from this 2-hour film. Nor does Persuasion have the spectacle of Sense & Sensibility. What makes Persuasion wonderful is the quiet drama of this film, the great Austen dialog, and the care given to develop each character from this wonderful novel.