Rating: 
Summary: A perfect adaptation of a novel to the screen
Review: This is the story of three sisters (two of marriageable age) and their mother who find themselves suffering a reversal of fortune. At the death of their father, their half-brother and his wife turn them out (in the most polite way, of course!) to make their own way on a paltry saving. The sisters proceed to fall in love and the story is of the trials and tribulations of those relationships, set in late 18th century England.Sense and Sensibility is normally regarded as one of Austin's weaker efforts, but it's still highly entertaining. This film is entirely faithful to the original story, yet rearranged and adapted in a fresh and fun way. Emma Thompson does double-duty as the screenwriter and as the main character, Elinor (the sister with "sense"). The cast is impeccably chosen, from Kate Winslet as the "sensibility" sister Marianne (no one does spoiled impetuousity better) and Hugh Grant as Elinor's suitor (no one does shy romantic better) to the lesser known actors. Those who only know Alan Rickman as hammy bad-guys in Die Hard and Robin Hood will be pleasantly surprised by his range of talents. Ang Lee lends a sure hand in direction, similar to his work in Eat Drink Man Woman. The movie looks good. Thompson's screenplay is entirely faithful to the book in spirit, while introducing a great many changes. Elinor, as played by Thompson, is obviously not 19 years old, Hugh Grant is not "plain," and several characters are dropped completely, such as Lucy Steele's sister. In addition, the dialogue is heavily rearranged and edited, scenes are added that don't appear in the book, etc. In spite of this, the film is probably the truest adaptation I have ever seen in a 2-hour studio film. The new scenes and additional dialogue are generally adapted from Austin's editorial comments, and so are "true" to the original story, even if they aren't explicitly in the novel as filmed. The DVD has a few extras, including an audio commentary and deleted scenes. Oddly, there are only two deleted scenes included, although many more are mentioned in the commentary as being filmed and then being cut. I, for one, would like to see the duel between Col. Brandon and Willoughby, but alas, it is not included. Thus, the DVD is pretty humdrum, except for the fact that it looks very good. I think Lee's films should always be seen in widescreen, as the setting is important to many of his shots. Therefore, this disc gets 5/5 on the strength of the film itself, with little value added from the DVD extras.
Rating:
Summary: Novel comes to life
Review: I am a huge Austen fan, and have seen all the movie adaptations. This by far was the best. Sense & Sensibility, the book, was my least favorite of Austen's novels until I saw this movie; I've now reread it over and over, and find it delightful. The casting was perfect (a rare thing among book adaptations); Emma Thompson as Elinor drew out all the nuances of her character, and helped me (finally) connect to the true meaning of the story. All the other characters were wonderfully acted as well, even down to Lucy Steele. Everything about this movie - the music, the scenery, the actors - blended so perfectly, I felt I was living in this circle, and a part of the events.
Rating:
Summary: "For there is nothing lost, that may be found, if sought..."
Review: When I first attempted to read Jane Austen's book Sense and Sensiblity, I was sadly dissapointed. I am an absolutely rabid fan of Jane's, but I found that this particular book was as unromantic as Emma, but without the wit. Therefore, when my step-uncle suggested that we watch the movie, I was not particularly excited. When I heard, however, that it featured Alan Rickman, I was mildly interested. I had heard a lot about him in my previous life (<: as a fan of J.K. Rowling's Professor Snape, and I wanted to see what kind of actor he was. I was, as you may imagine, unprepared. Before it was halfway through, I was blown away by not only Rickman's, but also Winslet's and Grant's superb performances. Kudos also to Thompson for her screenplay, which was, to put it gently, a HUGE improvement over the original. I think I speak for a great deal of female veiwers when I say that, not only is Rickman more attractive than Wise (who plays Winslet's character's other potential suitor), he is also an absolutely adorable character. The way he reads that poetry... *sigh* It is notable that, in the novel, Marianne (Winslet) was NOT carried back from Coombe Magna to the Palmer's estate by Col. Brandon (Rickman). I think that the way it is portrayed in the movie shows considerable genius on the part of Emma Thompson, seeing as Brandon's rescuing her from Willoughby's (Wise) clutches paralells his physically rescuing her from Coombe Magna. Ten stars....
Rating:
Summary: Hollywood at it's best
Review: The greatest period piece Hollywood ever produced is too calm a description for this movie. It captures all the subtlties of Jane Austen with great filmaking and beautiful acting. Without stodgy actors or dark rooms like so many period pieces, it takes you into the world of Jane Austen's time and is so moving. I love this movie. Fans of Pride and Prejudice and other true Austen films and BBC miniseries should not be afraid of this movie, it will not let you down.
Rating: 
Summary: QUICK WIT, STYLISH ADAPTATION
Review: Pre-Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Ang Lee-directed film based on a Jane Austen novel. Like all Jane Austen adaptations, this is a period piece usually with a great deal to say about society and love. Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson are both more than appealing in their roles as the main characters. Winslet is the hopeless romantic, always getting her heart stolen and broken and coming ever so near the heroine's last breath, while her sister, played flawlessly by Thompson, is the older, more mature and settled one who tries her best to keep Winslet grounded. The book is full, like other Austen books, of misunderstandings and missed opportunities for love, and Ang Lee brings a beautiful sensitivity to the nuances of these relationships, which, in less capable hands, could come across in a crass and altogether unappealing fashion. Also stars Hugh Grant. ...
Rating:
Summary: Sense or Senibility
Review: This movie is basically about 2 sisters who are looking for love..1 loves a man who will lose his fortune if he marries one sister and the other who has two men who love her one of good character and one who has Sullied womens good names...It's much more to the movie..but I don't want to ruin it for new viewers..Excellent Film...
Rating:
Summary: "Elinor, Where is Your Heart?"
Review: When Marianne (Kate Winslet) seeks to reproach her sister Elinor (Emma Thompson) on that score, watch out! The normally repressed and sedate Elinor, always choosing her words carefully and weighing them before she speaks, bursts out with a tirade against Marianne that almost draws applause from the viewer. It's not that we don't like Marianne; on the contrary, she is herself quite loveable. It's just that at last to see Elinor give way to the turmoil she feels inside is a catharsis for everybody. She's had a very hard time of it, too. First, her father died leaving her, Marianne, their younger sister, and mother destitute and dependent upon others' kindnesses. Then she forms an attachment to her sister-in-law's brother Edward (Hugh Grant_, but when it seems certain he will propose, zilch. Along the way, she is the recipient of a confidence she doesn't want which cuts her to the quick. And Marianne? Well, she has the unwanted attentions of Captain Brandon (Alan Rickman) to contend with, until she is literally swept off her feet by the romantic Willoughby. THEIR engagement seems a done deal, when suddenly, zilch again! Jane Austen was a master at presenting a story which appears to have no happy ending, a story where you suddenly realize you're as blind as the heroine about what is REALLY going on. "Sense and Sensibility" is a wonderful adaptation of her great novel, the precursor to "Pride and Prejudice". Everything works: the casting, the countryside, everything. And those last two scenes are the classic fairy tale ending, absolutely the sweeter for having gone through so much. Demonstrate your good sense, and check out "Sense and Sensibility" as soon as time permits.
Rating:
Summary: One 1-star review, no 2-star reviews - This is a clue !!!
Review: This is a "chicks movie", but really in the best sense of the
word. This is a movie to purge the male thirst for "action". You
have to truly have a heart of stone not to enjoy this movie.
Kate Winslet was I believe only 19 when she made this movie -
what a performance. I found Hugh Grant's performance a little too
mannered, but Alan Rickman was excellent - as he is in just about
everything he does - from the bad guy in "Die Hard" to Obidiah
Slope in the BBC's production of "Barchester Towers". But the stand out performance is Emma Thompson's, holding in all
that emotion. Truly superb. When she thinks Marianne is going to
die and her inner resolve slips - that is truly some of the best
acting of our time. This movie is wonderful. And no one gets shot.
Rating:
Summary: The best of the Jane Austen pictures...
Review: Director Ang Lee outdoes Merchant Ivory, with a lively script and great acting from Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant. It's a really sweet tale with twists and turns that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling. I, personally, dislike Jane Austen's novels -- the repression of the time leaves me feeling claustrophobic -- but this one will have you smiling, not frowning. Also, check out Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, also by Ang Lee...
Rating: 
Summary: Bring a pillow
Review: This movie is so boring that I had to get up and "go to the restroom" 4 times because I got tired of my wife elbowing me when I fell asleep. Each time I came back it seemed that they must have stopped the movie to wait for me. All the same period-dressed actors and actresses sitting in some room in what I guess was a mansion owned by one of them. And they talked and talked and talked...zzzzz. Plus, it was difficult to tell the actors apart (they should have used some sort of distinguishing devices to help the viewer). Ditto for the actresses, they must have been twins, triplets or quads. And they talked and talkd and talked. What the heck were they talking about that seemed to keep everyone else so fascinating? No action. Little humor. Somewhat like a daytime soap opera with their clothes left on. Now, when my wife gets mad at me, she threatens to buy the VHS and make me watch the whole thing. She's pretty clever because the thought of that potential torture keeps me on my best behavior for hours afterwards. I'll say this in closing...maybe I missed all the good parts when I "left for the restroom" all those times I fell asleep. And my wife loved the movie. Remember, opposites attract and all that.
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