Sense and Sensibility

Rating:
Summary: Favorite chick movie ever for this guy
Review: Not to sound seriously sexist, but complicated romances are usually the subject of movies geared toward the feminine sensibility, as it were. However, the incredible literacy of the source material, the wonderful performances (even Hugh Grant is delightful here, to say nothing of Thompson, Rickman, and Winslet), and Ang Lee's delicate touch, all make for a perfect film experience, in my opinion. Jane Austen uses this dramatic comedy of manners to explore timeless facets of love, with TWO concurrent romances being pursued against the tides of prudence and social obligation endemic to the class and era. The resolution of both of these romances is breathtakingly dramatic--most especially Thompson's emotional catharsis, which reflexively brings me to tears just thinking about it.

The film also works as a sort of historic speculative fiction--imagine a world, before Freud and Oprah, when the cautious consideration of others' feelings was paramount, rather than the intemperate expressions of one's own. Weird, isn't it?

In short, this is simply my favorite film of its genre ever, perfect in every way.



Rating:
Summary: The Bookworm Seal of Approval
Review: This movie is so much fun. Back in the 70s, when I was the only geek girl in high school reading THE LORD OF THE RINGS and all titles by Jane Austen, little did I suspect that anyone would ever make hugely popular movies out of what (at that time) was fare for only the most devoted of bookworms.

The adaptation of this classic author by actor/screenwriter Emma Thompson is superb. However, many of the other reviewers have praised Thompson's brilliance in detail, so instead I'll touch on another favorite feature of mine: the supporting cast.

Remember Siegfried Farnon, the older, robust vet from ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL? His name is Robert Hardy and here he plays the kindly but rambunctious uncle. Somehow, somewhere they found an actress to play his mother who is so like Robert Hardy in looks and personality, you'd swear they were blood relatives. This lively, raucous pair gift the Dashwood sisters and their bereaved mother with a humble cottage when they're left homeless (or, rather, mansionless) by the death of their father. Generous deeds aside, if there's juicy gossip to be had, these two will be sure to "winkle it out of you."

There are too many wonderful supporting roles in this movie filled by excellent actors, so I'll mention just one more. Harriet Walter plays Fanny Dashwood to perfection - the stingy in-law who's gone power-drunk now that her husband has inherited the home and wealth his sisters have just lost. In one pivotal scene, Fanny coaxes the secretly engaged Lucy Steele to spill her romantic secret. "I'm as silent as the grave," says the horrible Fanny, leaning in close to the unsuspecting girl. As she leans, you get the distinct impression she *is* the grave. And all from one look. Harriet Walter plays the villain with a sense of humor about herself that can only be described as delicious.

The title of this story refers to the dispositions of the two older Dashwood sisters. "Sense" is the practical and commonsense Elinor, played by Emma Thompson - the ultra-responsible elder sister who appears not to give in to the longings of her heart. "Sensibility" refers to the demonstrative Miss Marianne, played by Kate Winslet, who wears her heart on her sleeve and pooh-poohs anyone who doesn't. Through a series of misunderstandings, plus a fine collection of hilarious and dramatic incidents, the tables are turned and the sisters walk a mile in one another's shoes.

My husband enjoyed this one as much as I did. And I'm pleased to report that the movie is 100% worthy of the book.

Rating:
Summary: Perfection
Review: What else is there to say about this film besides the fact that it is charming, funny, touching and just bloody great!

Emma Thompson penned the flawless screenplay, adapted from Jane Austen's 1811 novel of the same name. The story centres around Elinor and Marianne, two fatherless sisters who have been forced to accept their fate as women unlucky in love and station or can things improve themselves?

* The casting! It is just perfect. It couldn't be bettered: Thompson, Winslet, Rickman, Wise, Grant,Jones were all brilliant, never over-acted but did exactly what was needed to immerse the viewer into the story. One stand out pair of the film is Mr and Mrs Palmer, friends of Col. Brandon, played with wit and humour by Hugh Laurie and Imelda Staunton. They were just hilarious! Kudos has to go to Harriet Walter (Fanny Dashwood) and Imogen Stubbs (Lucy Steele) as well, just great.

* The locations in films are really important for the visual effect and authenticity - S&S doesn't disappoint, showing the stunning English countryside of Devon and Cornwall in Regency times, making it all the more believable.

* Top class period film and another great Austen film adaptation. Shame period films aren't as good as this anymore!

--> Besides the wicked nature of this film, the DVD is very good as well. I am so pleased to see an international range of subtitles ranging from Dutch, Danish,Italian and Swedish amongst others. The deleted scenes, excellent commentaries, interesting trailers and Thompson's funny Golden Globe acceptance speech round off this cool DVD. 'S&S' is one DVD where the distributers FINALLY make the special features complement the film. (NB: In terms of special features, this review refers to the Region 2 DVD)

Well done!
BB



Rating:
Summary: The Title Says it All
Review: This is another favorite of mine by Jane Austen The poignant and heartwrenching problems that most of the main characters incur throughout the movie provide a most enthralling and compelling story, yet in the end, the "sensibility" gained by the actors brings the tale to a magnificent and satisfying conclusion for all. Kate Winslet & Alan Rickman are my two favorites in this movie; they both give magnificent performances. I would reccomend this to anyone who enjoys true drama.

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous in every respect.
Review: Lush production value encompasses this flawless film based on the classic Jane Austen novel. Emma Thompson is triumphant both as the title character and as a screenwriter. Her adaptation is beautifully written and loaded with emotional subtleties, as is her performance. Kate Winslet plays her sister in the film, a perfect foil of unrepressed passion to her sister's reserved depth of character. The entire cast is magnificent, for that matter. There are so many different characters entering and exiting the story that there is never any threat of boredom for lack of interesting people. The story itself is actually fairly simple, but it is the people who inhabit this fascinating time and place who both complicate and enhance everything around them. The cinematography is sumptuous, with deep greens and glowing sunshine, misty grays and extravagantly colorful indoor settings. The costumes are gloriously adorned and appropriately designed for the era. The look of this film is fantastic! Then there is director Ang Lee, better known today for his stellar work on "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." His previous film, "Eat Drink Man Woman," more than hinted at his prowess as a possible international success with "Sense and Sensibility." His work here is outstanding. This film was nominated for 7 Oscars, winning only for Best Adapted Screenplay going to Emma Thompson. Another movie entitled "Braveheart" won Best Picture that year. Other films along similar lines as "Sense and Sensibility" that I recommend highly are "Howard's End," in which Emma Thompson won the Best Actress Oscar but which is inexplicably not available on DVD, and an eccentric gem called "Impromptu," in which she has a smaller role within yet another exceptional cast of actors. Both films are very European, in the best sense of the word. Highly recommended.