Sense and Sensibility

Rating:
Summary: "Is Love a Fancy or a Feeling?"
Review: When Emma Thompson was approached with the suggestion to write a screenplay based on Jane Austen's first novel "Sense and Sensibility" (1811), she was somewhat doubtful because, as she explains on the DVD's commentary track, she felt that other Austen works, like the more expressive "Emma" and "Persuasion" or the sardonic "Pride and Prejudice" (already the subject of several adaptations) would have been more suitable. Four years and 14 screenplay drafts later (the first, a 300-page handwritten dramatization of the novel's every scene), "Sense and Sensibility" made its grand entrance into theaters worldwide and mesmerized audiences and critics alike, resulting in an Oscar for Thompson's screenplay and six further nominations (Best Picture, Leading Actress - Thompson -, Supporting Actress - Kate Winslet -, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Score - for 20 minutes' worth of composition - and Costume Design); and double honors as Best Picture and for Thompson's screenplay at the Golden Globes.

More than simple romances, Jane Austen's novels are delicately constructed pieces of social commentary, written from her rural Hampshire's perspective. Mostly confined to life in her father's parish, she was nevertheless well aware of early 19th century England's society at large, and fiercely critical of the loss of morals and decorum she saw in its pre-industrial emergent city life. Moreover, experience and observation had made her acutely aware of the corsets forced onto women in fashion terms as much as by social norms, confining them to inactivity and complete dependency on their families' and their (future) husbands' money. And among this movie's greatest strengths is the manner in which it maintains that underlying theme of Austen's writing and brings it to a contemporary audience's attention. "You talk about feeling idle and useless: imagine how that is compounded when one has no hope and no choice of any occupation whatsoever," Elinor Dashwood (Thompson) tells her almost-suitor Edward Ferrars, and when he replies that "our circumstances are therefore precisely the same," she corrects him: "Except that you will inherit your fortune - we cannot even earn ours."

Rescuing much from the first draft dramatization of Austen's novel and amplifying where necessary, Emma Thompson and director Ang Lee ("who most unexplainably seems to understand me better than I understand myself," Thompson said in her mock-Austen Golden Globe speech) produced a movie scrupulously faithful to what is known about Austen's world and at the same time incredibly modern, thus emphasizing the novel's timeless quality. Paintings were consulted for the movie's production design, and indeed, almost every camera frame - both landscapes and interiors - has the feeling of a picture by a period painter. Thompson cleverly uses poetry where the novel does not contain dialogue; and again, she does so in a manner entirely faithful to Austen's subtleties - most prominently in the joint recital of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 by Marianne Dashwood (Kate Winslet) and John Willoughby (Greg Wise), where an ever so slight inaccuracy in his rendition of a sonnet he claims to love foreshadows his lacking sincerity.

"Sense and Sensibility" revolves around Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, their quest for a suitable husband, and the sisters' relationship with each other. Emma Thompson maintains that she did not write the screenplay with herself as Elinor in mind and would not have been accepted for that role but for the success of her previous films ("Howards End," "The Remains of the Day"); yet, it is hard to imagine who could have better played sensible Elinor: "effectual, ... [possessing] a coolness of judgment, which qualified her, though only nineteen [and thus considerably younger than Thompson], to be the counselor of her mother." And real-life 19-year-old Kate Winslet embodies sensitive, artistic Marianne: "eager in everything; [without] moderation ... generous, amiable, interesting: ... everything but prudent." (As an older actress was sought for that part, her agent presented her as 25.) An early scene in which Marianne recites Hartley Coleridge's Sonnet VII ("Is love a fancy or a feeling? No. It is immortal as immaculate truth") symbolizes the sisters' relationship and their personalities, as Marianne mocks Elinor's seemingly cool response to Edward's budding affection. (Mostly taken from the novel, the scene is embellished by the screenplay's sole inexactitude: Coleridge's sonnets were only published 22 years later). Yet, when all her hope seems shattered, Elinor, in a rare outburst of emotion, rebukes her sister: "What do you know of my heart?" - only to comfort her again when she sees that Marianne is equally distraught.

Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman similarly perfectly portray the sisters' suitors Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon, both embodying the qualities Austen considered essential: simplicity, sincerity and a firm sense of morality. Willoughby, on the other hand, while entering the story like the proverbial knight on a white horse who rescues the injured Marianne, does not live up to the high expectations he evokes; he causes Marianne to unacceptably abandon decorum and, just as he misspoke in that line from Shakespeare's sonnet, his love eventually "bends with the remover to remove." Similarly, Lucy Steele (Imogen Stubbs), the near-stumbling block to Elinor's happiness, ultimately proves driven by nothing but an "unceasing attention to self-interest ... with no other sacrifice than that of time and conscience" (Austen) and is, despite a fortuitous marriage, as marginalized as the Dashwoods' greedy sister-in-law Fanny (Harriet Walter). Conversely, the boisterous Sir John Middleton and his garrulous mother-in-law, while annoying in their insensitivity, are essentially goodnatured; and marvelously portrayed in their flawed but warmhearted ways by Robert Hardy and Elizabeth Spriggs.

"Sense and Sensibility" came out at the height of the mid-1990s' Jane Austen revival. Of all movies released then, and alongside 1996's "Emma" (which has "Hollywood" written all over it) and the BBC's "Pride and Prejudice" (which finally established Colin Firth as the leading man in the U.S. that he had long been in Britain), Emma Thompson's "Sense and Sensibility" is one of those adaptations that future generations of moviegoers will likely turn to in years to come. And it is truly an experience not to be missed.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Brilliant!
Review: This film is absolutely brilliant! There is not much more to say! Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet give magnificent performances! The storyline was written beautifully. It is witty, endearing, sad and triumphant all at the same time throughout the entire movie! You can't help but fall in love with all the heroic characters and come to despise the dishonest ones. And the director, Ang Lee, did an amazing job of capturing the story through such a simple and understated way, yet it hardly comes across the film that way! I recommend this film to anyone who loves a good storyline with a plot and brilliant acting!

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Beautiful!!
Review: This is one of my all-time favorite films. Everything about it is just superb, from the gorgeous scenery to the clever script to the perfect casting of every role. I could never tire of watching this, it has a deep appeal to the romantic in me.I dare say it will do the same for anyone who loves romance and has an imagination. Ahhh, if only there could be a sequel!! But it IS hard to outdo perfection!

Rating:
Summary: Sense and Sensibility
Review: This film is a delightful whitty romance. A beautifully done film with an excellent cast. During the film you will become to know and connect with the characters. The music is warm and lovely. You must see this. Excellently portrays the trials of romance for that century's women.

Rating:
Summary: Flawlessly Beautiful
Review: What can I say but I loved this movie! Whether or not you are a Jane Austen fan, you can appreciate the beauty of this film. Emma Thompson has adapted a screenplay from Jane Austen's novel of the same title that deservedly won the Academy Award and she managed to turn in a subtle, nuanced performance as the elder Dashwood sister, Elinor. Kate Winslet, pre-Titanic, is glorious and simply glows as the passionate middle sister, Marianne. Hugh Grant is at his bumbling, awkward best as Edward, the man who quietly steals Elinor's heart. But the best, by far, is Alan Rickman, whose Colonel Brandon is sensitive and intelligent. You simply ache for him as he steps aside, despite his love for Marianne, to allow her to seek happiness with the caddish Willoughby. In the background of these emotional maelstroms is a musical score that captures all of the drama so well your heartstrings will be tugged, in addition to lovely costumes and breathtaking scenery of the English countryside. Simply put, if you want to watch a movie that will fill you with the same longing that Colonel Brandon suffered and love that makes you burn, as Marianne so wished for, this is the movie for you.

Rating:
Summary: Rent It, But Don't Bother Buying It
Review: All you have to do is look at the cover of this DVD to realize that this movie was made to appeal to women, but after having seen it, I doubt that even the most amorous woman would find this movie appealing.

Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet play two sisters named Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Both are bachelorettes whose father has recently died and left them virtually impoverished, and who seem to want nothing more than to get married. The movie is set in 19th century England, and given the customs in those days, I suppose it was acceptable for marriage to be a woman's only aspiration in life. Of course, marriage in that day-in-age was more of a merging of two people of similar social and economic stature than a solidification of love. Elinor (Thompson) is the "sensible" and conservative sister who comes off as comically prudish, and Marianne (Winslet) is younger and starry-eyed. Marianne is courted by two gentlemen, and Elinor is courted by a man named Edward Ferrars (played by Hugh Grant), who is actually engaged to someone else, and has been for five years. The only real suspense is in who will marry whom in the end. Without giving away the ending, I'll only say that I was disappointed that both sisters married men who were not deserving of women of their high class.

This movie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, and I can see why. It's visually attractive, the costumes are very interesting, the dialogue is extremely smart, and the performances by Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet are very good. However, even when you put all those things together into one movie, it's still entirely possible that the audience will not be entertained. This movie was entertaining for the most part, but there were times when it felt extremely dry, and I found myself looking at my watch to see how much time had passed.

This is a movie that might be fun to see once, but I don't recommend spending money and actually buying it.

Rating:
Summary: Well done
Review: Ang Lee was an intelligent choice for this film. And is Kate Winslet the most beautiful woman in the world, or what? She even manages to keep her clothes on. The mood of this film is often somber and reflective. It will put some directly to sleep, while romantics will be riveted to their chairs. The supporting cast couldn't be better. What a pleasure to find Hugh Laurie and Robert Hardy providing comic relief, and Hugh Grant makes a fine Edward Farrars. If the ending doesn't stir you, you must be a reptile.

Rating:
Summary: a beautiful story
Review: I loved this movie. I love romantic comedy, and this is one of the best. Emma Thompson was outstanding as was Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant. Don't miss this one.

Rating:
Summary: Could Not Be Better
Review: How can a romantic comedy about seeking marriage mates win the Berlinale, one of the most prestigious film festivals? Well, this splendid adaptation of a classic Jane Austen novel did just that in 1996, combining fabulous writing (and acting) of Emma Thompson and great directing of Ang Lee ("The Wedding Banquet", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon").

Other performances are also first-class. Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant shine (personally, I've never seen a role to be so fitting for Grant, although "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "About a Boy" came close). The whole cast is flawless.

When the film came out, even the self-proclaimed film saviour Quentin Tarantino could not help himself but quip: "Who the F... is Jane Austen?" Yes, this English author who lived 200 years ago wrote only romantic novels about girls (and men) who are in want of a spouse. But she achieved perfencion in this very limited space (the novel "Pride and Prejudice" is probably the best). In this movie, the very human side -- the desire not to be alone, to spend a lifetime with the One -- is described with power. Finding the true love was the prime thing for the two Dashwood sisters. But, is it still not true for most of us, even in this cold, material world?

Emma Thompson, already an Oscar winner for her leading role in "Howards End" (1992), won the Oscar for this film's adapted screenplay, becoming the first artist ever to achieve such a feat -- winning the Academy Awards for both acting and writing.

Apart from saving all important aspects of the story, Thompson included very poignant and sharp moments in the script. When her character Elinor and Edward Ferrars (played by Grant) are on a cruise ride, she says, 'you inherit your money. We cannot even make it,' hinting at the situation of middle class women two centuries ago, when their fortunes depended heavily either on inheritance from father or property of husband -- and it was imaginable they should go to work. A great social commentary.

Beatifully shot, with delicate music score by Patrick Doyle, "Sense and Sensibility" is predominantly an entertaining film. But its social and human undertones are undeniable. It did win Berlin festival and the Golden Globe, but lost the Oscar race to "Braveheart". Maybe for the lack of great human topic that would rank it along "Schindler's List" or "The English Patient". Yet I feel that there was not the film in 1995 to deserve the big Oscar more than this one.

If you have sense and sensbility, you will laugh and you will cry. This is a film to love.

Rating:
Summary: The ONE movie I'd choose if I had to choose ONE
Review: I've seen a lot of movies--read even more books. There's something about this film that makes me want to see it again and again and each time, it's as brilliant as the first and I end it with tears streaming down my face. It's a completely successful adaptation of Jane Austin's story. Emma Thompson's wit and "sensibility" shines. The acting is supurb and I have already turned my young daughters into fans. Don't miss this wonderful film.