Emma cover art

Emma Reviews

1996 Certificate U
  • 70
  • from 6281 members

Douglas McGrath's film is an elegant and entertaining adaptation of Jane Austen's 1816 novel about Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow), a well-to-do young woman whose kindhearted attempts at matchmaking mask her own lack of romantic attachment. She takes it upon herself to find the perfect man for her friend Harriet (Toni Collette). But .. Read more

Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Toni Collette, Alan Cumming, Ewan McGregor
Director Douglas McGrath
Genres Drama

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  • Critics' reviews (6) of Emma

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  • 4 stars out of 5

    Before she won an Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love, Gwyneth Paltrow made her mark as the quintessential Jane Austen heroine in this convincing period romance from writer/director Douglas McGrath. Paltrow stars as the strong-willed matchmaker who entangles her friend (Toni Collette) in hopeless passion while trying to uncover the identity of her own true soulmate. Laced with wit, sophistication and a host of fine supporting performances (Jeremy Northam, Alan Cumming, Juliet Stevenson), this bright and breezy drama weaves a magical spell, with Paltrow at its charming centre.

    • Radio Times
  • "...[Paltrow's] signature style of youthful country freshness and city-chick sophistication are used to good advantage....A sunny tea party..." -- Rating:B

    • Entertainment Weekly
  • "...McGrath's script is faithful: fierce when it needs to be and devilishly funny....[EMMA] showcases Paltrow's talent, wit and daring..."

    • Rolling Stone
  • Most helpful members' reviews (3) of Emma

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  • 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    A good movie

    After reading the novel, I wanted to see how Jane Austin's writing transferred to the screen. This is not the best dramatisation of one of her books, but ... more

      • A customer from Lancaster, England
  • 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Not The Best Emma

    There's not too much wrong with this, Gwyneth's English accent is quite good, it looks ok. However, it suffers from the same issues as many other Austin... more

      • Jonathan Gear from Lyme Regis, England
  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    A delicious film

    A treat to watch! Emma, beautifully played by Gwyneth Paltrow, at her most meddlesome and provocative. Jeremy Northam's thoughtful presentation of Mr ... more

      • Christine from Cheshire, UK
  • Most recent members' reviews (2) of Emma

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  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    This gorgeous 18th century based film starring the brilliant Gwyneth Paltrow, is full of matchmaking and social dilemas.. The perfect watch for any teenage girl... more

      • A customer from Somerset, England
  • 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    A good movie

    After reading the novel, I wanted to see how Jane Austin's writing transferred to the screen. This is not the best dramatisation of one of her books, but ... more

      • A customer from Lancaster, England
  • 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    A good movie

    After reading the novel, I wanted to see how Jane Austin's writing transferred to the screen. This is not the best dramatisation of one of her books, but ... more

      • A customer from Lancaster, England
  • 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Not The Best Emma

    There's not too much wrong with this, Gwyneth's English accent is quite good, it looks ok. However, it suffers from the same issues as many other Austin... more

      • Jonathan Gear from Lyme Regis, England
  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    A delicious film

    A treat to watch! Emma, beautifully played by Gwyneth Paltrow, at her most meddlesome and provocative. Jeremy Northam's thoughtful presentation of Mr ... more

      • Christine from Cheshire, UK
  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    A party is a party, but a Christmas party...

    I'm not a huge fan of period dramas. I've never read a book by Jane Austin. The only reason I rented this movie was because I like Gweneth. But I was ... more

      • Richard Quinn from Matlock, Derbyshire
  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    This gorgeous 18th century based film starring the brilliant Gwyneth Paltrow, is full of matchmaking and social dilemas.. The perfect watch for any teenage girl... more

      • A customer from Somerset, England
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Top Class Austen

    I love the book and this film is really true to the style and spirit of the story. I particularly like the actor who plays the Mr Knightley character who just ... more

      • A customer from Leicester, England
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    A film for all who love the works of Jane Austen. Rented initially for the youngest memeber of the household it ended up being watched and enjoyed by everyone-... more

      • John#728 from HAMILTON
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 2 stars

    Dissapointing Jane Austen adaptation

    I must admit that after watching the glorious pride and prejudice, I was a litle dissapointed with this film. Gwyneth Paltrow was in my opinion totally miscast... more

      • A customer from Southwick Sussex
  • Rated - 3 stars

    Emma (1996)

    This Drama was far too predictable for my liking. It was obvious who Emma was going to end up with.

      • A customer from London
  • Rated - 3 stars

    Not as good as it could have been

    It seemed over-acted for my taste. And the characters didn't have the presence they hold in the book. It lacked something, although improved towards the ... more

      • A customer from West Midlands
  • Critics' reviews (6)

  • 4 stars out of 5

    Before she won an Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love, Gwyneth Paltrow made her mark as the quintessential Jane Austen heroine in this convincing period romance from writer/director Douglas McGrath. Paltrow stars as the strong-willed matchmaker who entangles her friend (Toni Collette) in hopeless passion while trying to uncover the identity of her own true soulmate. Laced with wit, sophistication and a host of fine supporting performances (Jeremy Northam, Alan Cumming, Juliet Stevenson), this bright and breezy drama weaves a magical spell, with Paltrow at its charming centre.

    • Radio Times
  • "...[Paltrow's] signature style of youthful country freshness and city-chick sophistication are used to good advantage....A sunny tea party..." -- Rating:B

    • Entertainment Weekly
  • "...McGrath's script is faithful: fierce when it needs to be and devilishly funny....[EMMA] showcases Paltrow's talent, wit and daring..."

    • Rolling Stone
  • Paltrow looks the part as pretty, wealthy, would-be social engineer Emma Woodhouse, doesn't alienate our sympathies in... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • 1 stars out of 4

    Pleasant but stolid adaptation that skates lightly over the moral concerns of the original.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • "Gwyneth Paltrow shines brightly as Jane Austen's most endearing character...

    • Variety
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  • 70

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    • Douglas McGrath's film is an elegant and entertaining adaptation of Jane Austen's 1816 novel about Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow), a well-to-do young woman whose kindhearted attempts at matchmaking mask her ...

Rating breakdown

6,281 Member ratings
  • 100
598
  • 90
436
  • 80
1,327
  • 70
1,308
  • 60
1,309
  • 50
553
  • 40
351
  • 30
168
  • 20
158
  • 10
73

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