Sense And Sensibility Reviews

well-worth persevering with

This is essentially an Emma Thompson film; she wrote the script and plays one of the key characters. She does look a little old for the part whereas Kate Winslet looks just right. However, Emma Thompson has a fine touch with the dialogue and, anyway, she is a good actress with one of the friendliest faces in movies. Alan Rickman is simply excellent; he improves virtually any movie he's in. Hugh Grant is good without making a lasting impression - he's only on screen a short time compared to the others. The locations are good and overall you are likely to enjoy this film.

Enjoyable Film

I rented this to watch with my two daughters (10 and 11) as we all enjoyed Pride and Predjudice so much. There is nothing unsuitable for that age in this film. I did worry that they'd go all squeamish on me when Marianne had her arm bled by the physician, but no, they just wanted to know why she was having it done. In fact, they questioned many things during the film and I feel they learned a lot about 'the olden days'. The costumes and settings in this film are fabulous and the only thing I would change is Hugh Grant's usual bumbling and stammering. Oh, and I wish I lived in a 'snug little cottage (!!)' like that and only had to pay ?500 rent a year!

Brilliant

Top-class work from some of the day's finest professionals, from Thompson's award-winning screenplay, to Lee's subtle, tender direction.

Yes, it's the acting; it's the painstaking detail in the costumes, jewelry, scenery; it's the tight script and poetic pace; it's all of these things, and yet what makes this movie so wonderful is not minutia but evocation. Whether you identify with the idealism of Winslet's Marianne or the endurance found in Thompson's Elinor, we all know -- intimately -- the range of emotions which this terrific group of artists seem to so effortlessly touch with words and deeds.

It's a stunning piece, I have yet to meet someone unaffected by it. Share this movie with those you love.

Better than the book?

One of those rare adaptations that is as good as the book, if not better! There have been countless Jane Austen adaptations of varying quality in recent years, but this film, directed superbly by Ang Lee with a faultless cast is undoubtedly the best. Costume, cinematography, music, script are all excellent and the film is funny and fresh as well as romantic and dramatic.

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Very poor compared to the recent BBC version

I had high expectations for this film, however i was incrediably dissapointed, these are the reasons why:

1) The character of Elinor is meant to be 19 in the book, yet Emma Thompson looked around 30 years old.

2) Hugh Grant was lifeless and wooden

3) Vital and great scenes were cut from this film, for example when Willoughby returns to speak to Marrianne when she is very ill.

4) The film cut out characters, such as Lucy Steeles older sister, Mrs Ferras - Edward and Fanny's mother.

5) The timeline of events were all jumbled up in the film, eg we dont hear about Colnel Brandon's past until near the end of the book from Colnel Brandon himself, yet in the film we hear it from Mrs Jennings around the start of the film.

Overall a great let down, and it did the great novel no justice whatsoever. A much better adaption was the recent bbc version that was aired over Easter 2008.

Not being a great fan of period dramas, I have to say this film was very entertaining, the two leading ladies being particularly good. Basically a story of 2 sisters one being sensible and upright, the other being more wild and emotional, hence the title. This is period drama at it's best, great cinematography, fantastic costumes and a really, really good ensemble cast.

Everyone Watch This Film

Everyone needs a good period drama to watch when you're not in the mood for gritty real life - lots of long dresses, riding on horses, picnics, balls, evil young men and nice men played by Alan Rickman. I recommend it to everyone.

A pleasent surprise!

You know, I really didn't think this film would be for me at all.

However, it's beautifully filmed, funny, engaging and effortlessly charming.

Ang Lee brings an outsiders view of England to this most English classic and makes a masterpiece.

There's nothing better than sitting down grudgingly to watch a film and finding out you're completely wrong and it's a gem.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Sense and Sensibility

Apart from three weaker efforts, the cast acquit themselves very well. The two leading girls, especially Thompson, are superb.

It's only a very small part, and a rather peculiar one at that, but Laurie as Mr Palmer gives an excellent and amusing interpretation.

On the downside, Rickman does an awful Colonel Brandon impression, so wooden and one-dimensional, and Hardy fails to capture the true character of Sir John Middleton, and Hugh Grant is just Hugh Grant, which does not make a very good Edward.

These weaknesses don't spoil the film however.

As usual we have to realise it is only an adaption and it is impossible to capture the full spirit of Austen on the screen but this is certainly up amongst the best.

I didn't expect to like this but...

This was brilliant! I was very pleasantly surprised. The cast is fantastic especially Alan Rickman.