Emma on DVD (1996)

A good movie

A customer from Lancaster, England , 29/01/2004

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 it was not too much of a disappointment. Ewan Mcgregar does not suit a long bob, but this did not detract from the story.

The only complaint I have is that this film rushed through the story at breakneck pace, missing many of the most interesting parts of the book and only slowing down in the final scenes.

I would reccommend not reading the book until after watching the film to avoid disappointment. If it's good Jane Austin you're after, Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Predjudice are far superior adaptations.

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Not The Best Emma

Jonathan Gear from Lyme Regis, England , 08/10/2004

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 adaptations (pre-Andrew Davis's Pride and Prejudice or for that matter Ang Lee's Sense & Sensibility) it feels too stilted and stagey. Maybe there's an inhibition in dealing with such high literature - or maybe its too obsessed with the superficialities of the strange etiquet of the period. If you only plan to watch one Emma, don't reserve this, but instead get the one with Kate Beckinsale. That production was written by Andrew Davis (writer of the BBC's Pride & Prejudice) and makes this version look sadly wanting.

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A delicious film

Christine from Cheshire, UK , 17/03/2005

A treat to watch! Emma, beautifully played by Gwyneth Paltrow, at her most meddlesome and provocative. Jeremy Northam's thoughtful presentation of Mr Knightley is sympathetic and charming; an excellent foil to Emma's inability to see what's right in front of her. And who could forget Miss Bates,laugh at her, and weep for her too.

Every actor fits their role so well, except except perhaps Ewan McGragor, as Frank Churchill who seemed out of synch with the others, lumbering his way through Emma's little world.

An adaptation of Emma that some might find a little 'frothy' but I do think that the English Lit. purists would be better sticking to the novel(s) not the film adaptation(s) - they are always different.

The whole film is a delight; one of my all time favourites. Not to be missed - unless you're an Austen devotee when I doubt anything would suit!

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

Richard Quinn from Matlock, Derbyshire , 10/08/2004

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 pleasantly suprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Such an up-lifting feel good film. Recommended to all.

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Top Class Austen

A customer from Leicester, England , 26/10/2005

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 seems perfect in the role. Paltrow captures the mixture of sense and silliness off Emma and there is a nice chemistry between the two of them.

Don't expect a page by page filming of every page in the book, there just wouldn't be time in a movie but all the crucial plot points are covered.

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John#728 from HAMILTON , 22/07/2004

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-for its striking sets and scenery and for the superb acting-Gwyneth Paltrow is excellent.

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