This is a beautifully photographed and costumed period piece that reflects 18th Century English attitudes toward romance. Matches were often made based on financial constraints, less financially secure young ladies being at the mercy of their charms in attracting a husband with suitable prospects. The movie also features an absolutely stellar Oscar nominated performance by Emma Thompson. Although I didn't read Jane Austen's novel, I generally love films depicting this more genteel and subtle period with its gracious manners, formal methods of address, and undeclared emotions. However, I must admit that this particular story is not my favourite. I found the tale a trifle plodding at times especially near the beginning, and actually found the character of the second sister downright despicable!
The story revolves around around the family of the rich Mr. Dashwood, who has died and left his estate to the son his first wife. His second wife and her three daughters (Elinor, Marianne, and the young Margaret) are placed in considerable financial difficulty, forcing them to live with a cousin who has kindly agreed to take them in. The two marriageable but penniless sisters are polar opposites, Elinor being restrained and practical while Marianne is demonstrative and romantic. Elinor's budding relationship with the wealthy and kind Edward Ferrars faces unexpected obstacles while Marianne is courted by two very different suitors, the dashing young Mr. Willoughby and the rich & worthy but much older Colonel Brandon.
The highlight of this tale is the magnificent performance by Emma Thompson as the restrained Elinor. As the only practical lady of the family, she must manage the difficult accounts and see to both the spirited Marianne and the difficult young Margaret. Personally, I did not find this actress too old for the role as she is cast as the spinster of the piece with marriage past due. It makes her story more compelling that she has waited so long for romance. Elinor suffers in silence from unrequited love, all the while enduring the incessant whining, weeping, and cruel & mocking barbs of the middle sister, Marianne.
Though portrayed well by the lovely Kate Winslet, the spoiled Marianne made me absolutely want to slap her throughout the movie. Although she does perhaps mature a trifle as events unfold, I could hardly picture any viewer caring a hoot whether or not this totally self absorbed girl lives happily ever after with her true love. Throughout the tale she exhibits an unfortunate tendency to run off into the countryside during rainstorms, requiring gallant rescue efforts by heroic gentlemen on horseback, clad in splendid black top coats & hats, all resulting in much strife for herself and her poor family.
As for the gentlemen in question, Alan Rickman plays the magnificent Colonel Brandon, who is everything a hero of that era should be. Not a 'pretty boy' but a chiselled and compelling mature figure that is the very essence of kindness. As for Willoughby, from first sight I detested this handsome creature with his Shakespearean sonnets. Hugh Grant is perfect in his typical stammering, bumbling role as Edward, the object of Elinor's affections, but I wished he had been featured in more scenes. For at least 90 minutes of the film, he simply doesn't appear.
Other notable characters include the girls' nasty sister-in-law, Fanny Dashwood, the irritating Lucy Steele with her mysterious connections, and Edward's rather foolish brother, Robert. The youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret, is an endearing little nuisance, exhibiting a fondness for geography, her tree house, and telling tales her sisters might have preferred left untold! Edward seems to have a touching rapport with this challenging young minx.
The green English country scenery is lovely, the period costumes magnificent, the horse drawn carriages elegant, the lavishly furnished manors grand, the balls splendid, and so forth. There's an interesting glimpse into one of the more bizarre medical procedures of that era as well as all the usual courtly practices of calling cards and bowing politely to guests being received. It's escapist entertainment watching it all, and quite refreshing to enjoy a movie totally lacking in sex, profanity, and violence. Also, the selfless Elinor's heartbreaking venture into the romantic realm is indeed extremely touching. However, I would have preferred a more sympathetic second heroine to cheer for as well, in keeping with Jane Austen's other famous tale, Pride and Prejudice.
The story revolves around around the family of the rich Mr. Dashwood, who has died and left his estate to the son his first wife. His second wife and her three daughters (Elinor, Marianne, and the young Margaret) are placed in considerable financial difficulty, forcing them to live with a cousin who has kindly agreed to take them in. The two marriageable but penniless sisters are polar opposites, Elinor being restrained and practical while Marianne is demonstrative and romantic. Elinor's budding relationship with the wealthy and kind Edward Ferrars faces unexpected obstacles while Marianne is courted by two very different suitors, the dashing young Mr. Willoughby and the rich & worthy but much older Colonel Brandon.
The highlight of this tale is the magnificent performance by Emma Thompson as the restrained Elinor. As the only practical lady of the family, she must manage the difficult accounts and see to both the spirited Marianne and the difficult young Margaret. Personally, I did not find this actress too old for the role as she is cast as the spinster of the piece with marriage past due. It makes her story more compelling that she has waited so long for romance. Elinor suffers in silence from unrequited love, all the while enduring the incessant whining, weeping, and cruel & mocking barbs of the middle sister, Marianne.
Though portrayed well by the lovely Kate Winslet, the spoiled Marianne made me absolutely want to slap her throughout the movie. Although she does perhaps mature a trifle as events unfold, I could hardly picture any viewer caring a hoot whether or not this totally self absorbed girl lives happily ever after with her true love. Throughout the tale she exhibits an unfortunate tendency to run off into the countryside during rainstorms, requiring gallant rescue efforts by heroic gentlemen on horseback, clad in splendid black top coats & hats, all resulting in much strife for herself and her poor family.
As for the gentlemen in question, Alan Rickman plays the magnificent Colonel Brandon, who is everything a hero of that era should be. Not a 'pretty boy' but a chiselled and compelling mature figure that is the very essence of kindness. As for Willoughby, from first sight I detested this handsome creature with his Shakespearean sonnets. Hugh Grant is perfect in his typical stammering, bumbling role as Edward, the object of Elinor's affections, but I wished he had been featured in more scenes. For at least 90 minutes of the film, he simply doesn't appear.
Other notable characters include the girls' nasty sister-in-law, Fanny Dashwood, the irritating Lucy Steele with her mysterious connections, and Edward's rather foolish brother, Robert. The youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret, is an endearing little nuisance, exhibiting a fondness for geography, her tree house, and telling tales her sisters might have preferred left untold! Edward seems to have a touching rapport with this challenging young minx.
The green English country scenery is lovely, the period costumes magnificent, the horse drawn carriages elegant, the lavishly furnished manors grand, the balls splendid, and so forth. There's an interesting glimpse into one of the more bizarre medical procedures of that era as well as all the usual courtly practices of calling cards and bowing politely to guests being received. It's escapist entertainment watching it all, and quite refreshing to enjoy a movie totally lacking in sex, profanity, and violence. Also, the selfless Elinor's heartbreaking venture into the romantic realm is indeed extremely touching. However, I would have preferred a more sympathetic second heroine to cheer for as well, in keeping with Jane Austen's other famous tale, Pride and Prejudice.