Sense & Sensibility (with Miss Austen Regrets) (BBC TV 2008) Reviews

• A faithful and charming version that period drama fans will enjoy!

  
  By A2X9AXCWH4MT4I on 2008-01-20
  Jane Austen fans have reason to rejoice. After a mixed repertoire of new Austen adaptations, BBC has done it again with a pleasurable, charming and faithful adaptation to "Sense & Sensibility."
  
  No doubt this version of `Sense & Sensibility' will be compared to the popular and well-loved 1995 film version starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. And it certainly has big shoes to fill. After all, the 1995 version was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, won Emma Thompson a Best Adapted Screenplay award and catapulted then-unknown Kate Winslet to stardom. And while that version sets the bar for all other versions that follow, even its most faithful fans would certainly admit that it did have its flaws. For one, at a 2-hour or so running time, the audience was treated to a few excised characters, the absence of some key scenes from the book and some actors who were noticeably too old for their roles.
  
  Nevertheless, I approached this new S&S with some trepidation. I felt that there was no way for this version to top (or even equal) the one from 1995. Imagine my surprise when I found myself totally captivated by the end of this miniseries. While it started slowly, it became more and more enchanting as it went along and I found myself falling in love with most of the characters.
  
  Among its successes are as follows (WARNING - SPOILERS GALORE!!):
  
  1 - A strong screenplay by Andrew Davies. After penning the screenplay to such period drama favorites as the 1995 "Pride & Prejudice" (yes, the one with Colin Firth), "Wives & Daughters," "Middlemarch," "Daniel Deronda" and the new delightful "Northanger Abbey," Andrew Davies is well-known among period drama fans. This strong screenplay manages to stay true to the spirit and tone of the book and Davies successfully brings the novel to life.
  
  2 - Brilliant casting overall. While there are a couple of lukewarm choices, this version has some of the best actors ever cast for S&S roles. Hattie Morahan, Dan Stevens and David Morrissey shine as Elinor, Edward Ferrars and Col. Brandon. Jean Marsh is aptly haughty as Mrs. Ferrars; Daisy Haggard as Anne Steele is funny and very vulgar; Margaret is bright and delightful; and Janet McTeer lends a certain elegance to Mrs. Dashwood. Unlike the 1995 version, the actors here are closer in age to their book counterparts. While Emma Thompson was 36 when she played 20-year old Elinor, Hattie Morahan is 28 (and could pass for 22). Hattie Morahan's intelligent, warm and brilliant turn as Elinor makes her the heart and soul of this story. And I would be very surprised if the ladies in the audience do not fall in love with either Dan Stevens or David Morrissey (or even Dominic Cooper) by the time the credits roll.
  
  3 - Perhaps the most faithful version of the book to date. This version includes all the major and minor characters from the novel, including Lady Middleton, Mrs. Ferrars, Anne Steele and even Col. Brandon's unfortunate ward Eliza (who were all absent in the 1995 version). The actors chosen also closely resemble their characters in age and appearance. And at a 3-hour running time, there is enough time to cover scenes that were missing from the 1995 version as well as develop the characters and their relationships with each other. Some vital scenes that were omitted from the earlier version are also here, including the meeting with the imperious Mrs. Ferrars, the wonderfully awkward scene where Edward is confronted by his mother regarding his secret engagement (which was only talked about in previous versions) and Willoughby's visit to the Palmer's estate in Cleveland. We are shown Allenham (the estate of Willoughby's aunt) and Col. Brandon's estate, Delaford. The plot closely follows what is in the book and some minor added scenes like the duel between Col. Brandon and Willoughby do not take away from the spirit of the book (some might argue that it evens adds a new dimension to the characters. Besides, who wouldn't want a chance to see more of David Morrissey's Brandon?).
  
  4 - Beautiful scenery and locations. The mansions are aptly grand and stately - namely Norland, Barton Park, Cleveland, Delaford and Allenham - and the Dashwood's cottage is humble and small but situated in a spectacular and romantic location amidst hills and crashing waves.
  
  5 - Overall excellent production values. While the recent slew of ITV Jane Austen adaptations had lower budgets, this has the high production values one would expect from the company that gave us the 1995 "Pride & Prejudice", "North & South," "Wives & Daughters" and the upcoming treasure trove of British acting greats - "Cranford" (based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel. Watch for it in April 2008, US period drama fans!!). The score, for one, is lovely and I applaud the location managers for finding such wonderful and appropriate locations and settings. (It is truly a shame that "Northanger Abbey," "Persuasion" and "Mansfield Park" did not get quite the same treatment. Only think of how much better these would have been at higher budgets and a 3 or 4-hour running time).
  
  I can count very few shortcomings because I feel that the production team and cast really hit the nail in the head with this one. Some people may not like the fact that this version is more dramatic and not as funny and lighthearted as the 1995 version but I feel that the tone of this version is appropriate. The only things I can find fault with are the casting of Dominic Cooper as Willoughby and Charity Wakefield as Marianne. I have a great fondness for Greg Wise from the 1995 version. He is exactly what I would picture Willoughby to be - tall, handsome, charming and dashing - so Dominic just falls short of this (he would have made a perfect Henry Crawford ("Mansfield Park") though). And while I eventually warmed to Charity Wakefield's portrayal of Marianne, it does not quite compare to Kate Winslet's luminous and memorable performance.
  
  So Jane Austen and period drama fans have reason to be hopeful. Those who were disappointed with the recent versions of "Persuasion" and "Mansfield Park" have something to look forward to. "Sense and Sensibility" is at least as good as (if not better than) the 1995 version and I believe that this will delight Janeites and British drama fans of all ages. This will definitely hold a special place in my British drama dvd collection.
  
  So how does this compare to the other new adaptations? To me, this almost ties (or is a close second to) "Northanger Abbey" and is much better than "Persuasion" and "Mansfield Park." And if you enjoyed PBS Masterpiece's `Complete Jane Austen,' be on the lookout for "Cranford" (starring acting greats Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, Eileen Atkins, Francesca Annis, Imelda Staunton and Leslie Manville - and former Austen drama alumni Simon Woods, Greg Wise and Julia Sawalha) coming in May on PBS.
  
  

• Finally, a joy to behold!

  
  By A2L6QS8SVHT9RG on 2008-02-12
  After a disappointing start to the year in new showings of Mansfield Park & Persuasion, and even Northanger Abbey to some extent (it was good, it could have been better: LONGER for one), Sense & Sensibility finally gets it right! Of course, there are a few 'silly' Andrew Davies moments: Edward chopping wood in a wet, white shirt, the beginning seduction scene...but overall the tone & feel of this adaptation are so far superior to those mentioned above, that I must rejoice finally in being given a good adaptation of a Jane Austen novel this year!
  
  They do a fine job with the story, and the actors are very well suited: I loved Hattie Morahan as Elinor, Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars, and nothing wrong with David Morrisey as Colonel Brandon. The age difference between Elinor & Marianne was handled much better in this version, and you can really follow the love stories between the characters succintly, and feel right along with them.
  
  I was also incredibly pleased to see the visit that happened to Elinor while Marianne was recovering (those of you who have read the book, know what I am referring to): to have something added back in, rather than edited from the story was great to see!
  
  Content: for those of you worried about content, there is one decent obstacle: the first few minutes of the film are a very sensual seduction scene between a young man and an even younger woman: I would suggest skipping that, and then the rest of the film is pretty family friendly: no language that I can recall, or very little else that would be counted as objectionable.
  
  What a joy to have a new, well-done adaptation of Sense & Sensibility! This is a film to watch over and over again (as I have done countless times already with my region 2 DVD): a delight, and here's to wishing we'll have many more such in the next few years!
  
  
  

• The best one yet! And Fanny Dashwood must die!

  
  By A34Q0S8PKOJEKP on 2008-01-28
  We've just finished watching a copy that some friends from Britain brought over.
  
  I didn't think that the Emma Thompson adaption could be topped but it has been. This is by far the definitive dramatic adaptation of this novel to date.
  
  Plus, I'm sure that after you see this superb Andrew Davies screenplay adaptation you will agree with me that Fanny Dashwood must die! She now tops my list of Austen villains. Pride & Prejudice's Mr. Collins now takes the second chair to this greedy, evil, and wicked woman! I hate her with a passion.
  
  Thank you I feel better now. Enjoy the show.
  
  

• One of the best adaptions out there.

  
  By APKMSNX4VUKB8 on 2008-02-20
  In reality, I wanted to give it 4 1/2 stars but that wasn't an option.
  I was disappointed that this wasn't being released until April in the US but with the wonders of youtube, I was glad to get a chance to watch it now. I have seen every version of any adaption of a Jane Austen book ever made and I think this one will become one of my favorites. I was curious to see if it would live up to the 1995 version by Emma Thompson which I love and I am happy to say that it did and even exceeded my expectations. Spoilers below, so beware!!!
  
  What I liked about it:
  
  1. Fantastic casting. My favorites were Hattie Morahan as Elinor and Dan Stevens as Edward. As much as I love Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, I thought Hattie and Dan really nailed these characters in every possible way. Dan especially played Edward a little softer and less stiff then Hugh Grant did, and it made his character more interesting to watch. Jean Marsh as Mrs. Ferras and Claire Skinner as Fanny were as hateful as they should be. The other supporting cast was excellent too, although I did miss Hugh Laurie as Mr. Palmer. He just added so much to that small character.
  
  2. The length - finally a filmmaker does the book justice!!! It was nice to see the story in its entirety, not so chopped up. I am practically glad to see the characters of Lady Middleton and Anne Steele included (although a little under used). I was especially glad to see the scence when Willoughby comes to the Palmer's house when Marianne is ill. That is one of my favorite scenes in the book and I was glad it was included. The filmmakers also paced it really well so that I never felt it was moving too slowly or getting too dull.
  
  Reason why I would take away ½ a star:
  
  1. The opening minute - the way the seduction of Eliza Williams was filmed, I literally thought I had started watching the wrong movie at first and was about 1 second from turning it off and checking the tape when the credits came up. I was pretty disappointed in how that was handled. If they wanted to include it, I think it could have been a little more tastefully done.
  
  2. Some of the casting - I am still not sure about David Morrissey as Colonel Brandon. It took me a while to warm up to him in that role. It also took me a long time to warm up to Charity Wakefield as Marianne, but I am pretty sure that is because Kate Winslet will always be the perfect Marianne in my head. Dominic Cooper as Willoughby was okay, but he was almost too likeable. The hardest one for me, as a Harry Potter fan, was Mark Williams as Sir John Middleton. I kept trying to figure out what Mr. Wesley was doing in a Jane Austen movie.
  
  3. The way that some of the characters/scenes played - Mrs. Dashwood just seemed a little off to me, I am not sure why. I thought Lucy Steele was almost too likeable. There were actual times that I felt sorry for her and I don't when I read the book. I wasn't a big fan of the dueling scene between Colonel Brandon and Willoughby. While it fit the character and honor of Colonel Brandon, I really think the character of Willoughby wouldn't have had the guts to fight. I also wish a little more had been added to the scene where Willoughby comes to the Palmers. It felt like it got cut short without really getting a sense that Willoughby did really love Marianne and wanted to marry her and that if he had he wouldn't have lost his inheritance as he thought (which is why he married Ms. Grey and her 50 thousand pounds).
  
  Although the reasons why I didn't like it look longer, overall I was really pleased with this adaption of Sense and Sensibility. It just might surpass the new Northanger Abbey to become my favorite of the 4 new movies released by BBC. It is definitely worth checking out and forming your own opinion of.
  
  
  

• What women want.

  
  By ACL6RWZ49DDI7 on 2008-04-08
  Here's a question on a tangent, given all the 5 star ratings. Do we really want, or need, Austen modernized? Do we need bodice ripping? Is sexing up her stories actually desirable? What is the point of a new Austen if what we hear is some guy telling us what Austen would have written if she dared?
  
  Since Austen has remained popular lo these many years, it may be there isn't anything wrong with the way she actually wrote. Perhaps the people who feel the need to alter Austen should entertain us with their own, original, works.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Sense & Sensibility
  By A1QFM9CFEUXZK5 on 2008-03-14
  I get most of my BBC dvds from Amazon UK, since they're released earlier there and usually MUCH LESS expensive. I receive them very very quickly (same shipping time as when I order from here with free shipping), and I couldn't be happier.
  
  However, my version doesn't have Miss Austen Regrets with it. That's a shame, because I'm wondering if I'll ever be able to see it! This version of Sense & Sensibility, though, is every bit as good than the 1995 Kate Winslet/Emma Thompson version. Except that nobody, ever, can be as good as Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon, this version is thoroughly entertaining. And, this Colonel Brandon was really very good. Had Alan Rickman not played the same role earlier, I would have been completely satisfied with this actor's portrayal and demeanor.
  
  The story follows the novel quite closely. Lucy is portrayed a bit differently, but not much, and it works very well. Both Marianne and Elinor are delightful to watch. The acting is superb. Edward, coincidentally (or maybe purposely) is almost a dead-ringer for Hugh Grant's Edward.
  
  Where the other version was awash in saturated colors, this version is a bit more subdued-- yet Marianne is still just as luminous and the countryside just as lush.
  
  This is gorgeously filmed and a complete delight from start to finish. I wouldn't recommend one version over the other-- I'd get both and watch them both. This film is definitely recommended.
  
  
  
  
• An adaptation worthy of your time
  By A2HJASVVF82TCH on 2008-04-07
  I was prepared not to like this adaptation but instead I was completely transfixed by the acting, the script and the scenery! I really could not imagine anyone topping Emma Thompson's prior version which is a favorite of mine but this new take on the story equalled if not surpassed it.
  I thought that the male characters were especially well done in this version. Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon seemed stronger and more masculine. Willowby was both more charming and more despicable. There were several scenes added which made the story so much richer. For example, the movie begins with Willowby's seduction of a young girl which has far reaching consequences later in the story. Edward has his own wet shirt scene while chopping wood, and Colonel Brandon seemed to have much more depth and self-possession.
  I also loved the scene in the carriage near the end when Marianne which reflects the hard lessons she has learned about life and love. She tells her sister and mother she has learned that a 'romantic' is not defined by just words or feelings but more by actions. She says Colonel Brandon is the true romantic because he remained faithful to the woman he loved even after she was gone. This scene proves that Marianne has grown and is becoming the kind of person who will be able to find love not just infatuation. This addition also made it easier to believe that when she falls in love with Brandon, he is much more than just a second choice for her.
  This movie is a great addition to the catalog of Jane Austen adaptations -- one of the best so far.
  
  
• Miserable, dull, and tainted
  By AMX5ZTJ66QXD5 on 2008-05-08
  I desperately wanted to like this movie, and my $35.00 made me want to love it even more. Unfortunately, this version pales so much in comparison to the old Emma Thompson version, that I can't say I like almost anything about it. The entire tone of the movie is dark and miserable. This director treats Austen more like Bronte! Even Mrs. Jennings, who ought to have been the comic relief, is just dull and meddlesome. The entire cast is plain in appearance and dull in character. So much so, that as the scenes change it is difficult to remember what each character looks like! The actress playing Marianne is not a lovable romantic, but a brainless twit. Willoughby is not soft-spoken and charming, but an obvious womanizer. In whole, every character that Austen intended us to love is either too dull or too obvious for us to do so. As if all of that were not enough, the screen writer could not resist the urge to go against Austen's complex social code, and he resorts to inserting open class-warfare dialog. The tension between the Dashwoods and their step-sister Fanny was meant to be below the surface and entirely within the bounds of the Regency's facade of good manners, but the director has Mariann make an open speech in which she tells Fanny that she does deserve the house or the property. By breaking the "silence of hatred" she ruined entirely the suspense of the situation.
  
  In all, I highly recommend that you buy the Emma Thompson version. The story is more cheerful, the characters more appealing, and the actors are top shelf!
  
  
• Almost a tie
  By A15SWUH05E504G on 2008-02-16
  A fine production of our beloved Elinor and Marianne. Andrew Davies has yet to disappoint me. Although I could have done without the first minute and a few other things I was profoundly impressed. You tube got a lot of business from me that day. The combo of the scenery and the musical score had me hooked. With this longer production we were able to explore more of the story that the 1996 version could not include. It was nice that the actors were not all very beautiful or famous. I think I shall always love Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson's performances. Still I have to hand it to this wonderful new ensemble. Some of the addtional scenes were pleasant and others I could have done without. I truly missed my Sense and Sensibilty for it merits but I have no difficulty or lack of desire to add this version to my DVD library. I'm very faithful and won't pretend to like it more but it was almost a tie.
  
  
• Good, but not Great
  By A2WB4OWBUH2VQX on 2008-05-11
  There are a few things that I love about this adaptation. However, there are a few things that really bring down the enjoyability of the program. First of all, the first few minutes are tacky and are not appropriate to the tone of Jane Austen's novels. At first, I thought I was watching the wrong DVD. The Willoughby (sp?) character is woefully miscast and does not come across at all as a seducer of women. My overall impression of this program is that it is relatively fun to watch (it is a great story, afterall), but Emma Thompson's version is superior in nearly every way.
  
  
• A charming new Sense and Sensibility...
  By A2TXR85WQLE32N on 2008-04-06
  2008's "Sense and Sensibility" is a charming new BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved romance novel by experienced screenwriter Andrew Davies. Fans of the 1995 theatrical release starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslett will find nothing to dislike in this version, which at nearly three hours running time allows a more thorough retelling of the original novel.
  
  The storyline is familiar to Jane Austen fans. Upon the death of their father, the three impoverished Dashwood sisters and their mother take up residence in a small cottage on the Devonshire coast. The two older sisters, Elinor and Marianne, struggle with first loves. Elinor cares for Edward Feres, a decent young man who seems to return her affection, but, for reasons that remain a mystery for the first half of the movie, does not propose to her. Elinor hides her feelings and her disappointment from her family. Marianne, headstrong and emotional, falls openly in love with John Willoughby, a charming but untrustworthy neighbor. His sudden departure breaks Marianne's heart. The two sisters will have to learn to balance sense and sensibility if they are to find happiness.
  
  The producers chose a terrific cast of actors close in age to their counterparts in the novel. Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield are especially sympathetic as Elinor and Marianne. Dan Stevens is excellent as the tortured Edward Feres, unable to speak his real feelings to Elinor until the climactic scene of the movie. Dominic Cooper is charming and insidious as Willoughby, whose character flaws are fully revealed in this version. David Morrissey is superb as Colonel Brandon, a gallant Army Officer with a mysterious past and an interest in Marianne.
  
  Davies succeeds in refreshing a familiar story. Willoughby's seduction of Eliza, the ward of Col Brandon, opens the story. Willoughby's duel with Brandon rates its own very dramatic scene, as does his apology to Elinor while Marianne lies ill. The two social-climbing Miss Steele's get their full screen time. Marianne's attraction to Col Brandon is given a fuller and more satisfying basis. Elinor's burdens as the practical but long-suffering eldest sister are fully explored.
  
  This new BBC version of "Sense and Sensibility" is very highly recommended to fans of Jane Austen, who will find it faithful to the novel and refreshing in its approach to the material. The DVD includes the excellent biopic "Miss Austen Regrets", featuring Oliva Williams in a highly sympathetic turn as Jane Austen.
  
  
• 95' version still better...
  By A3JLOIXFM75QNV on 2008-04-15
  There was no way this was going to be better than my all-time favorite period piece, the superb 95 version with Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. And it wasn't. The reason the 95 version worked was because I actually liked the actors portraying the characters. Aside from the fact that I did think the woman who played Elinore was more suited in age than Emma T, the rest of the mini-series did nothing for me. Cnl. Brandon was AWFUL in this, I cringed every time he was on screen. I admit I am biased to Alan Rickman and his portrayal, but really, the man in this film was just so bland and emotionless. I also hated the portrayal of Mrs. Jennings here, it just paled in comparison to the woman in the 95 version. I did like the location of the cottage in this, I thought it was a very romantic looking setting. The one bright part of this mini-series that I must praise however is, Edward Ferres (sp?). The man playing him was just delightful and exactly how I pictured him when reading the novel. He did a wonderful job. However, for a 3 hour mini-series, we learned very little about the minor, but important characters; Lucy Steele, even the Palmers. Sad really, as Mr Palmer was a great character in the 95 version. So, while it was a fine enough adaption, for me anyway, it in no way can compare to the movie version.
  
  Miss Austen Regrets: Very surprising. Quite good, entertaining and the acting is wonderful. Its a bittersweet sort of film, but an interesting look into Austen's life, or as much of it as we know. The actress that portrays Austen really shines here and is very likable and relatable. This DVD may be worth it just for Miss Austen Regrets.
  
  
• Wonderful! Readers will not be disappointed . . .
  By AU61CID785ACB on 2008-03-31
  At last, an adaptation that does justice to Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility! Unlike many, I was a little disappointed by the Emma Thompson version (despite Alan Rickman's excellent turn as Brandon, I could NOT get past Emma Thompson's age) and when I heard that Andrew Davies was writing this screenplay, I was thrilled. As a huge fan of Davies' Pride & Prejudice, I hoped for great things, and boy does he deliver! Most of the characters are beautifully cast, and Hattie Morahan as Elinor is particularly good. Jean Marsh is deliciously evil as Fanny Dashwood and Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars is sweet and funny. I was most concerned about Col. Brandon, since he is, oddly enough, my favorite character in the book. David Morrissey plays Brandon beautifully though: stalwart, courageous, serious; he isn't Alan Rickman, but he's very good. The settings are gorgeous and the costumes accurate and well made. The best thing about an Andrew Davies screenplay is that he has respect for the original material -- if you are a reader and love Jane Austen's books, you will surely love this adaptation as well. This is a faithful, lovely rendering of one of Austen's best. Highly recommended!
  
  
• BBC TV Version Outshines Thompson/Winslet/Grant
  By A19I2WHD4R970T on 2008-04-10
  I've just finished watching Sense and Sensibility on PBS and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed. What surprised me most is how much more I enjoyed this BBC TV production than the 1995 movie famously directed by Ang Lee and starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant. The lead actresses fulfilled their roles well without copying Emma Thompson's or Kate Winslet's styles. Elinor didn't appear too old or mature, and Marianne was impulsive but appropriately subdued for the early 19th century setting of the story. The actor playing Edward Ferrars was not comically pathetic as Hugh Grant came across in the movie, and although I love Alan Rickman I'd have to say that this version's actor seemed better and more believably cast as Colonel Brandon. I imagine that the makers of the BBC TV version felt free to pick suitable actresses and actors for these roles without looking for recognizable names or faces, and the end result is that there was considerably less "hamming up" of the acting in the TV version. (Oddly the actress playing the youngest daughter Margaret looked almost exactly like the little girl in the movie version!)
  
  I'd give this 4.5 out of 5 stars.
  
  
• Another Old Man in Love with Jane Austen
  By A2PQUMVEKM061H on 2008-06-23
  I believe a great literary work is about more than the surface story of it. Sense and Sensibility is such a story. The timeless undercurrents of the human conditions of that time and place flow from this classic as steadily as it did two-hundred years ago. The first time I picked up the book, I read all night to finish it. This latest dvd is the third version of the story I own and for now my favorite. The English actors are wonderfully cast and several surprisingly close to the pictures in my imagination. I'm a lonely old man, but when I watch this dvd, my lost love sits with me and holds my hand.
  
  
• BritishDVDs
  By A32LHZK66OSRHK on 2008-03-12
  Assuming the description is correct, this set of Sense & Sensibility (with Miss Jane Austen Regrets) is much more interesting than AMZN's original offer of the above two plus Persuasion. I was not impressed with the new PBS version of Persuasion. The ending was abrupt and so very Hollywood ala Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightly version). It was that wretched kiss which was very un-Jane Austen.
  
  
• S&S good; Miss Austen Regrets better
  By A11ZG7PKB6ZZZC on 2008-04-08
  I gave this DVD 5 stars because it includes Miss Austen Regrets, which was amazing. I would give S&S 4 stars. If you're a Janeite and you haven't yet seen Miss Austen Regrets, you're in for a treat. I didn't think it was possible that I could ever like a biographical novel about Jane Austen, but this one takes as its theme "Art transcends life" and it's a subtle, deft, smart, melancholy little film. Hearing Olivia Williams read lines from Persuasion was the best adaptation of Persuasion to film that I have seen yet! This movie is bittersweet, like Persuasion. Persuasion (the book) is still best, which is, of course, the point of this movie: real life is never as gorgeous and well-orchestrated as that which an amazing imagination and phenomenal talent and genius can create. Really well done.
  
  As for S&S, I didn't see Part 1 unfortunately, but I am a little glad to have missed the whole Willoughby storyline. I would, though, have liked to have seen Elinor's and Edward's initial attraction, because these two actors do actually have chemistry together. Based on Part 2, I liked this adaptation more than the Ang Lee/Emma Thompson one. For one thing, Elinor wasn't middle-aged! I never could get past Emma Thompson's ego when I watched that version. This version also seems more subtle. The Emma Thompson screenplay screams "one sister is sense and one sister is sensibility! Get it? Get it? Get it?" Whereas the novel is so much more complicated than that. But I still would like to see Elinor played with a little more vulnerability. The novel is about two young women (under 20), each trying to understand the world and to choose the best way to live one's life. Elinor always gets played in film adaptations as though she is very sure of herself, which takes away a lot of the character's likeability. However, in this version of S&S, Elinor and Edward are charming when they are together (sweet, fumbling guy and shy, nerdy girl).
  
  Part 2 of S&S concentrated on the Marianne-Brandon relationship instead of the Marianne-Willoughby relationship and I very much appreciated how that romance was handled. I am surprised by the Alan Rickman fan-base here, because to me he ruined that earlier version. For one thing, he looked way too old, which made their marriage very unpalatable. I get the creeps everytime I see them walk out of the church together. And Rickman delivers a mumbling, sleepwalking performance. In this version, Col. Brandon is older than Marianne, yes, but they make him masculine and vigorous. And the screenplay takes the time to point out (to us and to Marianne) that Col. Brandon is the man she always wanted ("the true Romantic"), the man she believed Willoughby to be, and that in marrying him she is achieving her heart's desire, not settling and resigning herself to a "sensible" life. In this newest version, he is like a chivalrous knight, which is what Marianne dreams of, and which also suits her perfectly, because the one thing Marianne really has going for her is that she is probably Jane Austen's bravest heroine. The viewer gets the idea that this couple can do a lot together, and that Brandon will never hold Marianne back, and that's very Jane Austen-ish, so it's a good adaptation.
  
  I would recommend this DVD. Two savory treats in one package.
  
  
• Just ignore the first scene and it's a 5 star film
  By A2QHYTS231GJB3 on 2008-04-09
  Having enjoyed Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility, I was a little wary about watching this new version. But other than the out of place, completely unnecessary bodice-ripper scene in the very beginning, I liked it even better than the earlier version. The casting is much more appropriate- age wise and better in capturing the characters. The only one I didn't like was Willoughby- he wasn't at all what I would picture (the original one was much better- tall dark, and very handsome). The actor who played Willoughby here was not dream-man worthy--I'm sorry but he reminded me of a hobbit, being so short and so much hair... I loved the casting of Margaret was also very good, she was fun and spunky- oftentimes the comic relief. Such a great actress for a young girl! The best favorite casting to me, though, was the actor who played Edward. Now there's a dreamy specimen. Hugh Grant is all right but he was too old to play Edward, as Emma Thompson was too old to play Elinor. And I for one was very happy with the new Col. Brandon. After seeing Alan Rickman as Snape in Harry Potter- I can't see him as a dashing hero, at all. He never seemed that right for the part anyway. At least here I can better see why Marianne would fall in love with the good Colonel.
  
  Though there was the unfortunate added scene in the beginning of a Willoughby seduction, they was also the bonus of an added scene of Brandon dueling with Willoughby. This was an enjoyable fantasy to see, after Willoughby's treatment of Marianne and even poorer treatment of Brandon's ward, he definitely deserved a good thrashing. We also got to see Brandon's ward, and in this movie I felt that her story was more complete feeling. In Emma Thompson's S&S, Anne was just mentioned, we never got to see her and hear anything from her personally, to better see her side of the story.
  
  Overall, Andrew Davies' Sense and Sensibility is a very loyal adaptation of the book, one definitely worth purchasing. I was very excited when Masterpiece announced it was doing the complete Jane Austen. And this installment, ended the series on a very good note. Enjoy!
  
  P.S. In regards to Miss Austen Regrets, I tried to watch it but just couldn't get into it. It was a bit on the boring side. I mostly watched it in fast-forward... I really enjoyed the movie Becoming Jane so didn't really feel the need or desire to watch something of a similar vein. Those interested in watching Jane's eternal singledom and the how's and the why's would be more interested than I was. I'd liked to think that she had at least some happiness in her love life. Otherwise how could she create such wonderful characters with real emotions and strong affections if she herself had not felt the same feelings? Especially since these characters have been able to stand the test of time and remain real portrayals of love even today.
  
  
  
  
  
• Comedies of manners? Or "updated" Regency romances?
  By AMAOS41TZ1V89 on 2008-04-14
  While not quite as faithful (and thus as good) as Northanger Abbey, this new makeover of Sense & Sensibility is far superior to Persuasion (gentle Anne Elliot would have never gone tearing through the streets of Bath without a coat and bonnet, gasping after her lover), and far, far superior to Mansfield Park (where most of the characters are completely changed from Austen originals, especially Fanny--to have a shy, reticent, and religious heroine would be SO politically incorrect).
  
  The two lead actresses here (whoops, we say actors now for all of them, don't we?) were absolutely perfect in appearance and personality, especially Eleanor, who had the harder job: Her character traits of prudence and self-control are not popular in our pseduo-Romantic culture, so Miss Morahan deserves huge applause for making Eleanor's character simultaniously accurate and sympathetic.
  
  The other "politcally correct" obligations were there, however: having the ladies bemoan male oppression (which is much more discreetly shown in the novels), and allowing not even the modicum of sympathy for Willowby at the end which Austen herself permitted: After his dramatic visit in the novel, Eleanor allows herself to think of him as "poor Willowby." Austen's original presentation of the scene is better, as well--No servant would have simply told Eleanor that "a gentleman is asking about you downstairs" without getting a name, a situation Austen handled in her superbly suspenseful version by having Eleanor rush downstairs under the impression (along with the reader) that the noise in the entrance is from her mother.Nor would Marianne, still a very young girl, have been allowed to study and play alone in Col. Brandon's library without the company of her sister, mother, or a servant.
  
  While I thought Lucy Steele entirely too sweet and educated-sounding, her sister Nancy was wonderful, and Edward entirely believable (and appealing!) as a future clergyman. However, with the now usual "tarting up" of the screenplay (a hot seduction scene and some unnecessary dueling), you get a production that is very, very good, when it could have been fully excellent. Emma Thompson's screenplay was just that much better, because it was more understated, accurate, and humorous.
  
  Perhaps it is my flawed male perspective, but only Northanger Abbey of these new productions remembered that Austen's works were (and ARE) COMEDIES of manners, not Barbara Cortland regency romances. The fact that Austen's works been constantly studied and appreciated by scholars over the centuries of BOTH genders (not only women) points out this deft ability of hers to use humor in highlighting serious, moral insights.
  
  Thankfully, she remains an enigma in spite of some of academia--which presented her during the Victorian age as an "obviously Christian" writer and now during the post-modern era as an "obviously feminist and possibily athiest" writer (those of the latter view do not know that she wrote some deeply moving prayers, which, of course, are never reviewed). Victorians and post-modernists alike tend to overlook her sense of humor (and proportion). For all of that, this production was really good (one which will not disappoint Austen viewers who become Austen readers), and I hope we see the two young actress--er, actors (the female ones, formerly known as actresses) again soon!
  
  
• The Best yet
  By A1NIGUK4M2ST8 on 2008-04-22
  Superb! Definitely deserving all the 5 star reviews. Having loved the 1995 version with Emma Thompson's well deserved screenplay Oscar and Ang Lee's brilliant directing, why another version? Three reasons: Flush out more details with nearly three hours, let Andrew Davies(the all time champ of 'Costume dramas/romances' or anything he adapts) have a go at it, and because we can't get enough.
  
  I found myself naturally, and probably unfortunately, comparing the 2 versions, here are the standouts: both screenplays are exceptional. Andrew has the advantage of hindsight and more screen time to create freshness in a well known and loved classic. On the special features, he and the producer discuss how they wanted to advance it. The man is a genius and a hoot of a talker. He added scenes not in the book, but they fit perfectly, e.g., Elinor's and Edward's first meeting, a fun, playful flirting which catches the heroine a bit off guard.
  
  The scenery is to lust after and long for in both, but I prefer the stark, oceanside dwelling, which the girls are forced to endure, better in the 2008 film. The sets and costumes are all first rate, and the expanded shots and attention to detail are equally rewarding.
  
  Now with actors it becomes tricky, a matter of taste, and at times personal like politics. Overall, both versions compared well. Hattie Morahan is fantastic. She speaks with her eyes, restraining her emotions, constantly holding back. A difficult task for an actor especially when everyone else gets to be flamboyant. I love Emma Thompson, no disregard. I believe Kate Winslet a better younger sister, and the two Margarets are just wonderful- in this version, she definitely stands out in humor and cutes. The new Edward is better; although at times, I kept seeing Hugh Grant's portrayal but with more depth; Greg Wise(1995) is the epitome of Willoughby(Davies added an interesting confrontation between him and Elinor near the end) and the new Colonel is more human although both are stiffish and a bit old as appropriately written. The remaining cast for both movies are super; it's a wash which are better.
  
  Which ending? I love what Emma Thompson does in the older one, but the new one is very satisfying and similar.
  Which is overall supreme? If you've got the time, don't want to be rushed and want more details including missing characters not seen in the 1995 version than it's the 2008 version by an English nose. Or you can alternate weekends.
  
  
• LOVED IT... but please skip the first part !
  By A1YORSBJ4ZRHDF on 2008-04-16
  I just finished watching this movie and was completely taken by surprise. It surpassed my expectations and actually I loved it even more than one of my all time favorites (the 1995 version) which I did not think was possible. With 2 exceptions. The first part/scene which is entirely unnecessary (supposedly Willoughby's seduction of the young ward of Col. Brandon's)I fast forwarded over it. Also, watch out for the scenes at Edward's mother's house. There is a nude statue in view behind her. That always irritates me when they feel they have to include such things to prove they are wealthy and they own supposedly "fine art". I could do without it !
  
  But now let me tell you what it was that made me love it. It's hard to say if it was the writing, the way the actors owned the script or both. It moved me in such a way. I felt their pain & joy as if I were there. That's the way it should be. I felt all the actors did a wonderful job making the story real. Also, it was not near as depressing as the other version. Obviously sad in places as it should be.
  
  Also, as much as I like Alan Rickman as an actor, his portrayal as Col. Brandon in the 95' version just did not work for me. Not sure if it was the writing or acting or casting. This Col. Brandon seemed more age 35 than the other. I liked the way he & Maryanne had a friendship throughout the whole movie. This version developed that much better. In the 95' version, Maryanne seeemed so cold to him for the majority of the movie that it was hard for me to have them married all of a sudden at the end.
  
  The ending in this movie is superb ! It really spends the time to show you how they get together and it ties up the loose ends and what other versions just leave to your conclusions. Very much a happily ever after story.
  
  
• Sense and Sensibility
  By A3S914ALB1VF14 on 2008-05-03
  While this story followed the book and was well acted, I was extremely disappointed with it. A made for TV movie was made into the DVD without being edited.
  It was divided into segments with what was to come next; what happened last segment; and credits in between.
  When selling this as a movie; especially with all of the current technology, surely it could have been cleaned up to take out these highly intrusive details.
  
  
• Love It!
  By A2SE92H17YNRKS on 2008-05-12
  I am a Jane Austen Fanatic. I was more than pleaseantly surprised to find that Amazon carries so many titles and versions. My favorites of course are the BBC adaptations. This newest version of Sense and Sensibility covered aspects of the novel that were not presented in the Hollywood version, which I found delightful. A lot less glitz and glamour. More like what I think times were like back when a woman's worth was measured by the type of matches she made.
  
  
• The BEST version
  By A2EYDEOF494KH5 on 2008-04-13
  With all respect to the 1995 version which I also enjoy this one is vastly superior. The acting is top notch. The production is great. The story line is almost right on with the book, and it is just a joy to see. If you could only have one version this one is THE one.
  
  
• Jolt of a lifetime...
  By AL53C9KVGWN9L on 2008-04-16
  Truth is, my wife is (was) the family's one Jane Austen addict so I had zero inkling up-front of the two truly extraordinary story arcs. To say that this production is one wild, nail-biting roller-coaster ride is putting it pretty mildly.
  
  To follow Hattie Morahan's warm, kind, brave and hypnotically beautiful Elinor through to her dismal and heart-breaking dead-end in life, via a seeming never-ending series of emotional whacks... that's story-telling of the most profoundest kind.
  
  And then into that truly stunning few moments where eyes are absolutely GLUED to Elinor's quivering back... that's movie-making beyond awesome.
  
  I've dutifully watched the movie version too now. These REALLY go well together. The movie is intensely beautiful to look at and has great crowd scenes. Highly worth watching for the alternative take on the Marianne story; I liked it without necessarily preferring it. Each version has some dialog that greatly helps understand points in the other.
  
  No review I've read yet has mentioned the great voice-over commentary on the DVD. Director, producer and four leads. Nice happy family that one is. Hattie Morahan is self-effacing almost to the point of invisibility, but she has a truly great laugh we hear often. Remarks by "Edward" and "Marianne" and "Willoughby" are warm, funny and at times really insightful, and leave one liking each of them a lot.
  
  Plus we hear just how the director and producer arrived at many of their outcomes, adjusted things post-production, set up the scenes in the many houses and the studios, struggled for continuity, and came up with that proposal scene - told in that self-effacing and often funny British way, but they're true talents.
  
  And Janeites, please get this: the team makes it increasingly clear that there are several hours of unused scenes still in the can. They are not offered here on this DVD. So, a 4-or-5-hour director's-cut version?
  
  Okay. You know what to do...
  
  
• Good but movie better
  By A1L51WSXUOCL6O on 2008-04-29
  I love Jane Austin. The movie of Pride and Prejudice was no where near as good as the miniseries on Cable. This production of Sense and Sensibility done on BBC and rebroadcast by Government Television in the US is just the opposite. The movie which won many awards is by far the superior. This is a good production but if one has to spend money getting one copy, buy the movie.
  
  
• Brandon-Marianne, Edward-Elinor: Odd Love
  By A280GY5UVUS2QH on 2008-05-26
  While this (fairly) faithful adaptation is to be recommended to Austen loyalists/enthusiasts, one cannot help but wonder aloud about the peculiarity of Austen's plot and the characters that drive it.
  
  Women are not powerless in Austen's world, for money, marriage, and attraction are the forces that govern it and everyone is captive to these interests, even the most sensible.
  
  Young women are, however, prevented from acquiring experience (and property) in Austen's post-romantic world and so they are always a bit more vulnerable than the love struck men. Of course one cannot control who one falls in love with, but what one can control is how one chooses to manage those emotions when one has them. Sense must always come to the aid of sensibility. This, in Austen, is everything.
  
  But what counts as "sense" in this book? It's not as clear as you might think.
  
  Colonel Brandon has first-hand knowledge of Willoughby's womanizing ways, so what exactly is it that prevents him from warning the Dashwoods about Willoughby? Is it the colonel's stoic reserve? Well, Brandon is certainly not stoic. He is obviously in love with Marianne and he is motivated by the desire to win her love. Were his interests selfless he would warn Marianne and her family but his interests are not selfless and his silence upon the matter of Willoughby's "intentions" is a strategic silence. It is his method of seduction. Brandon and Willoughby are rivals for Marianne's affections, and the 35 year old Brandon knows that next to the much younger Willoughby he is the less attractive romantic option, and he also knows that Marianne's first love must run its course before she will be receptive to the less exciting variety of companionship that he has to offer. If he tells her all that he knows about Willoughby too soon, Marianne might be grateful but her romantic notions might not have ripened enough to the point of spoiling. The problem is bringing Marianne around at just the right time and to do this he must keep quiet about Willoughby and wait in the wings until she has committed herself fully to Willoughby and has reached the point where she has risked everything for and received nothing from Willoughby. Only then will she be disillusioned with her romanticism and ripe for reform. And this is what Brandon does. He waits & watches from the wings even while Marianne risks her reputation and the harsh judgment of society to be with a man who, according to Brandon, does not deserve her. Behind the scenes Brandon calls Willoughby out (and in this BBC version, the two even fight a duel) but it is only when Marianne attempts suicide that Brandon comes to the rescue. There is nothing particularly noble or sensible about this. It is selfish and reckless of Brandon not to have stepped in sooner. Brandon's plan might be an effective one but its not a sensible one. And to complicate matters, just when it seems that Willoughby is out of the picture and Marianne has finally settled on Brandon, Willoughby comes round with a new post-duel protestation of love for her. This makes viewers question whether Willoughby was all bad after all or whether he too was just another victim of a social system where patriarchs and matriarchs enforce their will upon the powerless young, determining their lives by placing conditions upon their inheritance. Certainly in this world, love is never allowed to run a natural course because money and/or social standing and/or social convention are the real determinants. What counts as sensible in such a world?
  
  That Marianne needs to mature from a romantic youth too easily swayed by youthful emotions into a responsible & sensible young adult governed more by sense than sensibility is not in question. What is in question is the method by which that education is brought about. Also in question is the matter of whose interests are really being served by the kind of social education that she receives.
  
  Oddly and ironically enough, Brandon needs Willoughby to secure Marianne. Because without Willoughby to spoil her romantic notions about life, Marianne will remain blind to Brandon's more sensible set of virtues. And Brandon is well aware of this fact. But there is a great amount of risk involved in allowing the Marianne-Willoughby romance to run its course. Marianne's reputation is compromised and her future prospects are diminished by her continued contact with Willoughby. The nobler thing to do, the more sensibile thing to do, would have been for Brandon to have stepped in and counseled young Marianne about the ways of certain unsettled young men and why to be leary of them BEFORE the romance reached a crisis. In this way he would have assured her safety and provided her with fatherly advice and saved her a lot of undue suffering, which is what this 17 year old girl really needs from a man like Coln. Brandon. But Brandon is not interested in educating Marianne or allowing her the freedom to explore her own singular nature. Brandon simply wants a wife.
  
  This production of Sense & Sensibility does not quite know what to do with Marianne's romantic sensibility, nor with Willoughby. So, it simply dismisses both of them from view. After rescuing Marianne from her romantic agony, sensible Brandon eclipses romantic Willoughby completely. It's as if Marianne's romanticism (both her emotional sensibility and her ongoing social critique) is something that must be purged before she can mature and enjoy adult love. But is it that romantic love & social critique (both aspects of Marianne's romanticism) have no place in the world, or that they simply have no place in this particular social arrangement?
  
  Love conquers all, or is it social norms that conquer all?
  
  And then there's the Edward Ferrars character. Even though he is engaged to another it is obvious to everyone that he is in love with Elinor. Even though he keeps his feelings to himself, Edward wears his heart on his sleeve every second he is with Elinor and never mentions the fact of his engagement to Lucy. Elinor only learns of the engagement when she runs into Lucy at a family gathering. Even though everyone can guess so much, Edward also fails to mentions that he loves Elinor until the very end of the film when Lucy has chosen his brother instead of him. It could be argued that Edward did not share his feelings with Elinor out of respect for his fiance Lucy but if that is so then why did he carry on with Elinor in the first place? Edward's awkward year-long reticence/indecision cause Elinor a years worth of unimaginable grief. And yet she forgives him the moment he awakens from his year-long emotional daze/lapse of judgment. Edward Ferrars is one of the most helpless & depressive & pathetic creatures to appear in a BBC production. Elinor deserves better. Sadly, though, she has no other options.
  
  
• Excellent film interpretation
  By A2WRUD55JMP336 on 2008-05-28
  The Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet version of this Jane Austen classic was so wonderful, I was not sure I could like anything as well. However, Andrew Davies has made this adaptation with a modernized interpretation that meets the Masterpiece Theatre standards of excellence. Austen's characters come alive with new insight. Some of the scenes do not follow historic etiquettes or patterns of behavior for 18th and early 19th Century gentry, but the whole effect communicates to a 21st Century audience, and I enjoyed it very much. Hattie Morahan does Elinor exquisitely. In addition, the scenic backgrounds and musical themes were breath-taking and came together to make this a beautiful film.
  
  
• Yes They finally had a swordfight but did he kill, maim or just nick him a little
  By AFIK5R5XPK1PH on 2008-04-08
  This particular incarnation plays fast and loose with the story line. This is one in which you need to forget about the book and enjoy the story. The sword fight fits in (but not in line with the book). Willoughby finally stuck it too far... but did it get nicked. Love wins out. Just differently than some expect. They also treated the Margaret character with a dose of existing
  Everyone forgets that the Ladies Dashwoods had servants.
  
  
  
  
• Best Sense & Sensibility I've Seen!
  By A3VNBL03CGL5V0 on 2008-04-09
  This Sense & Sensibility Movie is the best one I seen. I own the two's Sense & Sensibility DVD's Moives, and I really love this New Sense & Sensibility! Its Very Great! Thank so much Jane Austen!
  
  This movie is okay for everyone in who like's Jane Austen Books and Movies!
  
  

• Masterpiece Theatre: Northanger Abbey
• Persuasion
• Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park
• Cranford
• Emma (A&E, 1997)