1995 Sense and Sensibility - Emma Thompson
I've seen all of the various movie versions of Sense and Sensibility and this one is certainly amazing. It stars Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet as the two elder sisters, and Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman as the starring men. Even Hugh Laurie from House is in it! The acting is just superb.The music really sets the scene, and I love the cottage. It feels comfortable, lived in, and you can see how they adjust to it over time. The way Elinor gets "wedged into" by the interloper Lucy is amazing to watch. You feel the sparkle in the eyes between Marianne and Willoughby, you see how they're drawn to each other. The same is with the little touches between Elinor and Ferrars. The way he gently replaces his shawl on her shoulder when they are walking early on. Rickman is fantastic as always, the way he stays near Marianne, handing her a ball, being unobtrusive but helpful.
The other characters are just great too, the mother in law, the cackling daughter, the snideness of the sister in law. They all seem both larger than life and also completely believable.
I do have a few comments. They gave Marianne great gifts - her playing of the piano and singing are just amazing - but they didn't give anything to Elinor except being stodgy. Her talent is simply in hiding her emotions. That's a shame - other versions make it clear that all sisters are creative in their own ways.
Also, in this version Willoughby's faults are really glossed over. Ah well, he wanted money. That happens sometimes. Even at the end, Willoughby watches on his magnificent horse, then rides back to his mansion.
Minor flaws, though. This is a great version, and one I really enjoy watching. A must-see for any fan of these types of dramas.
Note: This screenplay was done by Emma Thompson. You can sense her hand in some of the amazing lines.
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