Sense and Sensibility
Synopsis
Rich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. Two daughters are the titular opposites.
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I must admit that, thanks to a busy day, a late start and a bit too much wine, I fell asleep with about a half hour to go, so I'm not going to write too much this time. But Sense and Sensibility is my favorite of the wave of Jane Austen adaptations in the mid-'90s. It perfectly captures the tone and intent of Austen's book, it's brilliantly acted all around and it benefits a great deal from Ang Lee's sharp, observational directorial style. It's a pleasure, in particular, to watch Alan Rickman cast against type in a doting romantic role. And it seems that all British movies of the past few decades have now become a game of "count the Hogwarts professors." I counted three.
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A truly sensational and heartfelt film that brings Jane Austen's novel to life through Ang Lee's sensitive yet visually-astonishing direction as well as top-notch performances from Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman.
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Second film of Alan Rickman Season.
Didn't enjoy this one much either BUT I have spent my entire adult life trying to avoid period dramas from England, despite me being English, on account of the enormous disconnect I feel with them. That was present here in spades. I hated almost everyone who appeared onscreen, frequently (and you can check this with my wife, whose birthday I'm ruining) shouting "get a job" at all concerned. We talk a lot today about 1st world problems. None of them a patch on this bunch of skivers. Oh, no, we've lost our enormous estate, we'll have to go and live at someone else's expense and continue to do fuck all but make kissy faces…
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Ang Lee's precise and sharp direction and superb performances by every single person in this cast makes SENSE & SENSIBILITY a true contemporary classic. Yes, I'm a dude who enjoys watching Jane Austen's adaptations, but this isn't just another boring costume drama. The heart and realism injected by Ang Lee is so palpable that is impossible look away. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet proving they are extremely talented actresses. But Imelda Staunton and Hugh Laurie steal the whole picture.
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Hugh Laurie steals the show in every scene he's in. Kate Winslet's depression is great, especially right before her sickness. And Emma Thompson is subtle but really pulls it out in one of the last scenes. Hugh Grant is pretty much Hugh Grant in everything Hugh Grant has ever done. Alan Rickman doesn't play a villain. Really nice period piece with wit that may be lost on present-day readers of the novel.
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Ang Lee was the perfect choice for this adaptation with his measured style and pace allowing this film to sedately and gracefully tell its tale.
Plenty of British talent showcased in this film with standout performances from Emma Thomson and Alan Rickman.
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If you are looking for a movie to study in terms of craft and execution, you should start here. There is not a wasted frame in this movie, not a wasted line in the script, not a wasted moment for any of the characters. You may not like this movie but it is just about perfectly constructed.
And I have to say something about the cinematography. It is sublime. Every shot is constructed to add to your understanding of the characters. So even though the shot may be complicated or intricate, it is never for showing off. It is in aid of the character. In particular, watch the scene where two of the daughters and the mother storm off to…
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It's really nice of Alan Rickman to let other people be in this movie, because he absolutely OWNS IT. It's a rare treat seeing him as a central romantic lead, and he has great chemistry with both Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson. Grant is amusing as well, but his total absence for nearly half the film hurts his character. Luckily, the ladies have the acting chops to sell the romance even when they're doing more than half the heavy lifting, the supporting cast is incredibly amusing, and Austin's writing has always been a treat to hear spoken out-loud.
The direction itself isn't as visually inspired as - say - Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice, but Ang Lee's restraint plays well against the overall theme of the film, as does Patrick Doyle's unintrusive score.
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As harmless as it is forgettable.
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This has one of the most fantastic casts imaginable, I'm talking Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, need I go on. Brilliant adaptation.
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Ótima adaptação do romance da Jane Austen. Conseguiram resumir bem o livro. Pra quem acha que o filme é demorado, imaginem se fosse tão complexo como o livro é! Amei o filme e o livro (que eu li primeiro).
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A brilliant adaptation of Jane Austen's novel from Ang Lee. Stunning ensemble work from Thompson, Winslet, Grant, and Rickman. A joyful film.
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The original book by Jane Austen is most decidedly not my favourite. The story line is drawn out in areas, highly fantasized in others, and all together rather a bit absurd in the reality of things. However, Emma Thompson does magic with her screenplay, turning one of Austen's less polished novels into a beautiful film. There was just enough added in to flush out the narrative, and enough taken out to detract from some of the awkwardness of conversation that often took place in the novel. Ang Lee's directing style is always beautiful to behold, and the scenery, costumes, and lighting were all light, graceful, and appropriate. The casting was fabulous. Really a well done homage to one of Mrs. Austen's earliest works.
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The Dashwood sisters (Emma Thompson, Kate Winslett, Emilie Francois) and their mother (Gemma Jones) are left in a precarious position when Mr. Dashwood (Tom Wilkinson) dies and the bulk of his estate goes to his son from a previous marriage (James Fleet), who allows them a very small stipend on which to live. In a society where women are denied autonomy, they must rely on the kindness of in-laws and pray for advantageous marriages. Nevertheless, Elinor and Marianne hold on to the hope that they will marry for love and not merely economic gain.
This engaging and moving film, brilliantly acted, functions for much of its length as a scathing indictment of a time when the circumstances of talented and…
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A truly sensational and heartfelt film that brings Jane Austen's novel to life through Ang Lee's sensitive yet visually-astonishing direction as well as top-notch performances from Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman.