Sense and Sensibility: Sumptuous Adaptation of an Iconic Novel

I never read “Sense and Sensibility,” written by Jane Austen in 1811, but the novel stands the test of time.  Although a “period piece” with respect to the 19th century, it’s themes are universal.  Diana Reid, who adapted the novel for the screenplay, and Director Georgia Oakley have done superb work.

The film begins with the death of the father of the family.  As what was customary for the time, the stately home that the wife (Caitriona Balfe) and their three daughters live, as well as all the money and other possessions of the family’s estate, were willed entirely to their brother, leaving all of them penniless.  The family is forced to move to barely-adequate housing.  The three daughters have no viable option but to marry well, which primarily means to a man with adequate funds to support them.  Fortunately, the two oldest daughters, Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones of “Where the Crawdads Sing” & “Twister”) and the younger Marianne (Esme Creed-Miles) are both beautiful.  Unfortunately, they now live far from London and their opportunity to meet eligible men is limited.  Although both recognize their need for financial support, they still want to marry primarily for love.  Elinor is rational, reserved, and prefers to keep her feelings and thoughts to herself.  Marianne is emotional, passionate, and wears her heart on her sleeve.  Despite their differences, the two sisters love each other deeply.  Their love for each other is the heart of the film.

Elinor has hopes to marry Edward (George Mackay) while Marianne is enamored with John Willoughby (Frank Dillane).  Another gentleman, Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum), likes Marianne, but she finds him passionless and boring.  Elinor’s and Marianne’s relationships are interesting and emotionally-compelling, exploring the intense feelings of first love and heartbreak.

The cinematography (by Arnaud Potier) is breath-taking, and the score (by Roger Goula) is wonderful, too.  I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and I anticipate that it will be in my Top 10 for the year.  I consider it a “MUST-SEE”!  I’m sure you can “sense” my admiration for this film.

I never read "Sense and Sensibility," written by Jane Austen in 1811, but the novel stands the test of time.  Although a "period piece" with respect to the 19th century, it's themes are universal.  Diana Reid, who adapted the novel for the screenplay, and Director Georgia Oakley have done superb work. The film begins with the death of the father of the family.  As what was customary for the time, the stately home that the wife (Caitriona Balfe) and their three daughters live, as well as all the money and other possessions of the family's estate, were willed entirely to their brother, leaving all of them penniless.  The family is forced to move to barely-adequate housing.  The three daughters have no viable option but to marry well, which primarily means to a man with adequate funds to support them.  Fortunately, the two oldest daughters, Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones of "Where the Crawdads Sing" & "Twister") and the younger Marianne (Esme Creed-Miles) are both beautiful.  Unfortunately, they now live far from London and their opportunity to meet eligible men is limited.  Although both recognize their need for financial support, they still want to marry primarily for love.  Elinor is rational, reserved, and prefers to keep her feelings and thoughts to herself.  Marianne is emotional, passionate, and wears her heart on her sleeve.  Despite their differences, the two sisters love each other deeply.  Their love for each other is the heart of the film. Elinor has hopes to marry Edward (George Mackay) while Marianne is enamored with John Willoughby (Frank Dillane).  Another gentleman, Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum), likes Marianne, but she finds him passionless and boring.  Elinor's and Marianne's relationships are interesting and emotionally-compelling, exploring the intense feelings of first love and heartbreak. The cinematography (by Arnaud Potier) is breath-taking, and the score (by Roger Goula) is wonderful, too.  I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and I anticipate that it will be in my Top 10 for the year.  I consider it a "MUST-SEE"!  I'm sure you can "sense" my admiration for this film.

8.5

Terrific Acting By The Ensemble Cast!

Wonderful Film! Don't Miss It!
User Rating : No Ratings Yet !
9

I have loved the movies ever since I saw “The Wizard of Oz” as a young boy. When Beatle-mania hit the USA, Rock-N-Roll was my greatest passion, but I haven’t enjoyed the current music scene nearly as much over the past 15 years, so that void has been filled by film. In college and med school, I would see movies with my friends and we would stay up late into the night chatting about them. I still love seeing movies with friends and then having dinner to discuss them. This blog evolved out of my desire to tell my movie-loving friends about movies I thought they would enjoy. The blog allows me to do this in a fun way and to reach movie fans everywhere.