Viewed in
1997, 2010
Formats
Standard Definition VHS, HD TV
Premise
Based on Jane Austen's novel, Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet star as two sisters dealing with different forms of love in aristocrat England.
Loved
The future-loaded cast.
Liked
The visuals and performances.
Disliked
The easy resolution in a plot point.
Thoughts
A well-acted, aesthetically-pleasing film of its genre.
Watching this fifteen years later, I was shocked by how loaded this cast was. Thompson and Winslet were very good as the leads, though Thompson had the harder role of the reserved, internally-tortured sister. Granted, I cheated and did some research, but turns out there were five future Harry Potter alumni, including Pomfrey and Umbridge. The always fantastic Alan Rickman tried his best as a weary, yet charming love interest, though it was very difficult to shake the Gruber/Snape impressions in my head. The biggest scene-stealers was the married couple of Imelda Staunton and Hugh Laurie. Yes, House was in da house! They were hilarious as the gossipy wife and annoyed husband. Lastly, there was Hugh Grant as one of the other love interests. However, time was unkind to his performance here, as he basically played his typical stammering self, only in aristocrat outfits. His presence was anachronistic.
Director Ang Lee made full use of every square inch on the screen, filling it with pretty costumes, authentic architecture, and lush countryside. Of the Jane Austen type movies I have seen over the years, it was one of the most visually immersive films I recall. Unfortunately, there were a few times in which Lee got caught up on the camera movement or scenery that distracted from the dialogue or storyline.
The part I disliked the most was the convenient resolution in one key complication. Thankfully, due to the cast's strong performances, the film was still able to get the emotional payoff it seeked. I assumed this cop-out scene came directly from the book.
Watching it in high definition gave me a great appreciation for its visuals. Watching it with subtitles gave me a greater appreciation for the dialogue. Watching it as an adult gave me greater appreciation for the performances and subtle humor in this film.
What I would change
Directed Hugh Grant to tone down his stammering style.
