Sense and Sensibility
Director: Ang Lee
Writer: Emma Thompson [here’s my review of her screenplay and production diaries]
Based on: Jane Austen’s novel
Cast: Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Gemma Jones, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Greg Wise, Emilie François, James Fleet, Tom Wilkinson, Harriet Walter, Imelda Staunton, Imogen Stubbs, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy, Elizabeth Spriggs
Seen on: 20.7.2019
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Plot:
Sisters Elinor (Emma Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet) couldn’t be any more different. Elinor is always calm, collected and responsible, while Marianne is passionate and impulsive. It is no surprise that they find very different men to like as well – Elinor falling for Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) and Marianne for Willoughby (Greg Wise). But whether they will be lucky with their loves is another question entirely.

I am honestly surprised that I never reviewed this film here on this blog so far – I am sure I have watched it several times since I started this blog. Be that as it may, it is one of my favorite films and I don’t know how many times I saw it already. But I love it every time I watch it again and this time is no different.

Having just finished reading Thompson’s screenplay and her production diaries, I had to go back and watch the film itself again, too, of course. And it still works beautifully. It is simply a fantastic film, and no matter how well I know the story or how often I have seen the film, it gets me every single time.

It’s the perfect blend of comedy, drama and romance and there is just no way for me not to be emotionally involved in it. Of course, I laughed and I cried again. It is perfectly cast and acted, too. AND it is a fantastic adaptation of Austen’s novel, even if certainly a lot bolder than Austen was (or at least feels to a modern audience).

Despite knowing it so well, I did not know that they shot a scene where Edward kisses Elinor, and I really cannot understand why they wouldn’t include it in the film. At least it is there in the extras of my edition, because the scene is absolute and pure sugar. I have to cry and smile. And he says “excuse me” and I have to cry and smile a little more.

What can I say that doesn’t boil down to me basically squealing? Probably nothing, so I’ll stop myself here.

Summarizing: all time favorite.