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Amazon.co.uk review
From the pen of Andrew Davies, the man who's brought some of the finest literary adaptations to the small screen in recent years, comes the BBC’s new take on Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility. Running across three episodes, it proves to be as much as a sumptuous treat as much of Davies' previous endeavours.
Austen’s story of the Dashwood sisters and a romance with John Willoughby is a familiar one (and it was realised quite brilliantly in Ang Lee’s film adaptation in 1996), and so it’s left to the super cast and terrific production values to convince audiences to dip into Sense & Sensibility again. Fortunately, the production delivers with consummate ease.
Much of the credit for Sense & Sensibility’s success lies in its excellent cast. David Morrissey, Mark Williams, Janet McTeer and Charity Wakefield are among the many strong performers, and they’re matched by equally impressive work behind the camera too. There’s an argument whether it manages to eclipse the 1996 filmed version (for which Emma Thompson took home an Oscar), but it’s perhaps to best see them as companion pieces. And truthfully, you’re not going to be disappointed with either. Because once again, the BBC has brought further life to a tale told many times before, and its production of Sense & Sensibility is set to be enjoyed for many years to come. --Jon Foster
DVD Description
David Morrissey, Dominic Cooper, Dan Stevens, Mark Williams, Janet McTeer and Mark Gatiss lead an all-star cast in Andrew Davies' romantic and stylish three-part BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's classic Sense and Sensibility.
Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve when she falls in love with the charming but unsuitable John Willoughby, ignoring her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Elinor, sensitive to social convention, struggles to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Will the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love?
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I didn't bother watching this when it was originally on television, thinking that the Emma Thompson film was so good that nothing would match it and so I just wouldn't bother. Having watched the dvd under some persuasion from a friend, I'm quite ashamed of my ignorance and wish I'd watched it back then. This is simply an excellent adaptation which shows up faults I hadn't noticed before in the film version.
Charity Wakefield is a strikingly good actress, her portrayal of Marianne Dashwood makes that of Kate Winslet seem rather wooden. Wakefield exudes the natural, unaffected character of Marianne with so much depth that she truly lifts the heart and soul out of Austen's creation and is a joy to watch. Although Wakefield stands out in the cast, the other characters also are more 'real' and believable here. David Morrissey is a much more sympathetic Brandon, and you wonder how Marianne could ever have failed to fall in love with him at first sight. There is a really palpable sense of his having the same passionate, romantic nature as Marianne, which has been subdued by bitter past experience, only to be reawakened and eventually noticed by Marianne.
The settings, too, are sumptuously evocative. The cottage to which to Dashwoods move is no twee chocolate box cottage but a neglected, wind-swept house which combines the Romantic,desolate beauty of the wind swept Devonshire coast with the stark depiction of the poverty into which the family have descended, mirrored in Marianne's joy at her new surroundings and Elinor's practicality and concern at the challenges of their enforced new life. Add to the glorious scenery and excellent performances, the tempestuous and haunting music which permeates throughout, and you have a truly beautiful adaptation. One to keep and treasure.
Charity Wakefield is a strikingly good actress, her portrayal of Marianne Dashwood makes that of Kate Winslet seem rather wooden. Wakefield exudes the natural, unaffected character of Marianne with so much depth that she truly lifts the heart and soul out of Austen's creation and is a joy to watch. Although Wakefield stands out in the cast, the other characters also are more 'real' and believable here. David Morrissey is a much more sympathetic Brandon, and you wonder how Marianne could ever have failed to fall in love with him at first sight. There is a really palpable sense of his having the same passionate, romantic nature as Marianne, which has been subdued by bitter past experience, only to be reawakened and eventually noticed by Marianne.
The settings, too, are sumptuously evocative. The cottage to which to Dashwoods move is no twee chocolate box cottage but a neglected, wind-swept house which combines the Romantic,desolate beauty of the wind swept Devonshire coast with the stark depiction of the poverty into which the family have descended, mirrored in Marianne's joy at her new surroundings and Elinor's practicality and concern at the challenges of their enforced new life. Add to the glorious scenery and excellent performances, the tempestuous and haunting music which permeates throughout, and you have a truly beautiful adaptation. One to keep and treasure.
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
After being so impressed with the 1996 version of Sense and Sensibility, I wondered what a new version could really offer. But this version was spectacular, it really portrayed the characters well, the acting is superb, the scenery stunning and the costumes suitably lovely. Edward Ferrars from the film version was pretty bland, and his relationship with Elinor was sidelined so it was nice to see their storyline get more attention in this adaptation. Hattie Morahan is perfect at portraying Elinor while Charity Wakefield is very convincing as the less sensible sister, Marianne. The other actors are brilliant, and in my opinion this adaptation is actually better than the 1996 version, not least because the two main characters are the right age.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I went into this DVD under the impression that it was the Winslett one so would be over in an hour and three-quarters but my wife's sneaky trick was soon apparent. This is the better version and I have to say that I became very 'into' the story. I still found it difficult to find a great deal of sympathy for women who, apparently, are upset that they might have to do a bit of work for a change although they still could afford to hire someone to do the bits that were really beneath them.
The acting was more than good, the story and characters resolved themselves steadily, and the build-up of tension - well, as much as you could generate given how well known the story was - convinced.
I'm far from being a fan of Austen's work. I was obliged to read it when a kid, some 40 odd years ago now, for exams, and whilst I have an appreciation of her literary ability, this fixation of hers to marry a vicar bewilders me. Emma and P&P I can udnerstand: going after someone who is filthy rich seem perfectly logical to me. But where this adaptation fails, as did the Winslett one, was in making the male love interest even the slightest bit interesting.
Most, if not all, authors are self obsessed but Austen is up there in the vanguard.
At least Morahan could be taken as a teenager whereas Thompson was approaching middle age by the time she played Elinore.
So yes, it was worth watching. It was cleverly produced, well acted by the young cast and I'm pleased I saw it.
Apart from the totally unattractiveness of the character of the male lead (as much as any male gets a lead in Austen's works) with all else being of high quality this sneaks into the four star rating but only grudgingly.
The acting was more than good, the story and characters resolved themselves steadily, and the build-up of tension - well, as much as you could generate given how well known the story was - convinced.
I'm far from being a fan of Austen's work. I was obliged to read it when a kid, some 40 odd years ago now, for exams, and whilst I have an appreciation of her literary ability, this fixation of hers to marry a vicar bewilders me. Emma and P&P I can udnerstand: going after someone who is filthy rich seem perfectly logical to me. But where this adaptation fails, as did the Winslett one, was in making the male love interest even the slightest bit interesting.
Most, if not all, authors are self obsessed but Austen is up there in the vanguard.
At least Morahan could be taken as a teenager whereas Thompson was approaching middle age by the time she played Elinore.
So yes, it was worth watching. It was cleverly produced, well acted by the young cast and I'm pleased I saw it.
Apart from the totally unattractiveness of the character of the male lead (as much as any male gets a lead in Austen's works) with all else being of high quality this sneaks into the four star rating but only grudgingly.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Another look at Sense and Sensibility
Having long regarded the 1995 Emma Thompson/ Hugh Grant / Kate Winslett version as the definitive dramatisation of "Sense and Sensibility" - I was curious to see the more recent... Read more
Published 2 months ago by C. Taylor
DELIGHTFUL
Charming warm and delightful adaptation of a great love story - cast well chosen and performed. The only downside was seeing Mrs Dashwood senior so dishevveled - I thought ladies... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Stormforce
Wonderful
If you have the least inclination to buy this, do! The DVD consists of three hour-long episodes, which feels just right - the pacing isn't rushed as it would be in a film, but... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Colly-strings
Family fun
I love watching period dramas with my family and this one was great, arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Great service.
Published 4 months ago by Hvihvoj
excellent
Just finished watching this DVD and I was really impressed. The actors are fantastic and the story told beautifully. Much better than the big budget version. Great value DVD
Published 4 months ago by jacqui
Sense and Sensibility Box Set.
Loved the set and to be watched again and again. It was delivered within 7days and has not disapointed. The quality is good and the rest of the family enjoy it.
Published 5 months ago by Hugh C. Millar
Quite good, but I still prefer the Thompson and Lee version
A solid adaptation that didn't quite match up to the Ang Lee and Emma Thompson film.
That had more energy, pace, intensity and humor. Read more
That had more energy, pace, intensity and humor. Read more
Published 5 months ago by K. Gordon
Pure indulgence!
I originally watched this series on TV and had forgotten just how much I enjoyed it. I indulged myself by watching every episode in one evening and have since dipped into my... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Woozle
Superb
Having seen the Ang Lee version with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, I was expecting a drawn out inferior version. I was pleasantly surprised how well made the 3 part miniseries was. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Glenwaverley
Not As Good As the Movie
This isn't a bad adaptation: it sticks closely to the original story, and contains some minor characters that weren't featured in the 1995 film. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Rochester
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