Sense and Sensibility

Plot synopsis:
On his deathbed, Mr. Dashwood tells his son from his first marriage, John, to take care of his second wife and three daughters, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, since they will inherit nothing. John's greedy and snobbish wife Fanny convinces him to give his half sisters practically nothing financially; John and Fanny immediately install themselves in the large house, forcing the Dashwood ladies to look for a new home. Fanny invites her brother Edward Ferrars to stay with them. Elinor and Edward soon form a close friendship, but Fanny haughtily tells Mrs. Dashwood that Edward would be disinherited if he married someone of no importance with no money. Mrs. Dashwood understands her meaning completely.
Sir John Middleton, a cousin of the widowed Mrs. Dashwood, offers her a small cottage house on his estate, Barton Park in Devonshire. She and her daughters move in, and are frequent guests at Barton Park. The Dashwoods meet the older Colonel Brandon, who falls in love with Marianne at first sight. However, Marianne considers him an old bachelor, incapable of feeling love or inspiring it in another.
One afternoon, Marianne takes a walk with Margaret and slips and falls in the rain. She is carried home by the dashing John Willoughby, with whom Marianne falls in love. They spend a great deal of time together, but on the morning she expects him to propose marriage to her, he instead leaves hurriedly for London. Unbeknownst to the Dashwood family, Brandon's ward Beth, the illegitimate daughter of his former love Eliza, is pregnant with Willoughby's child. Willoughby's aunt Lady Allen disinherited him upon discovering this.
Sir John's mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennings, invites her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, to visit. They bring with them the impoverished Lucy Steele. Lucy confides in Elinor that she and Edward have been engaged secretly for five years, dashing Elinor's hopes of a future with him. Mrs. Jennings takes Lucy, Elinor, and Marianne to London, where they meet Willoughby at a ball. He greets Marianne uncomfortably and barely acknowledges their acquaintance, and they soon learn he is engaged to the extremely wealthy Miss Grey. Marianne becomes inconsolable.
Lucy is invited to stay with John and Fanny, as a way for Fanny to avoid inviting the Dashwood sisters to visit them. Lucy, falsely believing that she has a friend in Fanny, confides her clandestine engagement to Edward and is thrown out of the house. Edward's mother demands that he break off the engagement. When he refuses, she arranges to have his fortune transferred to his younger brother, Robert. On hearing this, Colonel Brandon offers Edward the parish on his estate, feeling sympathy for the unfortunate but honorable Edward.
On their way home to Devonshire, Elinor and Marianne stop for the night at the country estate of the Palmers, who live five and a half miles away from Willoughby's estate. Marianne cannot resist going to see the estate; she becomes gravely ill trekking up a hill in a torrential rain. Colonel Brandon finds her in the rain and brings her home. Elinor stays at her side until she recovers, and the sisters return home. Colonel Brandon and Marianne begin spending time together, as Marianne has a new appreciation for him. She admits to Elinor that even if Willoughby had chosen her, she was no longer convinced that love would have been enough to make him happy.
The Dashwoods soon learn that Miss Steele has become Mrs. Ferrars and assume that she is married to Edward. Later when Edward visits their house, they learn that Miss Steele unexpectedly jilted him in favor of his brother Robert, and Edward is thus released from his engagement. Edward proposes to and marries Elinor. Edward becomes a vicar, under the patronage of Colonel Brandon, whom Marianne marries. Willoughby is seen watching their wedding from a distance, and then rides away.

Tags: romantic, boring, cute, historical

Review:
For instance, the scene in which Col. Brandon (Alan Rickman) carries in the ill Marianne Dashwood (Kate Winslet), echoing the earlier scene where Willoughby (Greg Wise) brought the injured young woman home was Thompson's doing.
Many of the other cast members are a part of an excellent group that Thompson and Branagh have often worked with in the past.I realized that 'S&S' had become one of my all-time favorite movies when I found myself watching it every chance I got when it came on TV.
The supporting cast are all excellent.Ang Lee's direction shows the same skill that it did in the excellent Eat Drink Man Woman and the scenery and costumes are beautiful (perhaps too beautiful).This is more romantic and less comic than say Emma, and Thompson's script wisely stays away from the kind of set-piece gags seen in the recent film of Emma.
The acting is superb, Kate Winslet as the typical Romantic dreamer (sensibility) is breathtaking (try not to be moved when her character wanders in the rain to see the house of her beloved and when she whispers half-deranged: 'Willoughby, Willoughby, Willoughby.') is perfect as is Emma Thompson as the rational but equally tormented older sister(sense).
This is not my normal viewing fare but I am big fan of two things this movie has to offer: (1) Emma Thompson and (2) incredible visuals.Few people were better in the 1990s at playing the sensible-sweet-wholesome and pretty and-always unfairly ignored woman than Thompson (see The Remains Of The Day and Howards End).
It was refreshing to see Alan Rickman actually place a nice guy and Kate Winslet was appealing, too - a far cry from spoiled brat role in the film that gave her stardom, Titantic.One tip that I found useful in watching this movie.
It has some of the finest British actors: Allen Rickman, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Hugh Grant.
Emma Thompson should have a thousands oscars for her beautiful deeds in this film, not only as an excellent actress but also as the one who changed the novel to a script.
I find Emma Thompson's writing self-absorbed and unfaithful to the original book; she has reduced Marianne to a side-character, a second fiddle to her much too old, much too severe Elinor - she in the movie is given many sort of 'focus moments', and often they appear to be there just to show off Thompson herself.I do understand her cutting off several characters from the book, but leaving out the one scene where Willoughby in the book is redeemed?
For someone who red and cherished the book long before the movie, those are the things always difficult to digest.As for the actors, I love Kate Winslet as Marianne.
Mr Lee is truly international.Alan Rickman, for once, restrains his histrionics and is a pleasure to watch him interact with well chosen cast.What this film achieves is not merely introduce Jane Austen to new readers, but also argue that literary works can be modified intelligently on screen, without losing authenticity of the original, not just by the English but by people from far away lands.
It's an an early piece, written before her crisply ironic style had fully matured, so it's largely down to Em that Sense & Sensibility represents Austen's work far better than the flashy but intellectually emasculated efforts of Andrew Davies to name but one.She thoroughly nails Elinor both as a scriptwiter and as a performer, keeping the two sisters' relationship to the fore and the mechanics of the love affairs in their lives in the proper perspective.
The central theme of the extreme difficulty of the lives of women without independent fortune is never sidetracked or dulled by needless elaboration.There aren't any better actresses than Em as she reminds us vividly with a memorable crack-up as Marianne, given incredible depth and colour by Kate Winslet, finally discovers the truth about Elinor's love for Hugh Grant's more superficially sketched Edward Ferrars.The whole cast is a wonderful treat with stellar playing in many of the minor roles with special mention deserved by Harriet Walter, Emilie Francois and Hugh Laurie.
Willoughby is certainly not worth dying for, Colonel Brandon is more worth it.: ) This was Ang Lee's first English-language film, I think he did a wonderful job, the essence of the film is truly faithful to Emma Thompson's screenplay.
In "Sense", the Dashwood sisters are fully-dimensional characters, Elinor (Emma Thompson) is reserved and introverted while Marianne (Kate Winslet) is romantic and flamboyant, they're more mature than the Bennetts sisters, but at the expense of their reactivity.In "Pride", luck and men's valiance were not elements to count on, and many round trips allowed the heroine to confront her suitor.
It is possible that "Pride" was a bit too modern while "Sense" was more obedient to the perception of women's role at the time (rather static), but the directing by Ang Lee and the screenplay worked in such a way that the quest for marriage isn't actually the most interesting part of the film.
Some are dark and brooding (Alan Rickman) other shy and amiable (Hugh Grant) and a few too perfect to be true (Greg Wise) but they all have one thing in common, they're conveniently called to office in London whenever marriage seems too close, a snobby bitch or karma playing the same game postponing the overdue rendezvous with destiny.But as predictable as these films are, their quality is elsewhere, starting with the acting.
While, the plot in itself can be summed up by women waiting for the right men to come, so (God forbid), they don't end up as bitter spinster, there is more to enjoy, the text and more importantly, the subtext.And on that level, Jane Austen's stories are exhilarating hymns for eloquence and literacy, whether when the characters write intimate correspondences, share their personal thoughts with their friends or relatives or try to convey a strong message by still respecting the conveniences, I just can't resist by the way Shakespeare's language is being honored.
There is something just irresistible in these British heritage films, they make you realize how close we still are to these times by the scale of history, but light-years ahead as far as mediocrity and plainness is concerned.And it's a credit to Austen's writing and Thompsons's rewriting (earning her an Oscar) to have translated the story in a tone that wouldn't make feminists' neck hair stand up and wouldn't portray men as misogynistic pigs.The film says something important: the strength of your character doesn't depend on what he or she accomplishes but how it can strongly affect your own feeling or how can they resist the cruelties of life without necessarily triumphing over them.
Emma Thompson, who also adapted the novel to screen, plays Elinor Dashwood, the oldest sister and she represents "sense." Kate Winslet plays Marianne Dashwood, the younger sister who represents "sensibility." Their father has died and he must leave his fortune to the son of his first marriage.
Hugh Grant plays the predictable bumbling English man as he does in all his movies, but to my mind the standout performance was the amazing Alan Rickman(Colonel Brandon).
Re-watching this film recently, it struck me just how influenced it is by its absolutely brilliant director and how this allows a more sombre and less comic note to be stuck that would be usual with an Austen adaption (think Emma, P and P, or even Clueless!) The women are utterly isolated and alone in a cruel society - and Lee provides wonderful images of this, as when Marianne scuttles through the grey empty rooms of the new cottage, almost blending into them colour- wise, or when she is a mere speck of white on a hilly field.
Period-film veteran Emma Thompson is lovely here as Elinor Dashwood, and Kate Winslet matches her perfectly in a beautifully-blended portrayal of the tragic Marianne.
So she showed women playing that game to perfection, and winning.Emma Thompson as the sensible Elinor Dashwood was flawless, as usual; and Kate Winslet as her sister, the sensual Marianne who wears her heart on her sleeve, proved once again that she is a gifted and charismatic actress second to none.
Sense and Sensibility may be my least favorite Jane Austen novel, but that doesn't mean I don't love it.
I liked some of the changes Emma Thompson made, such as enhancing the character of Margaret, showing Elinor and Edward falling in love, etc.
Most of the actors were great, including Alan Rickman (though his character was definitely made sexier than his boring book self), Greg Wise, and Kate Winslet.
Let me state right off the top that this is a very pleasant movie to watch; a piece of 19th century romantic escapism based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen that features solid acting on the part of the entire cast and that portrays an entirely convincing picture of pastoral life in the English countryside of the era.
Focussing on the Dashwood sisters - Marianne (Kate Winslett) and Elinor (Emma Thompson) - the movie deals with the various potential romances that arise in their lives.
In many respects, this struck me as a perfect vehicle for Hugh Grant, who generally comes across very well playing these subdued, soft-spoken, sort of shy romantic roles, and who therefore seemed perfectly cast as Elinor's love interest Edward.
Personally, and only because it's not really to my taste, I'd give it a 5/10 but if you really like these types of subdued romances or are a fan of Jane Austen (and I understand the movie is fairly faithful to the novel) then you'll rate it much more highly than that..
1995's "Sense and Sensibility" is lovely look at the mores and manners of Regency England (at least as seen through the eyes of Jane Austin and scriptwriter Emma Thompson).
Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet are perfectly cast as the two emotional opposites of the title with Hugh Grant as the aspiring clergyman who is the ultimate match to Emma Thompson's character and Alan Rickman as the colonel who captures Kate's character after the man she initially falls madly in love with marries someone else for her money.
In her speech accepting the Golden Globes award for best screenplay (which she actually did write), Emma Thompson, imitating Jane Austen's style, called him "this foreign person" who turned out "to understand me better than I understood myself." As in all the Jane Austen movies that stay within the period, the English countryside is the gorgeous backdrop against which the romance plays out -- at least half of the film's beauty.
A well chosen cast- Emma Thompson is a lovely Elinor, Kate Winslet a passionate Marianne, and the best of all- Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon.
Emma Thompson deserved the Oscar for her adaptation of this Jane Austen classic novel.
Alan Rickman played the role vividly and soundly and you could grieve with his anguish as he attempted to win the affections of the younger Marianne.Hugh Grant was lovable as the timid Edward Ferrars and I can't think of another actor who could've pulled this role off as well as he did!The film takes its time telling this most touching tale of two sister's who are left dowryless by the greed of family members at the death of their father, and are forced to live almost in poverty according to the day's standards.
Emma Thompson shines as the sensible Elinor Dashwood and Kate Winslet gave an astounding performance as Marianne Dashwood.
However, after watching this movie and  reading the book, you get a better understanding of all the characters  and the genius of Jane Austen.
The performances were extraordinary,  with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant.
Sense and Sensibility (1995) was directed by Ang Lee. It's based on the novel by Jane Austen, with screenplay by Emma Thompson.
It stars Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood, Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars, and Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon.Many people reading this review will be familiar with the Austen novel.
I caught this 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility on TCM last night, solely because of Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman being present, and was shocked at how riveted I was from start to finish.Complete with handsome production values, fantastic direction from Ang Lee, lovely cinematography, and of course, the excellent performances, all make this a charming little romantic dramedy.
How could I miss it for 20 years.To me personally the love story between Elinor and Edward (sense) is by far more touching than Marianne's with Willoughby or Colonel Brandon (sensibility).
Elinor's emotional outburst in the end is so perfectly plaid by Emma Thompson that one could not think of the tiniest little bit that would make it any better.I also want to stress how wonderfully some of the underparts fit into the movie and how much they add to it by embedding the main story lines into a lively environment.
Having not read the original novel I cannot tell how this is to be owed to Jane Austen, Emma Thompson or to both of them.I especially like Margaret (Emily Francois).
Apart from that it is hardly imaginable that anyone else could have played Elinor's part better than Emma Thompson.To me this film offers so much: big emotions for the great romantics without being kitschy, a subtle sense of humour and deep insights into a past society.
Sense and sensibility is the definition of perfection and of the best film ever made based on a book.Jane austen would be proud of such a brilliant adaptation.A film about the two sisters Elinor and Marriame primarily and how they are so different in their sensibilities while Elinor just doesn't express what she feels Marriame is the exact opposite saying everything that is in her mind.Ang Lee direction is a marvel and the set and costumes just are jaw dropping beautiful.Kate winslet, Ema Thompson, Alan rickman, Hugh Grant,Greg wise are just flawless with able support from the entire cast.Ema Thompson expressions and Kate winslet acting are worth every minute to watch.sense and sensibility is one of my favourite films which just blew me away with pure perfection..
This 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, won Emma Thompson an Oscar for her screenplay.
The two very close but very different sisters fall in love with two very different men, but the path of love does not always run smoothly.As well as Thompson and Winslet (who at the time was not the huge star that she subsequently became), the cast features an impressive array of actors – Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon, Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars – to whom Elinor finds herself attracted – Hugh Laurie, Imogen Stubbs and Imelda Staunton, amongst others.There are some differences to the book, but I think the film is certainly in keeping with the spirit of Jane Austen's novel.
It is also beautifully shot, with some gorgeous scenery, and a lovely soundtrack.As expected from such a stellar cast, the acting is top notch, especially from Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie and Alan Rickman.
It is probably the best adaptation of Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen's novel) you will ever see, with stellar performances by Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, all who give award worthy emotions throughout the film.
Sense and Sensibility stars Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet as sisters, who are left poor after their rich father dies and leaves all his wealth to his son from his earlier marriage, making both the sisters poison for their future husbands because of the lack of their ability to offer dowry.
The acting by Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and the entire supporting cast is excellent.
Every element of this movie is top of the line.From acting, cinematography, music, to script.One of my most favorite movies of all-time - and I'm not that crazy about Jane Austen either!Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman Shine.
Sense and Sensibility, (novel written by Jane Austen), is one of the most romantic movies I have enjoyed without having to turn away from 'rated' scene's.
Hugh Grant's performance isn't his best and although Alan Rickman is as good as usual I think the film's highlight is Kate Winslet's superb interpretation of Marianne Dashwood.
Well I must stress that I don't really like romantic movies that much, but I think it was worth watching, since Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson did a great job in this.
What makes "Sense and Sensibility" a great movie is I think "Emma Thompspn".
This romantic telling of the Jane Austen novel written and starring Emma Thompson and directed by Ang Lee would make a perect date night on the couch at home.
The cast boasts the talent of not only Emma Thompson herself as elder sister Eleanor(two OSCARS don't do her enough justice) but a pre-Titanic Kate Winslet as the passionate Marianne, Greg Wise as the dashing but dastardly Willoughby, Hugh Grant in his usual dithering, floppy-haired Englishman and Alan Rickman as the subdued Brandon.
_Sense and Sensibility_ garnered enough praise to interest many people in Jane Austen's world and we have Emma Thompson to thank for that.
Emma Thompson,Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman headline a magnificent cast in this adaptation of Jane Austen's novel.
Emma Thompson and Kate are wonderful together, even the supporting players like Grant, Rickman and Wise are fantastic.
Even with Emma Thompson's Oscar-winning script adaptation of this Jane Austen novel--not to mention the wonderful performances by Thompson and Alan Rickman, and the gorgeous cinematography--the film often suffers from the overacting of Kate Winslet and a few minor players..
WRITERS: Jane Austen (novel) & Emma Thompson (screenplay) .GRADE: B.
The film focuses on two sisters, their loves and loses, their romances I think its a perfect depiction of English Society within the time period concerned.Emma Thompson's script is almost as good as Jane Austin's original book.
Emma Thompson, who also wrote the script, is excellent, and the supporting cast: Kate Winslet, High Grant, and all the greats..