* Spoilers *
Guys…it’s time. Our first Jane Austen post. This is a very special occasion.
Today I’ll be reviewing the 1995 movie Sense and Sensibility, based on Jane Austen’s book of the same name. The story features two sisters Elinor (Emma Thompson) and Marianne Dashwood (Kate Winslet). Elinor is the oldest of three girls and the most responsible sister; she doesn’t give into her emotions (sense). Marianne, on the other hand, wears her heart on her sleeve (sensibility) and can’t understand her sister’s “coldness”.
I just live for movies that take place during this time period! I personally think we should go back to holding balls and riding horse-drawn carriages. Beyond the beautiful setting and overall aesthetic, I was really impressed by the actors’ performances. I thought Emma Thompson, especially, was a standout. She actually wrote the screenplay, as well. Her ability to capture Elinor’s controlled emotions was incredible; you could feel how agonizing it was for her character to hide her love for Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant). And that scene when he proposes, and she finally releases all that pent-up emotion!! I actually burst into tears with her – it really came out of nowhere and I’m still not sure what happened to me. Then, I cried all the way through to the happy ending : )
(P.S. Those scenes made it to my favorite movie scenes playlist on YouTube!! I update it all the time, so please boost my ego and check it out every once in a while 🥲)
Finally, I just want to comment on how well the movie stays true to Austen’s book. I read Sense and Sensibility last year and, thought it took me a while to finish, I loved it for its subtle humor and excellent characterization. Every aspect that makes the book so great is present in the movie. Plus, it’s easier to understand the language with visual cues (an added bonus)!
Highly recommend to fans of Austen’s books, bonnets, and happy endings.
– Zoe
the sunday morning review 