Sense and Sensibility (2008) Review
27 March 2013
It is of my opinion that the best Jane Austen adaptations are the long ones. The ones that require a whole afternoon to get through. Sense and Sensibility is no exception. I had seen the 1995 Emma Thompson version a few times, but I didn’t fall in love with the story
until I saw this version. I saw it shortly after reading the book, and I loved how BBC was so accurate to the storyline and to the characters. This story seemed completely believable and the characters so much more relatable. And of course it is the best one... Andrew Davies (writer of P&P95) wrote it! :)
I’m not going to bash (too much) on the 1995 Sense and Sensibility because I know that it is a big favourite among many period drama fans, but I am going to point out the reasons I prefer this version to that one when they are appropriate.
I love this Jane Austen story because of the two different kinds of women shown. There is sensible Elinor and over-the-top romantic Marianne. You get to watch as both of them go through struggles with love, and you learn which approach is better, and how the heroine who makes the mistakes learns and changes. But more about all of that later. :)
SYNOPSIS
until I saw this version. I saw it shortly after reading the book, and I loved how BBC was so accurate to the storyline and to the characters. This story seemed completely believable and the characters so much more relatable. And of course it is the best one... Andrew Davies (writer of P&P95) wrote it! :)
I’m not going to bash (too much) on the 1995 Sense and Sensibility because I know that it is a big favourite among many period drama fans, but I am going to point out the reasons I prefer this version to that one when they are appropriate.
I love this Jane Austen story because of the two different kinds of women shown. There is sensible Elinor and over-the-top romantic Marianne. You get to watch as both of them go through struggles with love, and you learn which approach is better, and how the heroine who makes the mistakes learns and changes. But more about all of that later. :)
SYNOPSIS
Left penniless after their father’s death, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood face an uncertain future. They need to marry well if they are to retain their comfortable existence, but as Marianne’s impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo, so does Elinor’s
sensitivity to social conventions lead her to conceal her own romantic ambitions.
With a number of possible suitors – the intelligent and charming Mr. Edward Ferrars, the handsome Mr. John Willoughby, and the more thoughtful and compassionate Colonel Brandon – they seem to have their share of options. But are they all they appear and can the sisters find happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love?
SCENERY
Because this film is based in Regency England, the frequent mansions and townhouses are beautiful. But perhaps my favourite place of all in this film is the Dashwood’s seaside cottage. I love the sea, the surrounding green emerald mountains, and the darling cottage. The Dashwood ladies complain that it’s small. What? Every time my family of ten watches this film, we’re all like,“Small? We’ll live there!”
sensitivity to social conventions lead her to conceal her own romantic ambitions.
With a number of possible suitors – the intelligent and charming Mr. Edward Ferrars, the handsome Mr. John Willoughby, and the more thoughtful and compassionate Colonel Brandon – they seem to have their share of options. But are they all they appear and can the sisters find happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love?
SCENERY
Because this film is based in Regency England, the frequent mansions and townhouses are beautiful. But perhaps my favourite place of all in this film is the Dashwood’s seaside cottage. I love the sea, the surrounding green emerald mountains, and the darling cottage. The Dashwood ladies complain that it’s small. What? Every time my family of ten watches this film, we’re all like,“Small? We’ll live there!”
The beautiful Barton Cottage
STORY
Mary Dashwood and her three daughters, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret are left penniless when the late Mr. John Dashwood dies, leaving everything to his eldest son (the girls’ half-brother) by the laws of inheritance. John Dashwood the younger breaks his promise to his father to provide for the four ladies and he brings his family to the family estate to live. While the Dashwood ladies are searching for a new home, Edward Ferrars (older brother to John’s wife) comes for a visit. Finding him very decent and humble, he becomes a close friend to Elinor and her family. Soon, though, she begins to feel more for him than just friendship.
Mary Dashwood and her three daughters, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret are left penniless when the late Mr. John Dashwood dies, leaving everything to his eldest son (the girls’ half-brother) by the laws of inheritance. John Dashwood the younger breaks his promise to his father to provide for the four ladies and he brings his family to the family estate to live. While the Dashwood ladies are searching for a new home, Edward Ferrars (older brother to John’s wife) comes for a visit. Finding him very decent and humble, he becomes a close friend to Elinor and her family. Soon, though, she begins to feel more for him than just friendship.
The time comes for the Dashwood ladies to move to a small cottage. While they are there in their new neighbourhood, they socialize with the locals and meet two other potential suitors: Colonel Brandon and John Willoughby. Marianne immediately catches the eyes of both men, but it is the younger and more charming Willoughby that she prefers. They begin to get very close and become the gossip of the other locals. Suddenly Willoughby is called away, devastating Marianne, and Elinor learns a heartbreaking secret about Edward. Both sisters seem to have lost the men they love… but are each of these men really who they seem to be? And who will win the hearts of the Dashwood girls?
CHARACTERS
Elinor Dashwood is played by Hattie Morahan. I love this Elinor, she is probably one of my favourite Period Drama heroines. She is quiet, practical, sensible, loving, and tactful. Even though she and Marianne are so very different and have different interest, she still maintains a good relationship with her sister. By far, her most commendable actions are in regard to her feelings for Edward. Instead
of giving her heart away to him before he can promise her anything, she keeps it closed and doesn’t push him for any answers. Spoiler Even to the point of 'befriending’ the secret fiancé of the man she loves, Elinor doesn’t give any part of herself away to Edward even though she selflessly loves him all the way through End of Spoiler
I love Hattie's Elinor far above Emma Thompson, because she looks the right age and temperament for the part. Emma Thompson was far too old to pull off the 19 year old Elinor. In fact, when I first saw the 1995 adaptation, I thought that Elinor was an old maid.
Elinor Dashwood is played by Hattie Morahan. I love this Elinor, she is probably one of my favourite Period Drama heroines. She is quiet, practical, sensible, loving, and tactful. Even though she and Marianne are so very different and have different interest, she still maintains a good relationship with her sister. By far, her most commendable actions are in regard to her feelings for Edward. Instead
of giving her heart away to him before he can promise her anything, she keeps it closed and doesn’t push him for any answers. Spoiler Even to the point of 'befriending’ the secret fiancé of the man she loves, Elinor doesn’t give any part of herself away to Edward even though she selflessly loves him all the way through End of Spoiler
I love Hattie's Elinor far above Emma Thompson, because she looks the right age and temperament for the part. Emma Thompson was far too old to pull off the 19 year old Elinor. In fact, when I first saw the 1995 adaptation, I thought that Elinor was an old maid.
Marianne Dashwood is played by Charity Wakefield. I also love this Marianne. She is the perfect example of a heroine who makes mistakes but uses those mistakes, and the example of others, to grow, learn, and change as an individual. I mentioned that Elinor guarded her heart while experiencing strong feelings for Edward, well let’s just say that Marianne did the exact opposite. She loves and hates with a strong passion and is not the least bit afraid to say what she thinks or do what she believes is right. Because of her outspoken passion for Willoughby, she ends up with heartbreak and scandal.
This Marianne, to me, is Marianne Dashwood. Charity Wakefield plays the romantic seventeen year old perfectly. She isn’t over the top, but you can see that her romantic convictions are firmly rooted in her head and she truly believes that they are right. Another thing that I love about this adaptation is that it shows how Marianne changes after her heartbreak. After reading the book, I realized that this was an important element that had been neglected in the 1995 version. This 2008 version shows how Marianne learns from her mistakes and determines to change her silly notions.
This Marianne, to me, is Marianne Dashwood. Charity Wakefield plays the romantic seventeen year old perfectly. She isn’t over the top, but you can see that her romantic convictions are firmly rooted in her head and she truly believes that they are right. Another thing that I love about this adaptation is that it shows how Marianne changes after her heartbreak. After reading the book, I realized that this was an important element that had been neglected in the 1995 version. This 2008 version shows how Marianne learns from her mistakes and determines to change her silly notions.
Edward Ferrars is played by Dan Stevens. Edward is the oldest brother of Fanny Dashwood, Elinor and Marianne's half-brother’s wife. At first when the Dashwood ladies are told to expect Edward Ferrars at Norland Park they are expecting him to be like his sister: proud, demanding, controlling… However he turns out to be the exact opposite. Edward is honest, humble, down-to-earth, and seeking no great fame or fortune. He is a man that keeps his word, no matter what the consequences. He finds himself falling in love with Elinor, but he holds a secret that keeps them apart.
Again, this is Edward to me. You can read all of the character’s emotions in Dan Stevens’ eyes and he also looks young enough for the part. He is such a pleasant guy and I believe that the humbleness and down-to-earth-ness is genuine.
Again, this is Edward to me. You can read all of the character’s emotions in Dan Stevens’ eyes and he also looks young enough for the part. He is such a pleasant guy and I believe that the humbleness and down-to-earth-ness is genuine.
David Morrissey plays Colonel Brandon. Colonel Brandon is a close friend of Sir John Middleton and when the Dashwood ladies move to Sir John’s cottage they meet the Colonel often at dinner parties. The Colonel is a quiet man who also hides secrets and heartbreak. Marianne reminds him of another girl in his past, and as he learns more about her he starts to fall in love with her. However, Marianne is horrified that the ‘old man’ (only 35 years old) would be interested in her. He waits patiently in the background for her to sort out her feelings for Willoughby – a man that has helped destroy an important part of his life.
This fellow looks like a Colonel and he plays the different emotions of Colonel Brandon brilliantly. Again, he looks young enough for the part… a 35 year old military man. To me, Alan Pickman
from the 1995 edition looked to be in his late forties, perhaps early fifties, far too old to be Colonel Brandon.
This fellow looks like a Colonel and he plays the different emotions of Colonel Brandon brilliantly. Again, he looks young enough for the part… a 35 year old military man. To me, Alan Pickman
from the 1995 edition looked to be in his late forties, perhaps early fifties, far too old to be Colonel Brandon.
John Willoughby is played by Dominic Cooper. This young man sweeps Marianne metaphorically – well, and literally too – off her feet. She falls down an embankment in the rain and sprains her ankle. Willoughby heroically carries her home. Marianne and Willoughby discover that they have common interests and are attracted to one
another. Willoughby leads Marianne on and on in her feeling for him, until everyone around them is convinced that they are secretly engaged. Spoiler However, they are not. His aunt – who would leave everything to him upon her death – finds out about a previous affair that causes her to withdraw her inheritance from him, leaving him penniless, and sends him away. Willoughby leaves Marianne and sets off to London to find a rich wife. When Marianne finds out, it breaks her heart. End of Spoiler
Why do all of these characters look the right age for the part? Cooper’s Willoughby fits right into the age bracket of what Marianne would consider young and handsome. This film also goes into more detail about Willoughby’s past, tastefully and respectfully though.
another. Willoughby leads Marianne on and on in her feeling for him, until everyone around them is convinced that they are secretly engaged. Spoiler However, they are not. His aunt – who would leave everything to him upon her death – finds out about a previous affair that causes her to withdraw her inheritance from him, leaving him penniless, and sends him away. Willoughby leaves Marianne and sets off to London to find a rich wife. When Marianne finds out, it breaks her heart. End of Spoiler
Why do all of these characters look the right age for the part? Cooper’s Willoughby fits right into the age bracket of what Marianne would consider young and handsome. This film also goes into more detail about Willoughby’s past, tastefully and respectfully though.
Mary Dashwood, Elinor and Marianne’s mother, is played by Janet McTeer. This lovely lady is widowed and left practically destitute and dependent upon her step-son’s good intentions. Because of her step-daughter-in-law’s domineering attitude, Mary takes her family away from their home of Norland Park and to a cottage her cousin leases to them. All she wants is the best for her children and it pains her to see Elinor and Marianne’s mishaps with love. Why I love this actress as Mrs. Dashwood is that she acts like the lady that Mrs. Dashwood was. Mrs. Dashwood was a highborn lady, she wasn’t ditzy and she would have been horrified to have moved to a place like Barton Cottage – like this adaptation shows. Also this film shows her romantic sensibilities, which makes it obvious to the observant viewer where Marianne got her temperament from.
Margaret Dashwood, the youngest of the Dashwood girls, is played by Lucy Boynton. Margaret is a sweet, respectful, loveable girl who also is saddened by the heartbreaks her sisters have.
I’m sure that you all can recognise this beautiful girl from the many different period dramas that she has starred in. For the same reason as Janet McTeer, I find that Lucy Boynton plays the proper Regency young lady extremely well. She is a normal child, prone to exploring, complaining, and teasing but she handles herself just like the highborn young lady that she is.
I’m sure that you all can recognise this beautiful girl from the many different period dramas that she has starred in. For the same reason as Janet McTeer, I find that Lucy Boynton plays the proper Regency young lady extremely well. She is a normal child, prone to exploring, complaining, and teasing but she handles herself just like the highborn young lady that she is.
Sir John Middleton, Mrs. Dashwood’s cousin, is played by Mark Williams. Even though you would expect someone with the title of ‘Sir’ to be haughty and self-seeking, the Dashwood ladies are very
surprised to find that Sir John is practically the exact opposite. He is very humble and down to earth, seeking to please and entertain his new ‘tenants’. He and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennings, are always teasing the Dashwood girls about husbands and the men in their lives.
surprised to find that Sir John is practically the exact opposite. He is very humble and down to earth, seeking to please and entertain his new ‘tenants’. He and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennings, are always teasing the Dashwood girls about husbands and the men in their lives.
Mrs. Jennings is played by Linda Bassett. She is a kind woman, with the faults of being a little coarse and tactless. She is always teasing Elinor about her ‘Mr. F.’ and Marianne about her ‘Mr. W.’ She asks both girls if they would like to go with her to London. While there Elinor and Marianne receive the final blows to their romances, and go back home with heavy hearts.
I don't particularly care for this woman or her flamboyant, perhaps Bassett plays the part so well that no one is really supposed to like her.
I don't particularly care for this woman or her flamboyant, perhaps Bassett plays the part so well that no one is really supposed to like her.
John Dashwood, Elinor and Marianne’s older half-brother, is played by Mark Gatiss. At the death of his father, he is – of course – left everything, leaving Mary Dashwood and her three girls entirely dependent on his generosity. At first he promised to honour his father’s wishes of providing for them, but is persuaded otherwise by his
controlling wife. At heart, John is a good man, you can see that on numerous
occasions, he just lacks the backbone to stand up against his wife and her rich
family connections.
controlling wife. At heart, John is a good man, you can see that on numerous
occasions, he just lacks the backbone to stand up against his wife and her rich
family connections.
Fanny Dashwood is played by Claire Skinner. She is John Dashwood’s wife and is extremely controlling over everyone (except maybe her mother and brothers) in her life. She talks John out of taking care of his half-sisters and is repeatedly rude and disrespectful to all the Dashwood ladies at Norland, then to the older girls in London. Because of her controlling disposition she is far less than pleased with her older borther Edward, and is determined to change him, even if it means interfering in his love life.
(Pst! Doesn't that smirk remind you of Caroline Bingley?)
(Pst! Doesn't that smirk remind you of Caroline Bingley?)
Lucy Steele is played by Anna Madeley. I’m not going to say exactly who she is or what part she plays in the story simply because it is a big spoiler for those who have never seen the film. But I can tell you that she is distantly related to the Middletons. While she down visiting the family, she gets the chance to meet the Dashwoods. She has been especially longing to meet Elinor because she has heard a lot about her from a very close friend. Lucy is quite a quite girl, but she is a little silly and forward. On her very first meeting with Elinor she presses a great and burdensome secret upon her, that Elinor is forced to keep. She bumps into the Dashwood girls in London where the secret is spilled (not by Elinor, but by her ditzy sister Anne).
COSTUMES/HAIRSTYLES
In my limited knowledge, I would say that these outfits are pretty historically accurate. The same with the hairstyles – except perhaps Marianne and Mrs. Middleton’s tendency to wear their hair down. I don’t know if that was very proper back in the day.
(check out my review for Persuasion for more information on the clothing of this time period)
In my limited knowledge, I would say that these outfits are pretty historically accurate. The same with the hairstyles – except perhaps Marianne and Mrs. Middleton’s tendency to wear their hair down. I don’t know if that was very proper back in the day.
(check out my review for Persuasion for more information on the clothing of this time period)
Can't you tell I just love these dresses? :)
RATING
Out of 5, this period drama gets a 5 in my book. I love this adaptation, and I’ve read enough S&S reviews to know that I’m pretty lonely in my opinion that this is the best one out there. But I’m okay with that. After reading the novel I was so blown away by how many more elements this film included and I was really impressed by that.
The rating for this film is G, BUT I am giving a caution: The very first scene is sensually inappropriate and my family always skips it. Because it is the first scene, it does come as a shock to someone who is not prepared. I would recommend getting the film ready on the next scene (or on the credits) before allowing the rest of the family see. As much as I love this adaptation, the scene is inappropriate and unnecessary to the storyline. Oh, and there are a couple of dresses that are low cut.
PERSONAL NOTE: I don’t know if Jane Austen intended it this way, but the very important lesson of guarding your heart is very prevalent in this story. It’s something that most of us girls who come from strong Biblical homes to be taught to save ourselves for the man that we will marry. We hear a lot of talks and we read a lot of books about keeping ourselves pure, but the subject of guarding our hearts is not very widely talked about. And, to be honest, it is much harder to guard my heart than it is to keep myself pure.
We watch Marianne as she opens her heart completely and trustingly to Willoughby, unashamedly gives it all away to him. Others in her life try to warn her that her behaviour is getting out of hand, but she brushes them away with the excuse, “Why should I hide my feelings? They are good and honest!” But when Willoughby is gone, then Marianne has cause to regret. As she works through her heartache she looks at her sister and learns how guarding her heart could have prevented a lot of the pain that she was feeling.
Then on the other side of the coin we have Elinor. She can feel herself falling in love with Edward, but instead of giving her heart away to Edward, she guards it until he can promise her more. Even when she is with him, walking beside him, talking to him, she is able to treat him like a friend and brother. When her heartache comes she hurts, of course, but because neither her nor Edward had said or done anything to lead each other on, she can deal with it and not be ashamed of the way she behaved.
This is such an important lesson for all of us to be continually learning! No one has it completely nailed, it’s a daily battle… but one that is worth it in the end. If you’ve ever made mistakes, just put it behind you and determine that today is the day that you will begin.
For more encouragement in this area check out Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin’s wonderful books and CD’s here
Out of 5, this period drama gets a 5 in my book. I love this adaptation, and I’ve read enough S&S reviews to know that I’m pretty lonely in my opinion that this is the best one out there. But I’m okay with that. After reading the novel I was so blown away by how many more elements this film included and I was really impressed by that.
The rating for this film is G, BUT I am giving a caution: The very first scene is sensually inappropriate and my family always skips it. Because it is the first scene, it does come as a shock to someone who is not prepared. I would recommend getting the film ready on the next scene (or on the credits) before allowing the rest of the family see. As much as I love this adaptation, the scene is inappropriate and unnecessary to the storyline. Oh, and there are a couple of dresses that are low cut.
PERSONAL NOTE: I don’t know if Jane Austen intended it this way, but the very important lesson of guarding your heart is very prevalent in this story. It’s something that most of us girls who come from strong Biblical homes to be taught to save ourselves for the man that we will marry. We hear a lot of talks and we read a lot of books about keeping ourselves pure, but the subject of guarding our hearts is not very widely talked about. And, to be honest, it is much harder to guard my heart than it is to keep myself pure.
We watch Marianne as she opens her heart completely and trustingly to Willoughby, unashamedly gives it all away to him. Others in her life try to warn her that her behaviour is getting out of hand, but she brushes them away with the excuse, “Why should I hide my feelings? They are good and honest!” But when Willoughby is gone, then Marianne has cause to regret. As she works through her heartache she looks at her sister and learns how guarding her heart could have prevented a lot of the pain that she was feeling.
Then on the other side of the coin we have Elinor. She can feel herself falling in love with Edward, but instead of giving her heart away to Edward, she guards it until he can promise her more. Even when she is with him, walking beside him, talking to him, she is able to treat him like a friend and brother. When her heartache comes she hurts, of course, but because neither her nor Edward had said or done anything to lead each other on, she can deal with it and not be ashamed of the way she behaved.
This is such an important lesson for all of us to be continually learning! No one has it completely nailed, it’s a daily battle… but one that is worth it in the end. If you’ve ever made mistakes, just put it behind you and determine that today is the day that you will begin.
For more encouragement in this area check out Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin’s wonderful books and CD’s here