Persuasion

One very unsatisfactory aspect is towards the end: the filmmakers combine the scenes from Austen's actual final chapters with a scene from a first-draft final chapter that was later deleted. The scene in question is the one where Wentworth brings Anne the message from Admiral Croft about whether she wants him to move out when she marries Mr. Elliott. This scene seems very contrived, as Austen no doubt realized when she removed that section and wrote a new ending. Therefore it seems silly for the filmmakers to put that scene in, when it is so unsatisfactory and unlikely. (Admiral Croft would likely have written a letter or come to talk to Anne--or her father-- himself rather than give Wentworth such an indelicate mission.)

Otherwise though this is a quiet, touching movie, very well-acted.


Romance at its best!   August 6, 2004
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a wonderful story of young love lost and then found again. Anne once loved Capt. Wentworth, but was persuaded by her family, and a family confidant, that he was not worthy of her because he had no money and social status. He goes off to sea, rejected by Anne. She remains a spinster. Meanwhile, her father spends the family into a much reduced state of splendour. When Capt. Wentworth returns he is the good catch, but he does his best to ignore Anne and semingly sets his sights on another. Because this is the 19th century, she can only pine for him in silence...and the looks they give each other just melt your heart!
So - Is she persuaded a second time to reject him or will true love conquer all?
I first saw this in a video store which then went out of business. I went to the sale expressly to buy this one video. It was gone! So, I was thrilled to find it here on DVD and have bought it, watched it and will continue to cherish it.
It also taught me to really enjoy Cirian Hinds. He is just a great actor. He is also wonderul in Jane Eyre!


A gem   July 14, 2004
H. Katz
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

This movie is not only the best film adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, it's also a wonderful film in its own right. What did I love about it?

1) It isn't stuffy and unnatural. The characters sound human when they speak; you can imagine that this is how people spoke in the 19th century - not like pompous orators, but like real people. The world surrounding the characters isn't overly polished or brightly lit; again, there's a natural, "lived-in" feeling to all the buildings and landscapes; they do not look like they came out of a glossy postcard.

2) The performances. I don't have enough praise for Amanda Root, who plays Anne Elliot, a woman whose marriage prospects are slim to nil, and who has just been thrown into the company of a man whom she rejected years ago. Root can speak volumes just with her eyes, and everything about her fits perfectly with the gentle, wry and intelligent Anne Elliot. As Captain Wentworth, Ciaran Hinds is also great; he disappears into the character. Both actors aren't conventionally beautiful or handsome either; Root in particular blossoms before the viewers eyes - at first she's very faded and quiet, and then we (like Wentworth) see her spirit shine out. In addition to Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds, the rest of the cast also do a wonderful job. Perhaps because there aren't any big name actors, we can get totally immersed in the film.

3) It's true to Austen. There's subtle humor, real human feeling, and a keen understanding of human nature. It's an unforgettable love story.

4) The kiss. One kiss - perfectly timed, perfectly executed... you will melt.

5) The soundtrack. This holds true particularly for the assembly at Bath, and the Italian vocal pieces.


The DVD made me buy the book   July 1, 2004
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I have always been a Jane Austen fan, but never read this particular book. Very well acted, and contains the sentiments of the book. Would definately recommend