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Sense and Sensibility Customer Reviews (79 - 81 of 85 Reviews)

Does Austen Proud
Rarely does a film like "Sense and Sensibility" come along, with that perfect balance of drama, humor, and romance, the sort that leaves you simply feeling happy as the final credits roll. I hated to see it end, in fact; I could have gone on watching the marvelous cast much longer, and that's saying something. Based on the Jane Austen novel (and deftly adapted by Emma Thompson), the plot is uncomplicated, but never tedious or boring. We can thank a terrific cast for that. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet shine as the Dashwood sisters, Hugh Grant quietly charms, and the supporting cast adds depth and, in some cases, hilarity.

Director Ang Lee has quite a wide and accomplished repetoire ("The Ice Storm", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), yet I would not hesitate in listing this film among his best. His accomplishments with this thoroughly British film are even more considerable since he is Asian. He paces the film fluidly, giving each actor multiple chances to shine, and quite competently balancing the mix of comedy and drama.

"Sense and Sensibility" is the perfect movie if you are in the mood for something funny and heart-warming. Essential for any Emma Thompson fan.

DVD worth it for the extras
I wasn't going to buy this DVD. I already have the film on VHS normal and VHS widescreen. Now I have all 3 formats.

The commentary track by Emma Thompson and Lindsay Doran is the most entertaining I've heard on any DVD. The two of them obviously enjoyed making the film and they have lots of little stories to tell about it. Their comments fill in a lot of questions I was left with after reading Emma Thompson's published screenplay.

I was curious to see the infamous kissing scene. I see why it was left out, but it's nice to have finally seen it. Mix it with brief cuts that are in the trailers and not in the film, and there's some interesting extra material. But of course films are best if they leave you wanting more.

The only thing I'd change about this movie, if I could, would have been to have the sisters both be teenagers. Emma Thompson did a great job as a twentysomething older sister, but Elinor's character really should have been an older, serious teen against Marianne's impulsive teen. Pronouncements by Emma's Elinor carry too much conviction because she's just those few years older. The "I wish Marianne had a better acquaitance with the ways of the world" exchange with Col. Brandon has a very different flavor if it comes from, say, a nineteen-year-old.

JANE AUSTEN'S TIMELESS CLASSIC COMES TO LIFE
This film is so beautifully realized, in its scope and execution, that I have nothing but praise for both screenwriter/actress - Emma Thompson and director Ang Lee. Based on the novel by Jane Austen, the film follows the exploits of Mary-Anne (Kate Winslet) and Eleanor (Thompson) Dashwood; two angelic sisters determined to find romance amidst the sublime grandeur of the English countryside. Also stars Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman.
Columbia's transfer is, on the whole, gorgeous. Colors are well represented and fine detail is rendered accurately. Contrast levels are subtle, as they should be and dark scenes are accurately represented with only a slight loss of fine detail to speak of. Unfortunately, there are several scenes that exhibit pixelization that breaks apart background information. There is also the inclusion of some minor edge enhancement that, while not terribly obtrusive, is nevertheless present. This special edition includes a wonderful featurette and Emma Thompson's witty acceptance speech at the Golden Globes - a real treat. FINAL WORD: There's no costume drama of the 90's more poignantly captured. A British legend becomes an American Movie Classic. Get this one!

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