Persuasion (DVD)

...in. The ITV dramatisation of Persuasion was therefore no exception.

Now as some of you may already know I'm not actually that fond of classic novels or their dramatisations but I'm definitely glad that the addition of Rupert to this cast made me watch it, as I fell in love with both story, which I went on the read, and dramatisation.

Persuasion is one of Jane Austen's most admired novels and tells the story of a woman ...
...the daughter of Sir Walter Elliot at the age of nineteen fell in love with and accepted a proposal from a young naval Officer called Frederick Wentworth (Rupert Penry Jones) she was the happiest girl alive. But with no fortune or rank to recommend him Anne's family were less than happy with the arrangements and despite her better judgement Anne broke off the engagement.

Eight years later Anne has never stopped loving Frederick and ... more

Now from the moment Rupert Penry Jones walked into 'Spooks' I absolutely adored him and have since gone on to watch near enough everything he has ever been in. The ITV dramatisation of Persuasion was therefore no exception.

Now as some of you may already know I'm not actually that fond of classic novels or their dramatisations but I'm definitely glad that the addition of Rupert to this cast made me watch it, as I fell in love with both story, which I went on the read, and dramatisation.

Persuasion is one of Jane Austen's most admired novels and tells the story of a woman who gets a second chance. When Anne Elliot (Sally Hawkins) the daughter of Sir Walter Elliot at the age of nineteen fell in love with and accepted a proposal from a young naval Officer called Frederick Wentworth (Rupert Penry Jones) she was the happiest girl alive. But with no fortune or rank to recommend him Anne's family were less than happy with the arrangements and despite her better judgement Anne broke off the engagement.

Eight years later Anne has never stopped loving Frederick and has regretted listening to her family instead of to her heart and so when he returns from the sea having gained a reputation and made his fortune she could not be more pleased. That is however until she must stand on the sidelines and watch every eligible young woman in the district fall at his feet. But where does his heart truly lie? And can he forgive her for pushing him aside all those years ago?

Sally Hawkins as Anne played a tremendous part and is a brilliant actress in her own right. She managed to perform incredibly well throughout the dramatisation and really enabled the audience to see the heartache Anne has gone through because of that one decision. I do have one problem though, Sally Hawkins is a very beautiful actress and in my opinion I don't think that ITV realised this enough and didn't try and capitalise on this at the correct moments. This however is a minor grumble for what in y opinion was a near flawless performance on Hawkins' part.

Now this review would obviously not be complete without discussing Rupert Penry Jones. As Captain Wentworth, Rupert really shone and put in an absolutely brilliant performance. The role seemed to suit him perfectly and he performed with a charm and charisma that made you warm to him. Not only that but from the word go he looked tremendously comfortable in his role as well as remarkably sexy and definitely swoon worthy on more than one occasion. Couple that with his fantastic smile and bright blue gaze as well as one of the most delicate and touching on screen kisses ever and I was in heaven.

Seriously though this adaptation is one of the best I have ever seen. The cast seemed comfortable in the roles given to them and jelled together extremely well. The two lead characters in particular had wonderful chemistry, which was essential for the storyline and really enabled the story to progress at a pace that felt realistic. Furthermore the camera work and musical score are delicate and appropriate whilst the story itself is heart-felt and genuine.

The Drama however isn't exactly like the book and at some times the drama changes things that would have been much better left alone. However saying this if you have never read the book then the drama itself is a wonderful piece of work and the pieces that are different to the literature do not stand out. If this were simply a piece of drama I don't think it can be faulted but as a dramatisation maybe it should have stuck closer to the original writing.

If you missed seeing this on the TV then this DVD is certainly one that you must add to your collection. Even if you did catch it, it is still one to purchase, as the story is so compelling, the scripting so beautiful and the acting so perfect that it certainly deserves another viewing. Therefore even though it doesn't stick to the book by the letter I still have to award it 5/5 stars, as it is something I can watch over and over again without difficulty. 

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