Visited this site today, June 21, 2006. Back in Virginia now with Jon and Meredyth. Hope to return...
Visited this site today, June 21, 2006. Back in Virginia now with Jon and Meredyth. Hope to return to England again in the future. I can't believe all the changes on Ciao since I wrote my last op, which has been far too long ago.
Member since:06.05.2001
Reviews:122
Members who trust:50
I've been off work for the past week, quite ill from a spider bite. Although I passed away much of the time resting/sleeping, I've had periods where I felt the need to be entertained. On Thursday, I pulled one of all-time favorite films, Sense and Sensibility, off the shelf and turned on my trusty VCR.
This has to be at least the fifth or sixth time that I watched this film since I purchased just a little over a year ago. I always enjoy it and find it particularly appealing when I'm in a bit of a serious or comtemplative mood.
Sense and Sensibility boasts and excellent cast that includes Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and Alan Rickman. Emma Thompson portrays the eldest and most "sensible" sister, Elinor. She looks and acts every bit the part with her spinster appearance and shy manner. Younger and more carefree, Marianne, is played by Kate Winslet. Winslet can be likened to a ripening pear on a tree, waiting to be picked. She loves music, poetry, and literature.
The family suddenly finds themselves in financial straits after the death of the father. Through property laws, the bulk of his estate is left to his eldest son (from a previous marriage). The girls and their mother are left to live on the barest of minimums. Eventually, they move to a cottage on the grounds of a relative in the countryside.
Marianne is pursued by two men, one of whom is a handsome young man, the other a much older and less exciting gentleman. Due to social constrictions of the time, the younger man (and the one she truly loves) cannot marry her. He leaves the area and marries a society belle, leaving Marianne both baffled and hurt.
Elinor is enamoured with Edmond Ferris, played to perfection by Hugh Grant. Ferris, too, is bound by the constrictions of society - but in two ways. He simply wants to be the vicar of a small church, and he wishes to marry a woman of less means than he.
The story itself unwinds beautifully. Although the Dashwoods (Elinor and Marianne) suffer through some very difficult times, they eventually find happiness and contentment in their lives.
This is an excellent film that can be watched by all members of the family. Although the youngsters may find it somewhat difficult to follow, I believe children over 10 and adults will find it engaging.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Ang Lee - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy
Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Nicol Williamson, Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, Ian Holm, Derek Jacobi, Paul Scofield, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
well written, one of my fave films.......might just watch it again!!!!
DeadEskimo21 22.01.2004 14:02
Good review, makes me want to watch the film again, which I think I'll do. Sorry for a little pick but its' Edward not Edmund.
christina44 13.01.2003 17:24
one of my most favourite films to watch. I got this film 3 yrs ago. Your review would have been even better had you added a little more detail,but I'm still giving you an VH 'cos it's such a great film,and well written what you have put down. cheers.chrissie