According to the dictionary,
Sense means "an ability to perceive and be motivated by moral or ethical principles" and Sensibility means "the capacity to respond emotionally or aesthetically."
The movie "Sense and sensibility" is a combination of both the aspects defined above. Elinor Dashwood played by the Oscar winner Emma Thompson portrayed the "Sense" and Marianne Dashwood (Kate Winslet) has portrayed the "Sensibility" phase in the movie. It is not a battle between the two phases but a beautiful tale of moral, ethical and cultural values with glimpses of heartfelt and romantic feelings perceived by the British woman of early 19th century.

To begin with I must state some of the things I personally like about Jane Austen because this movie is originally an adaptation from her first published novel, Sense and Sensibility, which was published in 1811.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English author who is classified as one of the best woman authors of all times. Her novels possess the true essence of contemporary English country life. I have always enjoyed her books for the irony, humour, portrayal of inner feelings, ethical values and emphasis on family values. She managed to get published four of her novels in her lifetime and two after her death.
Ronald Blythe once said "Jane Austen can in fact get more drama out of morality than most other writers can get from shipwreck, battle, murder, or mayhem."
Her other masterpieces include; Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Mansfield Park.

While this film is directed by Taiwan-born Ang Lee; being his first English language film, the script is written by Emma Thompson herself, playing the leading role in the movie as well. Thompson's script won Academy award in 1995 for Best Adapted Screenplay and she also managed to have won a BAFTA Award for the Best Actress (1995). The movie revolves around the beautiful scenery of rural Georgian England with glimpses of customs and laws of the early 19th century; manners and morals with gentle touch of humour here and there.

Well this is a story of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, while their third sister Margaret and Mrs. Dashwood playing a prominent role as well. The story enfolds after the death of Mr. Dashwood, who left all his money to his first wife and son and apparently his second wife and three daughters are left with no permanent home and little money. Elinor is a down to earth person, sensible and wise while Marianne is portrayed as emotional with delicate and sensitive feelings. Although they have different natures yet they are very close as sisters. They together with their mother and young sister are invited to live with distant relatives in the Middletons, at Barton Park. Elinor does not show her grief in leaving their home in Norland and kept it to herself, but Marianne dramatically bursts into tears exclaiming;
"Oh! Happy house, could you know what I suffer in now viewing you from this spot, from whence perhaps I may view you no more!" (Or did I read that part in the book but I loved the remark what so ever)
Elinor is sad to leave Norland because she have become attached to Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant), the brother-in-law of her step brother and she miss him although does not accept her emotions publicly.
In their new homeland they encounter new surroundings and get acquainted with new people.
There begins their tale of love and tears, romance and fear while bounded by their ethical values and social burden. Marianne meets two men, a retired officer and bachelor, Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman) and the gallant young man John Willoughby (Greg Wise). Marianne gets impressed by John because he rescues her after she twists her ankle while running down the hills. But things turns out different when the gallant young john leaves Marianne lovesick while Elinor comes to learn that her dream boy Mr. Edward Ferrars has been engaged to some other girl and hence her heart breaks too. Amongst the heartfelt tears and sheer laughter continues this elegant yet heart-warming tale of the love, sacrifice, romance and trust.
Hence the two unhappy sister travels to London to face their destiny, you have to see it for yourself to know what happens next but you will not be disappointed, that's for sure.

This DVD was released on 13th July, 1998 but the production year of the film is 1995. The running time is 131 minutes, classification as U (Universal) while the rating is PG.

Main casts include; Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie and Robert Hardy.

This one disc DVD has some special features as well.
•Director and co-producer Audio Commentary.
•Emma Thompson and producer Audio Commentary.
•Two deleted scenes; one in which Elinor is arguing with her mother and the other one a passionate kiss between Elinor and Edward.
•Emma Thompson's speech ( Golden Globe Award)
•Interactive Menus and trailers.