|
|
Rating:  - This version far superior...
In my opinion, there is no comparison between this 1995 film adaptation and the latest Persuasion just issued. Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds are far superor in breathing life into Austen's characters in this story. Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones, in the latest remake, are flat with little tension or real interest between them. The story, too, has been streamlined and lacks the depth of this original. Don't bother with the latest...this is the one to order and enjoy!
Rating: - A Treasure
PBS is currently doing a series of Jane Austen's works that are mostly remakes. They have not yet come to "PERSUASION". But I think that this production is so very good, I can not imagine a better one. The actors are perfectly chosen and played. Amanda Root, as our heroine, Anne, is the only adult child to have taken after her deceased mother, and the other two sisters are Austen's 'fluff'. Their father, played by Corin Redgrave, is a thoughtless fop. Ciaran Hinds [most recently seen as Julius Caesar in HBO's "ROME"] plays the young and handsome naval Capt. Wentworth, as the object of Anne's affection, which she believes to be lost forever. These two leading actors are without peer. Their subtlety and the simple looks that occur are so touching and sweet. I had seen this production at least three times on television, so was excited to have my own copy. It is all put into only 104 minutes of watching time. Besides reading the book itself, this movie is a treasure well worth having.
Rating: - movie Persuasion
I love this movie and I'm really glad Amazon had it. The price was great too since no one else had it or they wanted to charge over twenty dollars!
Thanks Amazon.
Rating:  - Slow moving but highly effective!
This version is very slow, but highly effective. The directing is spot on in transferring Austen's novel to screen. Modern day version's are compelled to change history in having actor's physically act out their emotions. In that era, a look, a sigh, a hesitation spoke volumes.
Spoilery - Ciarin Hind's Captain Wentworths' look over a wineglass, his controlled but pained look after touching her when helping her down off the carriage and then his look when dropping off the letter, screamed that he still loved her! I think Jane Austen would be proud to have this in her movie viewing collection.
Rating: - Gentle Persuasion...
1995's "Persuasion" is a very solid dramatization of Jane Austen's last completed novel. It has the usual Austen elements: a patient and good-hearted heroine, the man she was meant to be with, and a host of interesting characters and Regency-era social customs that get between the two.
The movie opens with the abdication of Napoleon in 1814. The British Navy, long at sea, is "paid off", releasing its naval officers to pursue quieter goals. An Admiral Croft rents the mansion of Sir Walter Elliot, a status-obcessed, foppish baronet on the verge of bankruptcy. Sir Walter moves his vain eldest daughter and her companion to Bath to make economies. His practical but much put-upon daughter Anne is left behind to close out the house. We learn that the brother-in-law of Admiral Croft is Frederick Wentworth, also back fron sea and once Anne's suitor, whom she was persuaded to reject on the ground that he lacked money and connections. Anne is now older, still unmarried, and regretting her choice.
On the way to Bath, Anne visits her sister Mary Musgrove, a hypochrondriac with young children who imposes endlessly on Anne. Wentworth, now a Captain wealthy with prize money, also visits the Musgroves to meet Mary's pretty sisters-in-law Louisa and Henrietta, who seem likely marriage prospects. Wentworth persuades the Musgrove clan, including Anne, to visit the sea at Lyme.
Anne suffers in silence while Wentworth pays court to the Musgrove sisters. An accident to Louisa forces Anne to take charge, pushing her together with Wentworth and causing him to take notice of her again.
Anne finally joins her family in Bath for a series of meaningless social rounds. A handsome, long-missing Eliot cousin materializes to pay suspicious court to Anne. Anne must balance his attentions with the surprise presence of an awkward and inarticulate Wentworth, who has followed her to Bath. In the end, Anne must hope for another chance to make the right choice.
Director Roger Michell turns this love story into high suspense, as each glance between Anne and Wentworth presages another turn in their relationship. Anne clearly regrets her earlier choice not to marry Wentworth, but hardly dares to hope that he will pass up younger and more attractive women for her. Wentworth is clearly wrestling with the long-suppressed resentment of his rejection and the ego-flattering attention of the Musgrove sisters, against his not-quite extinguished love for Anne.
Although short, the movie closely follows Jane Austen's novel and is highly recommended to fans of her romances.
|
|