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Rating:  - Less Polish - More Passion
I thought that this was a wonderful adaptation of the novel. I like it better than the 90's version with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. It's hard to articulate the ways in which they differ as the dialogue and interpretation of the characters are quite similar. I think the distinction is in the details: the setting, the costumes and production design; and, in a slightly more "method", less "RADA" style of acting by actors who are closer in age to the characters in the novel than in other adaptations, which gives this one a ring of truth which is ever so slightly missing from other versions.
Rating:  - The Best yet
Superb! Definitely deserving all the 5 star reviews. Having loved the 1995 version with Emma Thompson's well deserved screenplay Oscar and Ang Lee's brilliant directing, why another version? Three reasons: Flush out more details with nearly three hours, let Andrew Davies(the all time champ of 'Costume dramas/romances' or anything he adapts) have a go at it, and because we can't get enough.
I found myself naturally, and probably unfortunately, comparing the 2 versions, here are the standouts: both screenplays are exceptional. Andrew has the advantage of hindsight and more screen time to create freshness in a well known and loved classic. On the special features, he and the producer discuss how they wanted to advance it. The man is a genius and a hoot of a talker. He added scenes not in the book, but they fit perfectly, e.g., Elinor's and Edward's first meeting, a fun, playful flirting which catches the heroine a bit off guard.
The scenery is to lust after and long for in both, but I prefer the stark, oceanside dwelling, which the girls are forced to endure, better in the 2008 film. The sets and costumes are all first rate, and the expanded shots and attention to detail are equally rewarding.
Now with actors it becomes tricky, a matter of taste, and at times personal like politics. Overall, both versions compared well. Hattie Morahan is fantastic. She speaks with her eyes, restraining her emotions, constantly holding back. A difficult task for an actor especially when everyone else gets to be flamboyant. I love Emma Thompson, no disregard. I believe Kate Winslet a better younger sister, and the two Margarets are just wonderful- in this version, she definitely stands out in humor and cutes. The new Edward is better; although at times, I kept seeing Hugh Grant's portrayal but with more depth; Greg Wise(1995) is the epitome of Willoughby(Davies added an interesting confrontation between him and Elinor near the end) and the new Colonel is more human although both are stiffish and a bit old as appropriately written. The remaining cast for both movies are super; it's a wash which are better.
Which ending? I love what Emma Thompson does in the older one, but the new one is very satisfying and similar.
Which is overall supreme? If you've got the time, don't want to be rushed and want more details including missing characters not seen in the 1995 version than it's the 2008 version by an English nose. Or you can alternate weekends.
Rating: - Best of all on the market
This filming is the best of all the versions out till now. The characters are realistic, and if you haven't read the book, you could get most of the true story from this DVD. Casting is very good!
Rating: - Beautifully Well Captured
Davies had done a fantastic job! the story line, characters and the scenary...absolutely the best, beautiful and fun! Just finished watching this just now and I LOVE IT!!!
Rating: - Jolt of a lifetime...
Truth is, my wife is (was) the family's one Jane Austen addict so I had zero inkling up-front of the two truly extraordinary story arcs. To say that this production is one wild, nail-biting roller-coaster ride is putting it pretty mildly.
To follow Hattie Morahan's warm, kind, brave and hypnotically beautiful Elinor through to her dismal and heart-breaking dead-end in life, via a seeming never-ending series of emotional whacks... that's story-telling of the most profoundest kind.
And then into that truly stunning few moments where eyes are absolutely GLUED to Elinor's quivering back... that's movie-making beyond awesome.
I've dutifully watched the movie version too now. These REALLY go well together. The movie is intensely beautiful to look at and has great crowd scenes. Highly worth watching for the alternative take on the Marianne story; I liked it without necessarily preferring it. Each version has some dialog that greatly helps understand points in the other.
No review I've read yet has mentioned the great voice-over commentary on the DVD. Director, producer and four leads. Nice happy family that one is. Hattie Morahan is self-effacing almost to the point of invisibility, but she has a truly great laugh we hear often. Remarks by "Edward" and "Marianne" and "Willoughby" are warm, funny and at times really insightful, and leave one liking each of them a lot.
Plus we hear just how the director and producer arrived at many of their outcomes, adjusted things post-production, set up the scenes in the many houses and the studios, struggled for continuity, and came up with that proposal scene - told in that self-effacing and often funny British way, but they're true talents.
And Janeites, please get this: the team makes it increasingly clear that there are several hours of unused scenes still in the can. They are not offered here on this DVD. So, a 4-or-5-hour director's-cut version?
Okay. You know what to do...
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