Persuasion 1995 vs. 2007 vs. 2022 - a three-scene comparison 

I wondered why no one ever commented on this video and then realized they were all being held for my approval. Gah! Thank you for your responses!

I love both the 1995 and the 2007 versions. They are both wonderful, though the 1995 version has the edge for me. It captures the autumnal melancholy of the book so beautifully.

No way I'm ever watching the 2022 version, I don't want them to think its okay to totally change the character of Anne. Thanks for the comparisons though😁

In my not-so-humble opinion, the 1995 version is almost perfect. It rarely hits the wrong note at all. The 2022 version is (again in my not-so-humble opinion) an abomination. The 2007 version is forgettable. I've seen it a couple of times, and I immediately go back to 1995. The way that 1995 handles the first time they see each other again is absolutely brilliant. The sight of Anne gripping the chair as if for dear life says it all.

1995 is my favorite version because it was so close to the book, well cast and acted. I agree with your opening description of Anne, the character I recognize, is "a sad woman who has lost her vitality". The 1995 version portrayed her regaining what was lost. Wentworth was somewhat of a jerk in this version (and in the book too) but it made her triumph that much sweeter. I didn't see the 2022 version except in your clips, but all I can think when I see Dakota Johnson in the role is she's not lost anything, lol, as well as seeming very much a creature of our times not Austen's. Persuasion is not supposed to be rom-com, it has a wistful feel to it, regret and lost opportunities on the lead character's part.

I've always wanted to see an adaptation told from the Captain's POV. The entire story is told from his POV instead of Anne's. The 2007 version is my favorite. There is a sweetness about it that just gets to me.

Just finished the book and watched the 1995 movie! I really liked the 95 adaption because I’m a sucker for being faithful to the original text (though even the 95 version veered away from it from time to time). Also I feel like it did a really good job of showing Anne’s feeling despite her not having as much dialogue. This is inspiring me to watch the 2007 version as well. Loved the video!!

I have been enthralled with Pride and Prejudice then I discovered Persuasion! It is such a sensitive story. It shows how young people can be squashed by well meaning adults who see only their own perspective. How Anne survived her family is a wonder. Her mother must have been a lovely person for the rest of them are dreadful. Thanks for the comparison.

The 1995 version, starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds, stands out for me. I've also seen the 2007 version, but not the 2022 version. Amanda feels like the right age to play Anne ...she's no longer young, and her status as a spinster is fairly established at the start. Her face is eloquent even when she's not speaking, and she doesn't have to resort to fidgeting or turning away, turning back, etc. Ciaran has a similar ability to convey emotion while staying still. Theirs is a very compelling match, and I still find their story very moving. What came between them before the story begins is so typical of the period. Jane Austen often portrayed how family pressure and social standing crippled people's ability to marry the person whom they really loved. This is a theme in nearly all of her novels. The 1995 version seems to transcend the plot coincidences-which abound-and feels like honest storytelling, largely due to the believability of the two leads. Like the Jennifer Ehle/Colin Firth adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, I don't think the 1995 Persuasion can be bettered as a Jane Austen film adaptation. The 2007 version was fine, but it didn't linger in my mind the way the earlier one did.

I am so glad this video was suggested. You did a great job comparing and contrasting three pivotal scenes and how each adaptation handled them, and the feelings they conveyed. I can't choose between 95 and 07, because I honestly love them both equally. However, I felt the 22 version didn't understand the story, and especially didn't understand Anne or Wentworth. The earlier versions understood this was a woman who was struggling deeply with the consequences of her choice; she was weighed down with her unspoken grief. Wentworth was still angry and bitter, but also confused and heartbroken, and he reflected that in his actions and words. The beauty of the story was watching Anne blossom and Wentworth thaw; if you want to be poetic, you could say their love brought sunshine and spring to them. The 22 version just missed the mark completely for me; it felt like they wanted an Emma and Lizzy combination, forgetting that quiet strength and patience is Anne's essence. I hope you enjoy the 1970's version. It's *very* different than the others, and feels a lot like a play rather than a mini-series.

My favorite is the 1995 version. I love noticing how many characters that meet Anne notice what an amazing person she is. Perhaps Wentworth notices how many characters truly enjoy talking to Anne. Louisa even tells Wentworth that all the Musgroves wanted Charles to marry Anne but Anne refused him due to Lady Russell's advice.

Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen book and I love the 1995 film. Not keen on either of the other versions as they aren’t true to the book. Persuasion is a beautifully written quiet story about two people who have a second chance to find happiness and doesn’t need a lot of manufactured drama to pep it up. Thankyou for this interesting video.

Great video. I enjoyed seeing the comparisons.The 1995 version is far and away my favorite.Maybe in my top 10 movies of all time. Anne's transformation over the course of the movie is lovely, as she regains her confidence. Amanda Root is perfection. And Ciaran Hinds IS the Captain.

I am an absolute lover of the 1995 adaptation. Persuasion is my favorite Austin novel. I think Amada Root is perfection as Anne Elliot and Ciaran Hinds is just dashing. I've never gotten very far with the other adaptions. Maybe 10 minutes with the 2007 version and about 10 seconds with the 2022 version.

I live near Lyme Regis, the scene shown here. I took my daughter's wedding photos on "the Cob" - the harbour wall shown. The steps are just as gnarly as they look, and at a strange angle. The later version uses the easy steps, I notice. And as for the versions, there is only one worth watching, the 1995 version. Great books need great interpretation in film. The 2022 version is a travesty, a joke, just too bizarre.

The 1995 is perfection, but I absolutely love the 2007 version as well. Aside from a couple of points, it's still very faithful, and I love the character depth the actors bring to their roles. Thanks so much for this deep dive into these scenes!

I have watched the 1995 version at least 20 times I love, love love it 🥰

I absolutely adore the novel Persuasion! I didn't care for it when I was young; however, as I grew older the story became more relatable. Probably because people want to be in love and the idea of 'persuading' yourself to be in love is more understanding as you age. Thank you, Ms. Bruhn, for this comparison video. Also, am glad you're over COVID.

I am a Persuasion pre-fanatic. I’ve only seen the 1995 version like, 18 times.

Oh that 2022 version I could not abide by. The 2007 was my personal favorite, but that had more to do with the actors than anything. Persuasion may be my favorite Austin book, with P&P close on its heals.

I'll be honest, I just can't see past the 1995 version. I bought the DVD when it became available and still have it. Amanda Root is a suitably quiet, pale, overlooked Anne Eliot - something that the 2022 version has no truck with. The 2007 version has Anne running out into the street with no hat and no chaperone! 😮 I also found it difficult to believe the assertive and lively Anne Eliot in the 2022 version would have any difficult telling Captain Wentworth how she felt. You make a good case for all of them, but I think I'll stick with the with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds as my dream couple. FWIW, you have made me want to rewatch it!

Director Adrian Shergold (2007) was nominated for a BAFTA for this version . And has two brilliant leads to direct in Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones. Thank you for the key scene comparisons. I doubt I would have noticed how the actor's setting and direction had such an impact. I fully expected a comparison of the Letter scene and how they are visualised as they wildly differ in location and pace across the 95/07/22 . I've never seen the 1971 TV version which I think is by far the longest adaptation (5 episodes over 4 1/4 hrs )

Persuasion is definitely my favourite Jane Austen work, such a mature, nuanced work.

This was very fun to watch! Thank you for the well-written descriptions. I especially like that you're fair to all 3 adaptations even the 2022 one.

I love the 1995 film! Some things I appreciate about it: Filmed (or seems to be filmed) in natural light and candlelight ONLY The food is historically accurate and the characters actually EAT and swallow during scenes Wardrobe hits the perfect note of feeling lived in, worn and not too ‘costume-y’ These are just a few reasons I think it transcends the genre of costume drama and should be considered a special film full stop

I love the 1995 version. It is more subtle than the 2007 one and it doesn’t have to spell things out because everything we need to see is displayed on the faces of the actors, though early on we have doubts on the Captain’s feelings, just like Anne in the novel. All the 2000s Austen adaptations leaned for me too heavily into romance cliches, and this one is no exception (though as far as I remember it is still fairly faithful). I haven’t watched the Netflix adaptation and find I have no desire to. I’m not surprised that elegant, sensible Anne Elliot has turned into a “not-like-the-other-girls” girl. The flowing hair in the promotional material gave it away before I had to even watch a review.

I think the major problems of de 2022 version is the dilution of the tension. I won’t publish spoilers, but it all lead to an emotionless ending. On the other versions, the letter scene makes us almost stop breathing. On the 2022… Not so much.

The absolute delight with Austin is how she allows us to understand the oppression that societal expectations (including manners) had on her heroines. That is why the 2022 version is so horrific, it destroys who these characters are and ignores the societal reality they exist in. As for your Q about the line in the 2022 version about patience - I suspect the author of that version was a fan of the film The Lake House. You should review that film in its relation to Persuasion. Sandra Bullock's character at one point says to Keaunu Reeves that the book is about being patient and waiting - but no, that is a theme of The Lake House. Just another clue that the writer(s) of the 2022 version simply do not get Austin at all.

The 1995 version with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds is the best adaptation IMHO.

I just watched the '95 version for the first time today. It will remain my favorite. When Louisa falls and Anne takes charge I take it as the Captain realizing he needs her. I haven't read the book though.

I really loved this discussion. I appreciated that you weren't overly critical about the flaws in the newest version, especially since there is so much negative content about it on youtube already. I liked that you seemed to enjoy it for what it was while acknowledging that it had taken major liberties with the source material. Also really liked the insight into why you went about this comparison in the first place. Hoping to see more content from you soon. :)

The 1995 version is by far my favourite

I love the 1995 version as it is the nearest to the book, which is my favourite Jane Austin book. When we were first in lockdown during Covid it was the first book I wanted to read as I knew it would be comforting, & so it was.

Thanks for the vlog. I had just heard of the 2022 version and thanks to you, won't waste my time on it. (It not only appears to have altered the story too much they also didn't get the costuming, hair and makeup right. I adore the 25 year old version and am interested in seeing the 2007 version now that I have seen some snippets. Thanks again for the info.

Thank you for this! "Persuasion" is my favorite Jane Austen. I simply adore the 1995 version. It was able to take the time to show how quiet and uneventful Anne's life had become since she parted with Frederick. I didn't care for the camerawork in the 2007 version, but it was a decent if truncated adaptation. I continue to hope that "Persuasion" eventually receives the same big screen treatment that the 2005 "Pride & Prejudice" received. I have the dvd box set of the 1970s BBC production you mention at the end. I really like their version of "P&P". These productions are late 70s and early 80s and are filmed much like a stage play.

I don't consider myself a purist (in fact, I've just read Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice"), and I don't know if I can consider myself biased enough with so little understanding of the rules and culture of that era, but... The 2023 version of Persuasion just makes me feel tipsy. And I haven't even watched it! The trailers didn't give a positive feeling and I just so happened to be completely in love with the way Captain Wentworth reads his letter with his deep emotions in the 1995 version. My little sister said it was so mushy while I was hurting into tears at that scene. It was just perfection (for me). Thank you for this video! It's so interesting to see the comparison between all these versions and just falling in love deeper with the 1995 version (I need to see the 2007 because all the things Sally Hawkings transmits with her eyes are insane! Anyway, thank you, thank you, thank you!

I've only seen the first two. As much as I love the 2007 version, the 1995 one is pretty much perfect. (I was also lucky enough to have seen Amanda Root, Simon Russell Beale and Ciaran Hinds onstage a couple years earlier.)

I enjoyed this exploration. Thanks. The 1995 version is so beautifully done. My favorite. The 2022 looks like an abomination, so I passed on seeing it.

Glad you're feeling better! "Persuasion" has always been one of my favorite Austen stories. Loved the comparisons. Thanks!

Thank you for this video. My fav is the 2007 version. And your eyeglasses are amazing.

I'm partial to the 2007 version because I'm bias and love the actors in that version more. Plus the lingering gazes and how they prolong the bittersweetness of every scene with so many words unspoken just makes my heart clench. I know the 1995 is technically more faithful but Sally Hawkins is how I pictured Anne. I'm just going to pretend that the most recently released pile of horsedung doesn't exists lol

Did so enjoy these side by side comparisons! Love the moment you pointed out in the sweet shot where they don’t all fit into frame!

I absolutely fell in love with the adaptation from 1995. But I haven't seen the version from 2022, but I have seen the version from 1971.

I couldn't make it through the 2022 version. (And I am in the minority for loving the 2007 version.) I think what filmmakers don't appreciate about Jane Austen adaptations is that many of us watch them precisely because they don't reflect modern sensibilities. We enjoy the restrained emotions and manners, rather than present-day pacing and silliness, which is why I couldn't get more than a few minutes into the 2022 adaptation.

I had the chance to see the 1995 version in a small movietheater in Germany, with german dubbing. And i think that it is the version, that shows a behaviour as it might have really been in this time, where people, especially women, were not expected to talk about their feelings. And i really love the portrayal of both, Anne and the captain. It's my second favoured adaptation of a Jane Austen novel next to Pride And Prejudice with Colin Firth.

What a thought-provoking review! I love Persuasion and have read the book and watched the videos numerous times. Nonetheless, you brought up fresh points that I had never noticed. Thank you--I enjoyed this comparison very much.

Thank you for this! I'm a huge fan of Persuasion (1995 purist, I think... adore that Ciarán Hinds - there is no better Wentworth!!) but your video makes me want to go back and watch them all. Please make more of these! Maybe a P&P? Or S&S? Hope you've recovered from COVID!

I like the 2022 version. Yes , it introduces many modern issues but soeaking to the audience is simply a way of getting Anne's thoughts out there. We do know Anne's thoughts and feelings in the book.

I love the 1995 version. Your comparisons make me want to watch the other two.

Absolutely loved this comparison. Thank you for making this!!

Thanks for this video. I remember when I had pneumonia and was off work for a month, I finally read a novel by Frances Burney (quite tiring when you're ill). As a keen reader I think I prefer the 1995 version, which reflects the subtleties of the book, though I found it really interesting to have significant camera shots explained to me and how much technical knowledge can reflect what is not openly expressed. I can see how the 2022 version might appeal to today's younger audience, but it seems to veer away from the novel as an 'interpretation' for today. (And not ideal if you have ever tutored pupils who will watch the film rather than read the book for their exams!). Good luck with the 70s BBC series.

Thank you for the comparisons. The 1995 version is my favorite. But, I haven't seen the 2022 yet. Hope it does not disappoint. Enjoyed this!

There has been so much commentary on the recent persuasion movie but I really enjoyed this one. I like the way you explained the characters' thoughts and motivations. Great video!

Great video! The 1995 version will always be my favorite, but I very much enjoyed 2007. Haven’t seen the latest one- that’s my homework assignment

I am sorry you were ill… but the silver lining of producing this fascinating video just makes me marvel at this wacky world we live in! You are very informative and concise coalescing my vague thoughts on the 1995 & 2007 versions so well. (I have no desire to see the 2022 version especially now that I have seen your insightful comments) As others have said - you make me want to rewatch both versions again Right Now! I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to more of your great content.

I love the 2007 version. I watch it when I’m feeling sad. ❤

Hope you are completely recovered from Covid! I don't think Janeites dislike breaking the fourth wall as such, but most of us massively disliked the abomination that Netflix dared title Persuasion, and the constant talking to the camera and never shutting up and constantly explaining each "joke" or relationship about three times straight into our faces, with no room for eth actors to actually act and *show* instead of tell us things. For fourth wall breakings that are brilliantly done, watch Fleabag or Gentleman Jack. The dialogue in the 2022 version at Lyme after the accident? I honestly don't think it means anything. It is just a trite phrase, but then I found the dialogue was full of pseudo-deep, really banal and boring phrases.

I thought this was a very interesting comparison of 3 different productions. Your analysis of them was spot on. My own personal favourite is the oldest version, but I quite like the 2007 version. The newest one doesn't appeal to me at all, too many modern updates clash with the soul of the novel

I loved this! Please do a part 2 for the different endings!

Great video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on each version

I love your comparisons! The 1995 version is my favorite one and I wore out a VHS copy of it. Lol. but maybe I ought to give the 2007 version another watch!

Great idea. I enjoyed your comparisons.

Great work! Loved watching it. Thanks from Brazil.

First version is best in my opinion. Second has it’s moments. The captain is handsome and a little warmer than in the first. Third one…. ugh. I don’t have time or words for these modernized, sloppy adaptations. Thank you for the comparison

2022 does not deserve to be compared to the other two.

Thanks,well done will have to watch the later versions ,I would never have considered doing so before🙂

Love this comparision! Really interesting

Thank you for your work and comparison.) And I have to say you're a strong person, you were able to watch 2022 version.) I'm not as strong as you.)))) 2007 is the best to my taste. Maybe it's not the closest to the book, but to the characters, love their chemistry. 1971 is not bad by the way. I hope you enjoyed that version as well.

Very nice comparison. However Persuasion, 2022 - is like a quite different story - about some other people (not from J.Austen's story). However with the same names. As for 1995 and 2007 - they are so good that I still cannot choose which one I like more. Both Annes in them are just perfect - with rich inner world and modest appearance. Which again can't be said about Anne of 2022.

Persuasion might be the only Austen book I’ve not read, so I went into the 2022 version blind. I found it funny, engaging and superbly, and subtly acted❤ It may not live up to all the original story standards, but it is a wonderful work of art in its own right and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m running to acquire a copy of the book and to watch the other films!

Thank you for this video. The 1995 version is my favorite. I agree with you that the 2022 version was nothing like the book, and I really did not enjoy it. Great analysis ❤

Great job. I was mesmerized by your comparisons. My favorite was the 1995 version. Thanks for uploading your thoughts.

Nicely done. I found this very rewarding. I happen to have seen these versions, including the BBC TV version from the 70s, which I didn't like, but still it is worth watching. Love your analysis.

This was enjoyable. Thank you.

I love Persuasion, Sally Hawkins is my favourite Anne, I don’t mind her looks to camera because you can feel her pain so deeply. Great video really enjoyed it 😊

I just found your vlog. Loved it!!!! . I think your analysis is brilliant. I just see that Anne does not belive she can be loved since her family finds her wanting. Sorry for my grammar and spelling . I am from Colombia and my native languaje is spanish.

Thankyou, I enjoyed listening to you. Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen book!

Thank-you for making this video. "Persuasion" and "Pride and Prejudice" are my two favorite Jane Austen novels. I have seen all of the movie versions except the one from 2022. I'll have to find it so that I can watch that one, too.

The 1971 miniseries is on RU-vid. I found it under Izzard Clips. it is interesting because it is longer and includes more of the story.

1995 is superbly compact, Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds plus-perfectly heading an ideal cast that registers character essence with cinematic immediacy. 2007 is more teleadaptive, with Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones, like their colleagues, given to subtleties that are emotionally telegraphic in the medium's manner. The less said about 2022, the better.

You're one in a million! I became dumb as a side effect of COVID. 2007 is still my favorite, I didn't even bother to watch Dakota's one. Nice analysis.

love the scenes you picked to compare! definitely some of the critical ones to their story. I would love to know your thoughts on which version you think did the most effective job in telling the story. for instance, the look between the two in the 2007 seastairs scene was a great catch. makes it stand out above the other two version for that scene at least.

I get obsessive about certain things too sometimes - lol! Right now im on all of Jane Austens. Appreciate your video - very informative and entertainting. I will never watch the 2022 version. What a joke.

Excellent. I love Persuasion so much. I have watched the two earlier films multiple times but the Netflix one only once. I despised it. I have read the book multiple times. You did a great job analyzing the common scenes. In the middle version, Anne ran a lot. I found that amusing. And really no film can truly give justice to the story in an hour and a half.

This is my favourite JA book and in my top 10 books list. The 1995 version is the one I prefer. I think the casting of Ann is perfection. Capt Wentworth is also well cast. The latter adaptations miss the points about how you can't choose your family and that there is more to human relationships than beauty. They mess with the focus. Unfortunately

Persuasion is my favorite of Austen’s books! I have the 1995 and 1971 versions. Thank you for this evaluation of the film adaptations!

The 1995 version is my absolute favourite, I've watched it so many times ❤

In the 2022 version, I took the “patience” line to mean wait for the doctor. The captain would be used to taking charge and there is nothing he can do in the moment. I’m an older person but I thought the 2022 version to be fresh, witty, and accessible to younger women. It is my favorite. It’s beautiful, charming and yet you feel the ache and despair. I’ve watched it several times now. I have read the book and 1995 may be faithful to it but it’s not aged well as say Sense and Sensibility, also released in 1995, which is as wonderful now as it was in ‘95. I think the ‘95 script was poor, you can’t usually directly adapt a book to film. You’re telling the story visually. Anyway, I’ll be the lone supporter of the new version, as one who has done silly stuff for my nieces and siblings, I’ll keep chuckling at the jam scene. ❤

Thanks a lot.

I like the 1995 version very much....and the 2007 one. For different reasons, though, I prefer the 2007. I like the fact that Anne looks towards the camera...it seems to include the viewer into the scene and she is sharing her thoughts and feelings with you. And the soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful. There is nothing about the 2022 version that I like. In my humble opinion, it's almost disrespectful to Jane Austen's book.

Thanks for the review and comparison of three film adaptations. I didn't know either the novel or the films before, so I welcome your review. What I also noticed and was also struck by: the Netflix version from 2022 is not only the furthest away from the original, but also tries to have equal casts of different skin colors. For me, this is a disrespect for classical literature.

OMG this is so great! The 2022 Seawall Stairs version -- who knows what Anne means. Who knows why this 2022 version is the way it is? There's so much wrong with it. 🤮Most Janeites prefer the 1995 version. While I like that version very much and it is most faithful to the book, the 2007 version has my heart and is pretty faithful to the book (except for that running scene). I just love that Anne and Wentworth...they are my favorite. And I consider myself a Janeite. Thank you for this breakdown. So fascinating!!

I had no idea there was a 2022 version! From what you've shown, I dont even want to see the lastest version. I love the 1995 version!

I love Jane Austen books and the movies that do them justice. Thanks for sharing your insights. I often, just for my own edification, compare versions. I loved the first two films you mention but wouldn’t watch the third because it deviated so badly from the book in so many ways. I don’t mind when they update the storyline, as they did in Clueless, but I dislike a bad version of the original… especially when screenwriters think they can write better than Austen when clearly that isn’t so.

For me it’s the 2007 version. I really enjoy the 1995 version as well.

Loved this content! I am a fellow deep diver. Would love to know the brand of your glasses. They are fab persuasion is my favourite Austen novel and I can’t wait to check out your recommended podcast.

The version of Persuasion you just got is on RU-vid!

Anne´s hat in the 2022-version reminds me of the hats of the 1971-version. My favorite is the 2007-version. The 2022-version is really far away from the book. The " Just be patient" is very confusing. The Anne of the other versions is more demanding und in control of what to do I think.

Thank you, I never read the book, and had the hardest time connecting to the 1995 version, in understanding it. Your dialogue helps

Probably my favourite of all the Austen's novel. I think the 1995 adaptation is by far the closest to the book and its cast is basically perfect. I also loved Sally Hawkins in her portrayal of Anne, so emotional. I haven't seen the 2022 version and I think I wouldn't like it based on your clips. I enjoyed your video so much, thanks!