The first time I saw 1995 sense and sensibility I actually hated it. But to be fair, that may have had more to do with the fact it was the favorite movie of my own personal Mrs. Norris than its real merits or deficiency. Anywho, I like it fine now, and think Alan was especially great in it, but I still prefer 2008.
@@lovetolovefairytales yeah, even though Alan Rickman is wonderful, it didn’t make me comfortable that he was a love interest for a girl 40 years his junior. Yes, the captain is older in the book. But not that old?
The 1995 BBC "Pride and Prejudice" is my all-tme favorite Jane Austin adaptation, so I totally agree with you! I absolutely love everything about it, from the costumes and cinematography, to the musical score and superb casting. I feel the miniseries format is superior to a two-hour movie because it allows more time for the story, as Jane Austen wrote it, to play out. I have watched it many times and will watch it many more times in the future. Like the book, it never gets old!
I totally agree! It's sublime! BTW I don't like the 2005 movie at all - so many things about it make me mad (especially Longbourn being portrayed as 'home farm') that I can't enjoy the passable bits
Yep. When you can get my Dad to watch a chick flick 7 times and love it just as much the 7th time instead of groaning and rolling his eyes every 6 minutes, you've got a major winner. No other adaptation, *especially* of Pride and Prejudice, can keep his attention.
@@lisamcgeeney8972 Totally agree! I also felt Keira Knightley was not a good Lizzy. Keira had a pair of Fine Eyes, I grant you, but not much else to recommend her for the part.
Have you watched the 1980 Pride And Prejudice TV series on Dailymotion? The 1995 adaptation is a good one, I do enjoy it but I assure you the 1980 one is superior
I've watched the movie (2005) and while I got the message I also thought that it is nothing special. Yesterday I decided to see the 1995 mini TV show, since everyone was talking about it, and dear lord, it can't be compared. I loved it. It painted the whole other picture, the time skips felt more realistic which made that the characters did not seem to change their opinions after one day, which I think is the big part of the message 😊. The story simply cannot be compressed into a 3 hour movie.
Noooo, the 1995 sense and sensibility is brilliant! Greg Wise is the definitive Willoughby, that first few minutes with Harriet Walters as Fanny Dashwood manipulating her husband into breaking his word to his dying father and disinheriting his half sisters perfectly encapsulates that section of the novel, nearly all the supporting cast are great, esp Margaret, Mrs Jennings, Sir John Middleton, Mr Palmer (although for me, Imogen Stubb's portrayal doesn't capture Lucy Steel from the novel) otherwise the only real cast problem is that all the cast are all about 15 years older than they should be!
Yes to all of this! 1995 is so much better than the 2008 sense and sensibility! It’s not even a contest to me! The only problem with 1995 is of course the casting of way too old actors and actresses especially Colonial Brandon. I love Alan Rickman but it’s really creepy to see a 50 year old man staring longingly at teenage Kate Winslet.
@@jessica_jam4386 although to be fair, if we're complaining about age, Julia Sawalha was 27 when she played the 15-yr-old Lydia Bennett, a year older than Jennifer Ehle playing the 20-yr-old Elizabeth, and Susannah Harker was 30... And Greer Garson was 36 when she played Elizabeth Bennett.
@@arabellamileham9978 1995 Lydia was also too old for the part. I much prefer 1980 BBC’s Lydia! I think the actress in the 1980 one was actually in her early twenties, but she totally looks like a 16 year old and it really drives home how predatory Wickham is imo! I do love the 1995 pride and prejudice just like most people, but there are things that bug me in it and Lydia looking every bit a grown woman in her mid to late twenties is definitely one of them 😅
We definitely need a new Mansfield Park and one where the creators don’t feel the need to change Fanny’s personality to make her more likable. That was my biggest issue with the 1999 movie-they made Fanny to be more like Jane Austen herself.
@@lovetolovefairytales Disagree so much. All of those heroines had a personailty. Fanny is an empty vessel, so why can't filmakers fill it as they see fit? 🤷♀️
@@etherealtb6021 because Fanny is NOT an empty vessel. She has thoughts and strong opinions just as much as Elizabeth or Emma do. What she doesn't have is a) a need to run her pie hole and talk back like the other girls do b) the freedom to mouth off even if she wanted to. Can you imagine the butt whooping that poor girl would have gotten if she talked to her aunts the way Lizzy talks to Lady Catherine? But what about Fanny is remotely a blank slate? Because she's quiet? Because she only loves one man? Because unlike Elizabeth she has a tendency to be RIGHT about people? I mean, you could make the argument that by today's standards Lizzy Bennet is just a typical "but maybe I don't want to BE a princess anymore" type heroine. She certainly comes across that way in the 2005 film. Fanny is more unique in terms of character traits most commonly used in fiction. It's actually toxic to suggest that because a girl is quiet, or not privileged, or just likes the idea of marrying a clergyman for love and not having any other outward ambition, she's a blank slate. What's next, Mr. Darcy is a blank slate because he has social anxiety. The filmmakers had no right to change what makes Fanny Price Fanny Price.
@@lovetolovefairytales Who said quiet? That's Austen's fault, IMHO. There was a good story for Fanny and she started like she'd be interesting. But if she doesn't say much AND if we don't even get a LOT of her inner thoughts (like we do with other Austen characters in other books) how are we supposed to know what her personality even is? Jane in P&P is "quiet" too, but better written. Not every genius can be a genius all of the time and Austen missed the mark there for me. I did try reading it again in 1999 and had the same opinion. 🤷♀️
I love the set design for Emma 2020. The pastel, cotton candy colors never fail to cheer me up. Mia Goth's and Miranda Hart's acting is incredible. They steal every scene- especially Miranda
I am typically an uber conservative type, and I saw a lot of disparaging reviews of 2020 Emma. But I absolutely loved it. I think it’s my favorite. Yes, it’s more ridiculous and crass but it shows the humanity of people while showing the absurd. Every class in that movie isn’t exempt from folly and also redemption, whereas many movies completely vilify one group or one character. It’s not comparable to the charms of Jane’s books but I don’t expect it to be the book.
The trailer for Persuasion 2022 reminds me of Miranda with Anne talking to the camera.🙈 Like she's going to start talking about fruit friends any minute. Such fun! 😆
Sense and Sensibility 1995 is a winner in my book. Slightly hurt that you rank it so low. The part where Margaret crawls under the table and squeals when she overhears Fanny talk about the Grecian temple is the best. Alan Rickman seeing Kate Winslet for the first time is the best. And it's like Harry Potter alumni. They left out characters but it doesn't take away from the story. Emma portrays Elinor well in her reserve and kindness to everyone. Hugh Grant is more likeable than the written Edward but still awkward and shy and unsure. The fashion is on point. The location is stunning. I'm sorry you have such a low view of it.
100% agree. Sense and Sensibility 1995 is without a doubt far above Sense and Sensibility 2008. To me it’s not even a contest. I was shocked at many of the rankings in this video.
For me 2008 Elinor and Marianne lack charisma. Particularly not keen on Marianne casting choice. I’ve seen it once and did not desire to rewatch it. I could watch 1995 version over and over. So much emotion and gorgeous cinematography.
‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1995) is so much fun. I found it comforting and hilarious. I interpret Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant subverting yet parodying their screen image as Period Drama regulars.
Agreed. Honestly, Hugh Grant irl is more of a Willoughby… he is notorious for being caught in compromising sexual rendezvous. So, him playing a shy, stuttering (at times) Edward Ferrars is a huge departure from his own personality. 🤷🏼♀️
Just going to throw this out there, this past year, with no prior nostalgia or knowledge, I read sense and sensibility then watched the 1995 adaptation and it is just perfect. The way Emma Thompson (the screenwriter) expanded the characters of Edward and Margret is amazing and I love what she did. Kate and Emma look just like sisters. Margret acts just like a younger sister. I felt Elinor’s pain throughout the movie and I sobbed right along with her at the end. It is just such an emotional rollercoaster. They cut out a lot of Marianne’s lamenting which is understandable because she’s sad for soooo long. The only qualm I have is they did not include the Willoughby confession scene BUT it was filmed. It had to be cut for time when editing and just the knowledge that they put thought into it and filmed it is enough for me to forgive this. The f major joke is gold. I respect your opinions but here is my opinion so yea
Best comment ever. For me Sense & Sensibility 1995 is the best adaptation EVER of any of Jane Austen's books. It was absolutely perfect: the actors, their chemistry, the music!! (why doesn't anybody say anything about the beautiful music Patrick Doyle composed for the film?), the script written by Emma Thompson, the costumes, the director... I don't care about the age, usually actors play much younger characters in theatre or film cause it's not easy to find good ones with 19 or 20 always. And then there's the credibility. Emma didn't look 36, she looked younger. And her character as Elinor is more than perfect. People get crazy here about her age cause they knew her real age, but for someone who doesn't even know Emma Thompson, she looks like a baby in that film. Anyway she was the perfect Elinor. I loved this adaptation so much that for one year I watched it daily on my video player. And yes, I had read the book before, maybe that is why I loved the film. I was aware that Emma had to cut a lot or characters and events from the book, but somehow she managed to not only keep the book's spirit, but to enhance it. I absolutely loved it. It's the best, even more than P&P 1995.
I absolutely love the 1995 "Persuasion". I was able to see Amanda Root and Ciaran hinds onstage with the RSC in 1991, and they're both so lovely. ☺️ I've seen both versions of "Mansfield Park", and neither really captures the book.
You should check out the 1983 BBC mini series of Mansfield Park if you get the chance. It has dated production values since it’s an early 80’s tv mini series, but it’s at least the actual story and characters from the book, unlike the 1999 and 2007 films.
I remember that 1980s one well. It was great! Good casting, good performances, and definitely captured the spirit of the book. I'd love to see it again.
I really dislike the 1999 one. Frances, Victoria and Johnny are amazing and Embeth is great. But Fanny is a completely different character and it's become a pro feminism civil rights (not that I don't support that kind of thing) story rather than a story about general morality. They also make it out like Edmund will be poor, when he won't be. Most of all Mrs Norris didn't annoy me that much.
same! i've watched both versions of persuasion and altho i had initial apprehensions before seeing the 1995 version as i saw that they casted much older (or older-looking) actors to portray jane austen lead characters, my opinions have since changed. while the latter version had more good-looking and character age-appropriate actors, i actually prefer the 1995 version. i prefer the actor (ciaran)'s portrayal of captain wentworth much more and i think that the earlier version did a better job at telling the story in such a way that the audience (at least those who were unfamiliar with the book/story at the time of viewing) is left guessing as to the captain's true feelings and as to whether the story wud come to a happy (or at least hopeful) ending. such is definitely not the case in the latter version wherein we (the audience) become privy to captain wentworth's feelings and thoughts on reuniting with anne elliot from the start of the movie.
The best ever Jane Austen adaptation ever has to be Pride and Prejudice (1995) it's so beautiful I don't have words. Everything falls in place perfectly, the screenplay, actors and just everything screams perfection❤️😍
That's kinda my problem with it: at a certain point, perfection of fidelity means it does nothing for me the novel can't. In the hrs it takes just to watch the BBC adaptation, I could just read the novel. I'm not complaining of length. Just, I do not need a perfect visualization. I want an adaptation. I'm not saying it's poorly made: but rather, it's well-made to a fault. (for me!)
@@malexander4094 IDK, I think for a lot of women seeing Collin firth as Mr, Darcy is worth watching it. Yes, it is faithful to the book, but it does do something different. it brings the book to life.
@@malexander4094 Sure, but sometimes you want to give your arms a rest. I'm very grateful for the minisieries whenever I'm feeling down and just want to lie in bed and disconnect my brain for a while.
@@malexander4094I completely agree. Love 1995 and Colin Firth, but give me the genuine adaptation of 1940 with all it's 'innacuracies.' No one thought then a film was a substitute for reading the book; it SHOULD be an entirely different experience!
Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon was perfection in the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. I also loved Kate Winslet in her role. She captured the character perfectly.
I would love to see good, book accurate versions of both _Mansfield Park_ and _Persuasion_ but it doesn't seem likely that will come to pass. The heroines of these books are further away from modern sensibilities than other Austen heroines, so it's most likely that writers/directors will deviate in their depictions of them. Sad really, because Fanny's quiet moral compass and Anne's determination to do the right thing in every circumstance is what really makes those books.
I absolutely agree! I thought that Alan Davies was the person to give us a definitive Mansfield Park and Persuasion.... But then he went and made the dumpster fire that is Sanditon 😒
@@annejeppesen160 if it were a few years ago, back in his "Wives and Daughters" days I'd say he was the perfect one to bring Mansfield Park to screen. Present day and knowing he doesn't even LIKE Mansfield Park? Yeah I hope he leaves well enough alone.
There's definitely a period drama / artsy moviegover audience for a faithful adaptation of Persuasion and Mansfield park, but i guess the biggest hurdle would be the lack of broad appeal.
There is a very old version of Mansfield Park from 1983 with Sylvestra la Touzel and Nicholas Farrell in the leading roles. I won't say much about production values, it's clearly old fashioned, too much clinging to studio sets and not with the modern brilliant colors. But I simply love, how the characters are portrayed. They are so faithful to the book. This is exactly the modest Fanny with her quiet moral compass, not some cheeky slut.
Ive heard that the Sense and Sensibility movie has some of the most accurate period dress and setting, and Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay and wanted it made, so her starring in it wasn't a random casting decision, lol - and i hate Hugh Grant in almost every other movie (he's usually a jerk) but this was my first time seeing him and hes so different than his other roles bc he's super kind and sweet. I also saw it as a child and loved it bc its so funny and dramatic at the same time, which is what i like most about Jane Austen's actual writing. That said, i do think the film had a different feel than the book and captures a slightly different spirit, so i agree with you there. But i see adaptation as an opportunity to see the same basic story done differently, and i think all stories should be adapted over and over again but done differently each time - film and novel are different mediums, neither is better than the other, and theyre very different from each other
@@friend_trilobot oh it is and she says so herself, she really went over and over the screenplay and I supppse she didn't need too much convincing to act the part. All in all at the end, she got an Oscar which I think was very deserving.
Emma Thompson originally felt Natasha Richardson and her sister Joely would be a perfect fit for Eleanor and Marianne, as they were at the time much closer to characters ages in the book . In this version Hugh Laurie would have played col. Brandon. However Columbia pictures wanted Thompson to play Elinor; because she had just won an Oscar for Howard’s end. So that it would be more believable Elinor age was changed form 19 to 27. Because of this col. Brandon need to be played by an older actor. They had also intended to cast someone a bit older as Marianne, but a very determined Kate Winslet won them over. I for one love the cast🤩 and am very happy that work out the way it did; but I also think that Emma Thompson original picks could have been good too.
Hugh Grant famously played that kind of a male lead role in the 90s, I am surprised this seems to have been forgotten or not known! It became a little stereotypical/samey between his roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, S&S, Mickey Blue Eyes, etc. and it wasnt until Bridget Jones that he really played more of a cad/jerk. I think he's perfect as Edward and it's one of my fave roles of his.
Persuasion with Ciaran Hinds & Amanda whatshername is my favourite adaptation. It’s gritty, muddy, realistic and I think the characters are so well done - her bitchy, stuck up sister, and her vain father. The strong silent Wentworth. And how she gets subtly more attractive as the idea of love comes back to her. I did see it at the cinema though.
I have a confession to make: Recently I've been very enamored with Caroline Bingley as portrayed by Anna Chancellor in Prid&Prej 1995. She's just so.... pretty! Her eyebrows are to die for. I'm honestly sad that her eyebrows aren't as dark and heavy as in my fantasies. Her eyebrows can be very expressive.
The good news is that because she wasn’t able to catch Mr. Darcy, I think she’s still single and available! Though you’d better put a ring on it before she finds another man of £10,000 a year to bewitch with her eyebrows.
You fantasize about Caroline Bingley 👀. I liked Anna Chancellor in that role as well, though. Even after many rewatches, I think, she's portraying Caroline Bingley very well.
‘Emma’ (2009) was SO MUCH FUN! It arrived at the correct moment in the cultural zeitgeist. Also, shipping Romola Garai x Jonny Lee Miller because who wouldn’t?
Yes! Amazing version and score! Truly captures the journey of emma for me, especially the love story with mr knightley which might have felt rushed. It helps it was a miniseries
I did not grow up with 1995 pride and prejudice (in fact, I watched the 2005 version first!) so I can say I don't have any nostalgia for it, but it's definitely the best Austen adaptation I've seen
Yeah it kind of bothered me when it was implied people prefer the 1990’s or older adaptations because or nostalgia. I literally watched the 1995 Persuasion and the 2007 Persuasion both the year I turned 30 and the 90’s one is just clearly better imo. I also didn’t watch the Emma Thompson sense and sensibility until my twenties so it’s not nostalgia in that case either. To me the 2008 sense and sensibility was pretty bad. The Edward F chopping wood scene was cringy and something book Edward had probably never done in his life.
@@jessica_jam4386 I had a laughing fit over Mr. Collins' 2005 proposal. My friend who knew 1995 by heart was: "why on earth do you think that's funny?" After watching 1995, I no longer find the 2005 version funny. The power of comparison. I think 1995 Persuasion have the manuscript, and 2007 the casting. I can't stand 1995 Elisabeth, she's too hysterical and I just can't see Captain Wentworth in Ciaran Hinds. They included Mrs Clay's protruding tooth so that's a definite plus.
@@annejeppesen160 I do like that they included Mrs Clays protruding teeth and freckles, straight out of the book🙌 I know 1995 Persuasion isn’t without its problems, I definitely agree with Elizabeth Elliot being miscast and like you said, way too hysterical. I will say though I thought C. Hinds Wentworth was as near perfect as I’ve seen. He actually looked like someone who could’ve spent the past 7-8 years in the Royal Navy, fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. The Wentworth from 2007 didn’t at all look like he’d set foot on a 1800’s Navy Vessel, much less spent almost a decade on one.
I always cringe a little, or a lot when someone says a "modern adaptation"! While I think human nature is timeless and universal, the time in which Austen's novels are set is so important. Women's roles, the necessity of marriage...Napoleon, etc. I haven't been able to get into Bridgerton because of this, so I am skeptical about the Netflix Persuasion.
Hello Sharon M! I'd just like to tell you about one of my *favorite* series. It came out in 2019 and it's a take on Jane Austen's unfinished novel, "Lady Susan" or "The Brothers" ( I can't figure out which one, I've tried though :). It is very loosely based, just a heads up, but I love it SO much. It is much more like these Jane Austen adaptations and has a take on life back then. That said I don't agree with everything they put in their but overall it's a great series. You should definitely try to watch it. Your friend (and comrade in a world of dissing classics) Alaina Sanditon Trailer Below: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bewgZjUVhYg.html
I liked Clueless as an adaptation though. But I think it worked because it didn't call itself Emma and they hired good writers who didn't pander around the novel
But the comparison is not there though. Bridgerton is not supposed to be a XIX century story like JA. It was written in the 2000 and it's more of "sexy fanfiction" of what the XIX could be in the author's mind, cause we don't have mentions of sex or female pleasure in the classic (for obvious reasons) and it's a bit inevitable that humans seek these part of a relationship especially when the "spiritual" part was already done so well. It's like a search for the fullfilment in a relationship that the period in which the classics are written cannot explicitly give. It's more of a fantasy for modern audiences (really modern, I mean 2000 was 20 years ago) then trying to be a JA type of period piece. Which is why I would argue it's not even target to the same audience, as some people market it.
For Mansfield Park, I'd suggest you watch the 1983 version. It's very accurate. I think it can come off as boring to many people, but as it hit the accuracy chord which is the most important thing for me, I enjoyed it very much.
Oh! I´ve been looking for that version! One of my copies of Mansfield Park has a picture of it on the cover, and I allways thouogt that was a good Fanny look, not lively and beautiful like Billy Piper but more sweet and pretty.
I love 1995 Pride and Prejudice it's favorite of the Jane Austen adaptations. It's what introduced me to Jane Austen and inspired me to go find the books. I love Lizzy and Darcy in it. All the characters are pretty close to what I imagine the characters from the books. Also the 1995 Sense and Sensibility. I can't help it I love Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet. I also loved the BBC Sense and Sensibility too.
It's not really a cliche to put 95 pride and prejudice as number 1 because it really is well made. Like you said, they have really captured the characters and the quality of the book. I mean, the actor who played Mr Collins was exactly as I imagined. The music they chose captures the spirit of the book. It's all around brilliant
You have '95 Persuasion listed first as 1997 then as 1995 (typo?) That aside, I genuinely am dismayed each time you mention this version. No, it is not true to the precise book plot, but it (mainly through the brilliant acting of Amanda Root) captures perfectly the sense of tension and risk that erupts into Anne's life in Austen's story. It's a story about the danger of hope, and speaks right to the heart of not just English society of the time but social universals, and to the ways humans seek to protect themselves (in cages built from the bones of dead hope), and how you negotiate a What If scenario where that hope just perhaps maybe possibly can be reborn... the whole of the 1995 version simmers with what's unsaid, and fine details that can make or break an all or nothing situation.
Persuasion 1995 is maybe my favorite Jane Austen adaptation. I think it’s pretty much perfect, even if it’s not 100% the book down to a T. I don’t understand how anyone can prefer the 2007 one over the 1995 one. And it’s not nostalgia for me, because I didn’t even watch 1995 Persuasion until I was 30.
@@jessica_jam4386 likewise, I was ~35 and had read the book at least a dozen times since 1982 when I saw the '95 movie. First time I watched, each minor deviation was obvious, but it was also clear why they were done, and I think they enhanced Austen's original objectives in ways that would not have worked in text, because they rely mostly on visuals. Nice to know I'm not alone in this at least! We should form a club and search the world for member #3 ;-)
@@stiofanmacamhalghaidhau765 I also think that the Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds version of Persuasion is the bomb! There's a lot of very subtle acting, and the supporting actors are just exquisite, and it breaks into just enough humour to make the sadness really hurt. (And I don't think they deviated much until right at the end, when they simplified Mr Eliot's and Mrs Smith's plotlines, which were always secondary plot devices anyway.)
@@DaisyNinjaGirl agreed on the use of humour as a foil for the sadness. Similarly for the supporting actors. The portrayal of Lady Russell, the Harvilles and Musgroves in particular just felt so utterly human and 'true'... this was exactly how it felt to read the novel. I would place Persuasion and Hardy's Jude the Obscure (his last complete novel also) as the two great novels of Englsih language literature in the 19th century. Regarding Persuasion, I really feel this Nick Dear/ Roger Mitchell adaptation captures everything that matters in the book. Love it.
I love the Ciaran Hinds Persuasion adaptation with gorgeous natural lighting and subtle drama. I cannot bear the 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow iteration of Enma, and much prefer the adaptation with Kate Beckinsale which came out the same year. Emma is my least favourite Austen protagonist but Kate made me like her!
I completely forgot that Netflix India now has ‘Emma’ (2020). I really liked the trailer which felt very fun and subversive. I love me an ‘Emma’ Adaptation.
I agree with you on the fact that we need a good adaptation for Mansfield Park. My top three, so far, are: 1 - Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth, obviously) 2- Sense and Sensibility (with Alan Rickman reading poetry, yes, please) 3 - Persuasion (with Ciaran Hinds) I do like Emma (with Romola Garai) and Sense and Sensibility (with Dan Stevens). Still haven't watched some of the versions on your list, unfortunately. Clueless (with Alicia Silverstone) and Bridget Jones's Diary (with Colin Firth AND Hugh Grant) should definitely get honorable mentions.
i love that version of Persuasion too! i like how ciaran hinds portrayed captain wentworth in that he doesn't reveal his true feelings and we are left guessing as to the inner workings of his mind (and most especially his heart). ^^
Watching the 1995 Sense and Sensibility led me to all things Jane Austen. Prior to that I had never read Jane Austen’s books. So that adaptation has a special place in my heart for that reason; however the BBC miniseries is better. I enjoy period dramas in general, so in my mind there is something I like in all of them.
I alos fell in love with Jane Austen because of this adaption. I never really knew her either before this movie so that is probably why I didn't see the difference. I still watch this movie from time to time. I am a sucker for a happy ending and also I wanted to marry Alan Rickman's version of Colonel Brandon- LOL
The thing with Sense and Sensibility 2008 is that they expand on the characters very well, just as JA could've done. The music is beautiful and the cinematography goes out of their way to present beautiful backdrops for the scenes. JA adaptations I've seen tend to be very careful about this so, I'm gonna guess, they don't distract the audience from the dialogue. Only here and Emma 2020/2009 I've seen that. Colin Firth is the ultimate Mr. Darcy in my book. Great list! I kinda agree with everything you've said, haha.
Colin Firth - Yes! Forever! But have you seen Lost in Austen mini-series? Elliot Cowan is not far behind, despite being a little different vision (that stern look... 😍 a vision indeed🤭)
I am particularly fond of 2004 Bride and Prejudice directed by Gurinder Chadha. Lalita Bakshi's jingoistic pride really made me understand Elizabeth Bennet character. It's really a before/after event for me.
I love Bride and Prejudice. It was actually my "gateway" film to Bollywood musicals. I also found Bollywood versions of Sense and Sensibility and Emma. The Indians really seem to like Jane Austin.
1995 Sense and Sensibility is my absolute favorite. I saw it before I read the book, and I love Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant, and I don’t disagree with your comments, but I just love it. For the same reason, I dislike the 1996 Emma because I just didn’t like Gwenyth Paltrow. I do agree there are more faithful versions.
I think that the ultimate version of persuasion does exist! Persuasion 1971 is just delightful, I like it almost as much as P&P1995. And Mansfield park 1983 is very true to the book. I definitely recommend watching these two mini-series.
Back in 2020 lockdown, I went on a Jane Austen film adaptation binge and watched these at recommendation of a friend who absolutely has nostalgic love of Mansfield Park (1983). These older adaptations didn't really tickle my fancy, but they were enjoyable all the same. I'm so partial to the books and just haven't found a film adaptation that captures anything of the books for me.
I have a soft spot for Emma (1996) because I felt like it did a better job than most versions showing Emma as someone who really loves her father and that her manipulative mindset stems from how she’s been forced to work around her father’s needs and eccentricities to do the most basic things. It makes her character more understandable rather than evil. None of the adaptations of Emma really show her well. Partly because modern audiences don’t understand how restrictive and isolating Emma’s lifestyle would be.
I also always loved Gwyneth Paltrow's expressions when being scolded by Mr. Knightley. They were so exactly like my little sister's expressions when getting called out when she was determined not to think herself in the wrong.
I agree. I absolutely love that version of Emma. It sounds a tad shallow but the costumes, cinematography and soundtrack are sublime, and that's one of the reasons I love it ☺
The 1995 version of "Pride and Prejudice" is one of a very few movies I can rewatch over and over again. It's so realistic and so close to the book! I love the characters with all my heart. The cast is fantastic, the actors did amazing job😍
My favorite adaptation is the 1995 Persuasion. I love the subtle transformation of Amanda Root's Anne, and Ciaran Hinds is a strong Wentworth. Perhaps it's why I so dislike the Hawkins/Penry-Jones version - mostly because of the two leads - and don't even get me started on the ending...
The 1980s version of "Pride & Prejudice" is surprisingly good! It doesn't topple the version 1995, of course, but it's very faithful to the book and the actors are well cast.
I much preferred the actress who played Elizabeth in the 1985 version. Jennifer Ehle kept smacking her lips when she was trying to be demure. It was an affectation that really irritated me. I also preferred the actor who played Mr. Bennett over Donald Sutherland in the 1995 version. Other than that, I liked both the 1985 and 1995 miniseries very well.
Thanks, Ellie! I can't stand P&P 2005 because everyone and everything looks grimey-dirty-sweaty, but P&P 1995 is nearly perfect. (Netflix, please follow this example with Persuasion.) Emma 2009 is my fave, too.
I agree, and the pigs and the cows and ugh! And they talk so fast and all at the same time you can barely understand what anyone is saying and the story is so rushed! And the worst is the changes they made to the letter scene and the 1st proposal scene. And why is Darcy walking around with chest hair for everyone to see? The man is basically nobility. Hard pass on this movie.
@@leannerae Personally, I lost it, when Bingley just entered Jane's bedroom, when she was recovering from her cold at Netherfield. With her *in bed*, in a nightgown 🤯. Even with Elizabeth present, that would have been so incredibly inappropriate...I just can't even...
@@leannerae I agree! Plus they changed the character's personalities so much which changed their motivations and the character arcs. I might have liked the movie a bit more if they hadn't tried to call it Pride and Prejudice!
I love the 1990s version of Persuasion with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds. I don't have a lot of interest in the new version because I'm not sure why a movie that takes place in 1814/1815 needs to be modern.
Emma 2009 and Pride and Prejudice 1995 are my favorite Austen adaptations as well, and I re-watch both of them as my confort series so often that I know all the lines
I agree with your list, except for Persuasion 1995 - I put that at number 4 on my list. As for Mansfield Park, we definitely need a new adaptation. The 1999 version was awful and disturbing. Nothing like the book, at all.
As a fashion history nerd, believability of costumes, hair, makeup, etc. weights in *hugely* for me. If cultural phenomena like clothing, furniture, food, manners, class, etc. aren't portrayed in a half decent manner, I just can't see the rest of what's going on. It's a weakness, I know, and very irritating, but if something is supposed to be set in a certain era, but it's shock full of (often willful) errors (because the director or producer had an... aesthetic vision), how am I supposed to believe the story? 😅
@@donnalynnequick4761 I'm not the original commenter, but as a fellow fashion history nerd I would say Pride and Prejudice 2005 fits all the points Sarah mentioned.
Even adaptations with good costumes and decent acting can be nearly RUINED by modern hair/makeup/lack of proper support garments or headwear. Like, we get it, Hollywood director, Pamela Von LeadingActress is hot, but this is supposed to be 1812 and hot for back then was to pin up/curl your hair and wear a freaking bonnet!
Man I love the 1994 version of Little Women. The first half I felt represented the book very well. I loved Kirsten Dunst as Amy. Florence Pugh did adult Amy great but I just couldn't buy her as child Amy because she just seemed too old to be a believable 12 year old for me... I told my boyfriend that the 1994 movie did the childhood portion better and the 2019 version did adulthood better. But if I had to pick one, I would pick the 1994 version all the way.
I enjoyed 2019, but 1994 is the superior Little Women to me! I do also really enjoy the version from 1949. They aged Amy up so that Liz Taylor could play her, and she does a great job. I actually think Kirsten Dunst and Elizabeth Taylor are tied for me as my favorite Amys:) Florence Pugh is a good actress, but it looked ridiculous to see a grown woman throwing tantrums on the floor like a little kid lol.
same! i've only watched the 2019 version once and haven't rewatched the 1994 version in a while but unlike most people, i wasn't as taken by the 2019 version as i hoped i wud be. and florence pugh as amy is also one of my biggest problems with the later version. i still think kirsten dunst portrayed amy better. altho i love both versions of jo. ^^
@@Bethi4WFH Ellie mentioned the 1994 Little Women in the video and said she wasn’t a big fan of it. So her comment has to do with the video she’s commenting under.
Whew. I wish someone had told me about the more recent version of Mansfield Park before I watched it. It was HORRIBLE, so inappropriate, and I wish I'd never seen it. That one would be absolutely at the bottom of my list!
@@EllieDashwood now I want to see it. Even though I HATE Fanny. Oh how I struggled to get through that book. It took me a good 20-30 yrs to buckle down and make my way through it and it wasn't worth it.
@@jessica_jam4386 I wouldn't lump the 2007 version with the 1999 version. I think 2007 suffered from a low budget and was more like a play and they were obviously pressured into making it like 2005 p&p without funds to do so. At least they were TRYING to tell Jane Austen's story and not some feminist garbage rewrite. There are also objectively some very darling moments unique to 2007. Like when Tom says "Fanny is the best girl alive", or the scene where Edmund and Fanny finally kiss. I think it also makes a huge difference what cut of the film you watch. The Masterpiece Theater cut is choppy, the full British one is rather lovely in its way. I have it on Blu-ray.
OK, nice list, but two things: First - 1996 Emma with Kate Beckinsale? I enjoyed it! Second - Not directly Jane Austin, but have you ever seen BBC's series Sharpe with Sean Bean (NOT DYING) They work George Wickham into one of the stories as a pseudo sequal to Pride and Prejudice and I think do a great job of capturing the character and how he could have ended up. Sorry no spoilers.
Kate Beckinsale Emma (another Andrew Davies adaptation) has the best Frank and Jane imo. Both parts miscast in 96 Paltrow version and might as well not be in 2020. 2009 Jane was ok but Frank was really unlikeable.
I completely agree with your top 3- especially regarding Emma. I taught Emma in a class this year and I felt like I was watching the movie as I read the book. Great list! No hate from me!
@@EllieDashwood Emma is my daughter's favorite Austen book. Now my 15yr old, boyish, Star Wars- loving son decided to read it. He likes it so far and as an Austen addict, I am so proud of him. He also read p&p. There is also a P&P musical that I enjoy watching, though it cannot capture the book fully.
I guess I'm the only one who loves, adores and worships the 1995 Emma? And yes, I'd read the book many times before seeing it. It is completely faithful to the book and only adds a *few* non-Austen lines. What it consolidates, it does very well IMHO. This was a movie, not a mini-series! Also, Jeremy Northam is almost exactly how I pictured Mr. Knightley when I first read Emma in 1981. My only complaint the and now was (and with the new Emma) is WTH is Emma blonde when it is one of the few times Austen is clear on her character's haircolor?
I love this version too! Jeremy Northam is my favorite Mr. Knightly, and the scene with Gweneth Paltrow as they confess their love is an almost perfect moment in acting, music, and setting. That enormous sprawling tree they are near is amazing as well.
I am so glad I’m not alone in saying Emma 2020 just doesn’t capture Emma the way the book feels. I love the 2009 Emma so much that when I watched the new one I came away so disappointed. It looked beautiful but just didn’t do it for me.
Emma 2020 looks and feels good but they changed the main point of the book ie Emma doesn't know she loves Knightley until Harriet says she does and Knightley does realize he loves Emma until she is insulting to miss Bates because he is so upset that the woman he realizes he loves has such bad manners
I don't like Keira Knightley as Elizabeth because I don't see Lizzy I just see Keira doing her typical rebel princess routine. I think she's worse than Billie as Fanny.
@@EllieDashwood I dunno, she isn't my favorite Elizabeth, but her quirky beauty would not have been valued in that time period, so she worked for me in that way.
@@etherealtb6021 I think one of my problems with Keira is she's good at ONE type of character and keeps getting hired for EVERYTHING. She doesn't have enough range to be Sugar plumb fairy, Lizzy Bennet, Anna Karenina, AND whatever that woman from Love Actually was called when she could barely get Elizabeth Swan right. The only thing I really have liked her in was Princess of Thieves. Oh and atonement. I agree about the hair. I don't understand why fans give her a pass and whine about Billie's hair in MP.
It will always be Pride and Prejudice 2005 to me. It is my comfort movie. I love it. And Matthew Macfadyen is the only Mr Darcy out there since I watched it!
P & P 1995 is my top too. Have watched it over 100 times! But I also love 90s Persuasion. The actors are all too old for the characters in my opinion but I think they still manage to do an excellent job. Excited and nervous about the new version too!
I absolutely love Alan Rickman, he is (was) one of my favourite actors but I cannot watch 1995 Sense and Sensibility anymore. Every time I watch it I am more and more irritated by the fact that Emma Thompson was just too old to be Elinor. I know that other actors in this film, including Alan Rickman, (and in other JA adaptions) were older than the characters they were portraying but for some reason, it’s Emma Thompson as Elinor that just sends me and I can’t get past it.
@@lovetolovefairytales same, it just felt ”wrong” to me with Emma not being blonde😂 And as a blonde myself, i’m happy to have at least one Austen heroine who’s blonde
If you ever rate modern adaptations, you should watch the Lizzie Bennet Diaries here on RU-vid! It’s the best modern adaptation using vlogs and it started the mini boom of modern adaptations web series!
The Northanger Abbey kiss between JJ Feild and Felicity Jones is one of the best movie kisses ever imo. Then again, I hear there's a kissing fan club for him, soooo.... 😁
Billie Piper is the more unlike Fanny Price than anyone I can think of! I didn't have the strength to watch this version of Mansfield Park in it's entirety but I remember liking the actors who portrayed the Crawfords. I think the 1983 BBC version of Mansfield Park was really good. I also liked the version of Emma that you liked but I also really liked the BBC 1972 version of Emma. I totally disagree with you about the 1995 version of Persuasion, to me it is the definitive version. The performances are amazing and the movie captured the feel of the novel perfectly for me. I watched part of the 2007 version of Persusian and again, I couldn't stand it enough to watch it through. Ugh! I agree with you about your choices for number one. :-)
A really good RU-vid source on Jane Austen movie adaptations is Mistress of Pemberley. I like the way she takes key moments from each novel and creates reels showing how that moment was depicted in all the movie adaptations. It’s a great way to get a side by side comparison of the adaptations.
I really loved the 80's mini series of Mansfield Park, but film has come such a long way in the past 40 years, it needs an update! (I would love to play Fanny Price) Also, the 1996 Emma with Kate Beckinsale (Came out the same year as Gwyneth Paltrow one, but it is different) has my favourite Jane Fairfax and was my first encounter with Emma!
Thanks, Ellie. I haven’t seen a mention of the Kate Beckinsale adaptation of “Emma” yet. (Sorry if I’ve missed the reference!) Regardless, I appreciate your admiration of J.J. Fields, as Henry Tilney has long been my favorite (personal) Jane Austen hero, and Mr. Fields does him justice, indeed.
Ah yes please I was distracted by my thoughts on 1983, but Kate Beckinsale was brilliant as Emma and Mark Strong was just what Mr Knightly needed. Sting silence is golden, oh my goodness I love that adaptation
It's been years, but is that the version with the inclusion of little "daydreams" to help illustrate Emma's intentions in her matchmaking? I remember thinking those were a brilliant way of helping viewers understand Emma, and I quite enjoyed them.
@@frutrace Yes, exactly! Also Mark Strong’s intensity shocked me, initially, as Mr. Knightly; however, I have come to see him as the definitive Mr. Knightly… especially as I have compared his performance to repeated re-readings. His compassion and unwillingness to ever “punch down” is so eloquently portrayed by Mr. Strong and just sums up Mr. Knightly to a tee.
Our top 3 and favorite adaptations are the same. The longer mini series provides the time to explore the stories. My favorite Mansfield Park Is the 1999 adaptation and Little Women 1949 will always have a special place in my heart.
That’s such a good point about miniseries. They do give so much more time to explore! Also, I haven’t seen the 1949 Little Women. I will have to check it out!
Emma Thompson wrote the screenplay and actually didn't want to play Eleanor in S&S 1995, but the studio said they wouldn't green light it unless she did.
Emma Thompson did not act like Emma Thompson! In real life she’s very animated and boisterous, I thought she captured Elinor’s quiet but strong personality perfectly. And Hugh Grant was totally different from his usual self, again a quiet strength.
I sooo agree with your choices! Years ago, before I was familiar with Jane Austen's works, my sister loaned me the mini series of Pride and Prejudice (the best one with Colin Firth) which I kept on the shelf for quite awhile. Then one day I went home sick from work. I had that "sweet spot of the flu" where I wasn't too sick to watch TV. I decided to put on that series my sister gave me. I never had such an enjoyable afternoon in my life. I binged the whole thing. What a pleasure it was. Now I'm going to watch Northanger Abbey again 🥰 BTW, I love your channel! ❤️
Andrew Davies is the king of Jane Austen adaptations - Pride and Prejudice (1995), Sense and Sensibility (2008), Northanger Abbey (2007), Emma (1996 Kate Beckinsale version not Gwyneth Paltrow), Sanditon (2019-2022). Any Jane Austen project he is involved in always turns out stunning and is superior to other popular versions, right down to the casting, the screenplay, the music, the costumes, the locations/setting etc. His P+P and S+S especially though were outstanding! I wish he would do adaptations of Persuasion and Mansfield Park.
I didn't watch P&P 1995 until I was an adult and I still thoroughly enjoyed it. So I didn't have the same nostalgic lense that most people see through.
3) Sense and Sensibility 2008 is the best adaptation of that novel, it's so good. 2) Emma 2009 with Romola Garai is so good, I don't really like the other versions of Emma. 1) Pride and Prejudice 2005 is my absolute favourite movie.
I would rate the Rozema "Mansfield Park" at the bottom of the Austen adaptations I have seen: when I read her comment that she was planning to characterize Fanny more like Austen herself than like the character in the novel, I felt at once that this was no longer "Mansfield Park"; I remember also strongly objecting to the writing and direction of Mary Crawford (though Embeth Davidtz acted beautifully). While I agree that Emma Thompson's "Sense and Sensibility" doesn't capture the novel, I think it respected the source material; that there was a great deal of enjoyment and love for the characters missing from some of the other productions, and that Ang's direction captured the general feeling of what it might be been like to live and engage with the customs and rituals of 18th century England. I respect that. Alan Rickman, of course, gives such depth and feeling to Brandon. Similarly, I love the Amanda Root "Persuasion" because I feel the script was clear, clean and understood Anne's role as the one everyone depends on, talks to, and takes for granted; and that her growth during the movie was soft, and gradual, and believable. It was this movie that persuaded (!) my mother and me to go back and read Austen fresh. I will always love it for that. Sometimes I feel I am the only person in the whole entire world who doesn't appreciate the 1995 "Pride and Prejudice". I am not fond of it: I feel its pacing is turgid; that it is not funny, that it sometimes verges on shrill; that Colin Firth's Darcy is just ... grumpy. Even my father commented on this characterization. The swimming scene that drove everyone into raptures never did anything for me. I did not like it. I will take Alan Rickman's monologue in "Sense and Sensibility" over the swimming scene any day of the week.
I do like 1995 Pride and Prejudice, but honestly the 1980 version is my favorite. It doesn’t have the production value of 1995’s, but most of it feels more like the book to me than 1995’s. I feel like I’m in the minority with this opinion though lol.
I'm surprised you haven't mentioned any of the BBC adaptations from the 1980's. That is the ultimate Pride and Prejudice in my opinion; almost every word the actors speak is a direct (and beautiful) quotation from Austen. I haven't had a chance to see it, but I know they also did Sense and Sensibility the next year, and I assume that would be very accurate as well.
The '80s miniseries of Mansfield Park was really well done, the actress who plays Fanny Price does a great job - she managed to get that mix of diffidence whilst being firm in her convictions. The whole cast is good, in fact. Also, that era's Pride & Prejudice is my second favourite version.
I also love those top picks. I also found it a little funny that Dan Stevens was cast as Edward Ferrars. I saw it at around Season 2 of Downton Abbey, and it seemed like they tended to put Dan Stevens in the role of the nice, honorable young man who’s trying so hard to do the right thing that you want to punch him in the face.
You didn't see Mansfield Park 1999 because it has some questionable content? What adult fan of Austen misses an important adaptation without giving it at least 1 chance (and this one is PG-13 btw) ? I wouldn't miss any Austen adaptation because of someone telling me it has "questionable content" ... As an adult I'd watch it first and then decide.
If the questionable moment were the drawings of enslaved women than that's really silly. The hint on slavery and how bad it was was quite well done in the movie, terrible but not in a traumatizing way.
I was under the impression she was referring to hearing that it was a bad adaptation, and changed Fanny into a vehicle to shove in elements of Jane Austen's life. At least that is what sprung to my mind when she said questionable content.
Your ranking of these movies/series’s is so close to mine! I love it! :) The only difference is that 2007 Persuasion does rank a little higher for me. Thank you for making this video though! It was so fun to watch!
Im so glad you like sense and sensibility 2008, that is one of my favourites. I feel like a lot of people haven’t seen it as well, I watched it recently again and it’s still good 😊
I find the 95' P&P a bit staid for my tastes, whereas the 05' version really leans into the underlying passion and intensity the characters have. Plus the score and cinematography are just so lush.
When I read Mansfield Park I thought I was going to hate it because Fanny annoyed me and I didn't find the 2005 series that memorable. But I actually liked it a lot (also practically went in blind since I forgot most of the story). I think I deserves another adaptation.
I disliked Fanny for a long time, I honestly had something weird happen recently where the character clicked for me and I felt like I finally “got” her. I like that she stands by her convictions even if everyone she cares about if pressuring her to do the opposite. It took guts to stand up to Sir Thomas Bertram about not accepting Henry Crawfords proposal, and Fanny of course ended up being right about her reading of Henry’s character in the end😊 I’m so glad I’m seeing people in the comments that appreciate the character of Fanny Price, considering I think she’s still the most difficult heroine for 21st century readers (well and even some readers in Austen’s life time) to get behind.
@@jessica_jam4386 that's very true. She is feels meek but she is very strong at the same time. At one point I was thinking just marry the dude lol. Then turns out she was absolutely right about him lol.
Fun fact... during lockdown Jennifer Ehle read Pride and Prejudice on RU-vid. That's when I found out she was American and had to learn the appropriate accent.
I am in complete agreement with you on the top two best Austen adaptations being #1 1995 Pride and Prejudice and #2 2008 Sense and Sensibility. 👏 The reason for this? BOTH screenplays were done by Andrew Davies. He is brilliant and no one can touch him in adapting period pieces. There should just be a law that only he gets to adapt Austen's novels- everyone else comes up short!
It would be interesting to see what he'd come up with for Persuasion and Mansfield Park as he hasn't done either of those and neither has a great fairly recent adaptation.
I definitely love the 90s versions for nostalgia reasons, but they each have actual strengths too. Ultimately, I’m always willing to watch a new Austen adaptation.
I didn’t grow up with the 90s shows but I still love them! But Idk i do love their vibe (likely the lower quality and smaller budget just feel right for some reason)(also think they tend to be more accurate) P&P 1995 it’s probably my favourite too. Am slightly distressed why 1995 persuasion is low down but I get why people may not love it. And yeah, I’ve watched both Mansfield Park’s and they are messy. Prefer the movie but the whole Mr Crawford subplot is a bit different (they make him way nicer) which I enjoy (like I love him too much in that version), but I would much prefer fidelity to the source material. Edward is eh in both versions. Hope we get a new good one soon!
As someone who has had S&S 95 as her comfort movie since 3rd grade I remember being struck by the different Focus of the story in the book. I feel like the movie focuses mostly on Marianne and a little bit Eleanor, whereas the book focuses on Eleanor and a little bit on Marianne. Which makes sense, Marianne is the more whirlwind story of the two of them, but I think that is also why the feel is so different between the two mediums. I felt like it followed the book well with how the characters felt, but the focus had shifted from mainly the Sensible one to the Sensitive one if that makes sense?
Though I've not seen all these adaptations , I have difficulty imagining a worse movie than the keera Knightly P&P . It was objectively bad film . As to the mini series P&P being number one , any other placement would just be trolling .
Oh man, when I read/watch these lists, I usually disagree strongly with something or other. :-) (It's so personal.) I did find it quite interesting that you rated S&S 1995 quite low, and P&P 2007 relatively high - to me, they made a lot of similar choices in how they adapted the script, how they cast and directed the characters, and how they filmed it. I do think - for everyone - that the age you were when you first saw something, and how you feel about the actors in it, does really affect the way you think about it (the _my_ Doctor Who syndrome, if you will.) Also, I think you should give Emma 1996 with Kate Beckinsale a go. It looks like a TV movie (which it is), but I think Beckinsale really nails who Emma is supposed to be. Plus, Olivia Williams as Jane Fairfax is just... chef's kiss.
Have you seen Lost in Austen? I was enthralled when it came out, and I bet you would be too. Elizabeth Bennet and a modern woman end up switching places and it's really entertaining.
That's a kooky yet strangely addictive series. I hate so much about it and it's shameless self insert fanfiction, buts I will literally watch it anytime it's on. Also am I crazy or was Gemma actually a great Lizzy Bennet?!
I so wanted to love Lost in Austen but ended up hating it😓 she didn’t come across as someone obsessed with the book or Jane Austen to me, she just came across as someone obsessed with the Pride and Prejudice mini series. And she should’ve put her hair up when she went back in time dangit!🤣
Hey that's super super helpful!! thank you!! i also had no idea that Persuasion was about to come out, so i'm super excited now since i'm just about done reading it after watching your book rec video twice and taking scrupulous notes about the best order for me. I also have to say, i'm sure you get this all the time, but SO MUCH of that book ties in to things i've learned watching your videos, and i'm 100% sure i would be so much more confused without all that precious, exclusive knowledge about precedence, titles, calling etiquette, etc etc. You're a treasure!!!
I agree about the top 3. And also we need a good adaptation of Persuasion and Mansfield Park. I think mini serie will be more apropriate for Mansfield Park because it's a long book, with a lot of things happening and it deserve to be well treated.
