Review of Love & Friendship (2016) by Jozie L — 23 Aug 2016

I've adored the adaptations - book to film - that have been produced over the past 10 years or so. They've been witty, sweet, funny, tragic, and always uplifting . . . capturing the essence of how I've read Jane Austin's work. My favorites have been Pride and Prejudice (PBS series & 2005 film), Emma (1996), Sense and Sensibility (1995).

Love & Friendship (based on the novella Lady Susan by Austin) starring Kate Beckinsale seemed so promising, the reviews confirmed its attributes. But 10 minutes into the film I felt annoyed by the ruthless main character, impatient with her conniving cohort, ashamed for the veiled stupidity of the supporting characters. James Martin is the only character I truly enjoyed meeting.

Don't get me wrong, the acting was superb; the sets beautiful, the costumes stunning.

It's just the story I didn't like. Seemed anti-Austin. But then, maybe that's what she was aiming at . . . something different.