Review of Sense and Sensibility (1995) by George D — 13 Mar 2012

This brilliant adaption of Jane Austen's debut novel follows the story of the Dashwood family's fall from riches following the death of their patriarch, and their struggle to find a place for themselves in society.

Missing very little of the book's key events and themes, Ang Lee's adaption has every hallmark of a classic Jane Austen narrative, from the sharp wit and irony of the characters themselves, to the tragic as well as humorous situations in which they find themselves.

At the forefront of every Austen novel is the focus on class-consiousness and class differences, and Lee takes to this with every comedic twist that the book does; through hyperbole on the part of the characters' personalities, and a note of sarcasm to their conversations.

The trademark characters are well presented, from the upper-class snobbery of Fanny Dashwood, to the deceitful and villainous John Willoughby, and the sensible and insightful heroine of Elinor. The excellent cast bring the characters to life and add personality to what could be considered a rather two-dimensional group of people.

Despite the overly romantic ending, which I felt missed the point of the book's ending somewhat, Sense and Sensibility is nevertheless wholly unenjoyable, and deserves the praise it has received as a truly outstanding literary adaption.