Review of Sense and Sensibility (1995) by Ana Claudia P — 01 Oct 2010

If you watch only one romantic 19th century literary adaptation in your lifetime, make it Sense and Sensibility.

Let me point out that the Victorian and pre-Victorian eras have been filmed to death, PBS alone has tapped that well nearly dry with its sumptuous yet sterile productions for nearly 40 years. There is really nothing that can be further contributed in terms of costume or set decoration to set one production distinctly apart from another. Where Oscar-winning screenwriter Emma Thompson has excelled is by providing this fantastic cast the opportunity to inject real, relatable life into these characters who follow a social code very different from our own. We get so much more than the usual furtive glances and pained expressions that most period pieces rely solely upon, Sense and Sensibility tackles the real emotions beneath the veneers. I've used the word 'real' twice already, but that's what I found so remarkable about this film in a genre that normally bores me to death - the people seem so REAL! And they are people I can actually care about, people who are striving to find happiness within a social system that does not always reward the virtuous. Ms. Thompson has exquisitely captured the voice of Jane Austen here, a novelist during a time when her gender was discouraged from such undertakings, and surpasses Emma as the finest film realization of her work.

The dialogue is wonderful and matched by the performances. There's so much to savor in this movie. Sisters Elinor and Marianne heatedly debating the best way to attract a man. Elinor's cathartic outburst upon realization of a momentous misunderstanding. Marianne's sorrow following rejection. Colonel Brandon's flicker of joy at being acknowledged by the object of his affection. And unlike most cinematic depictions would have you believe, humor was not invented in the 20th century. Comedic moments abound like the ladies hustling indoors to properly position themselves to receive a gentleman caller. Hugh Laurie's disdainful expression when his wife crumples the corner of his newspaper. Mrs. Jennings' meddling in her friends' affairs. And the bellylaugher, the unexpected reaction to "Go ahead, you can tell me anything!".

I could go on, but what I'm trying to convey is that Sense and Sensibility was a rare experience. Engaging, moving, funny, informative, and filled with personality and a timelessness that frees it from the historical setting. I heavily debated whether to award 4.5 or 5 stars - shouldn't the 5 star tag signify that it's one of my very favorite movies? Maybe it is and I just haven't fully accepted that realization yet. There are certainly no faults evident. Maybe the leap between the final two scenes is a little hasty, I would've liked more connecting material, but maybe that's how the book ends. Ultimately I award the highest rating because any film that has me pulling this hard for Alan Rickman MUST be quite extraordinary!