Every Jane Austen Adaptation Ranked from Worst to Best
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Date: 2023-11-21
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Comments and reviews: 30
JJett's
While I respect others' preferences, the 2020 Emma is one of the few I don't own because I can't stand rewatching it (I watch every Austen adaption twice before I decide to purchase it for my collection. With Emma 2020 time I cringed throughout the entire film several times and in both watchings. This version of Mr. Knightly is perhaps the least attractive version; my mother called him ugly and I couldn't counter her statement. The nude scenes didn't add to the film, and for my mother, they actually made the film unwatchable. And the nosebleed during the love confession. oh man, the awkward silence in the room from all my family during it speaks volumes: that was supposed to be a funny scene, but we just ended up cringing and curling up our lips in disgust. The only thing I liked about the movie was the color palette and the costumes, which didn't make up for everything else that was lacking.
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While I respect others' preferences, the 2020 Emma is one of the few I don't own because I can't stand rewatching it (I watch every Austen adaption twice before I decide to purchase it for my collection. With Emma 2020 time I cringed throughout the entire film several times and in both watchings. This version of Mr. Knightly is perhaps the least attractive version; my mother called him ugly and I couldn't counter her statement. The nude scenes didn't add to the film, and for my mother, they actually made the film unwatchable. And the nosebleed during the love confession. oh man, the awkward silence in the room from all my family during it speaks volumes: that was supposed to be a funny scene, but we just ended up cringing and curling up our lips in disgust. The only thing I liked about the movie was the color palette and the costumes, which didn't make up for everything else that was lacking.
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Nolan
I like the 2005 P&P version best. I believe it best portrays Lizzies sense of fun and personality and the building blocks of her prejudice best. Although the ending was acceptable, it was not as good as it could have been. It did not show the utter elation Darcy had at Elizabeths acceptance (finally) of his marriage proposal as portrayed in the book. He is is too serious or reserved. And then Elizabeth totally breaks the mood with your hands are cold which is unfortunate putting it mildly, plus then he immediately puts a cold hand to her cheek. I believe they tried to save it by adding the last scene. Overall though I love this version. The worst version deserves as little attention as you gave it, the 1940s version. Hollywood did a number on it, so much so as to change the story almost unrecognizably.
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I like the 2005 P&P version best. I believe it best portrays Lizzies sense of fun and personality and the building blocks of her prejudice best. Although the ending was acceptable, it was not as good as it could have been. It did not show the utter elation Darcy had at Elizabeths acceptance (finally) of his marriage proposal as portrayed in the book. He is is too serious or reserved. And then Elizabeth totally breaks the mood with your hands are cold which is unfortunate putting it mildly, plus then he immediately puts a cold hand to her cheek. I believe they tried to save it by adding the last scene. Overall though I love this version. The worst version deserves as little attention as you gave it, the 1940s version. Hollywood did a number on it, so much so as to change the story almost unrecognizably.
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Michelle
I have to say that I disagree with your #2 and #3. I didn't like the fact that Emma Thompson's Eleanor and Kate Winslet's MaryAnn were older than they were in the books, and, while this version of Sense And Sensibility was very well done, I just couldn't get past the fact that the two main characters were portrayed by actresses older than their characters were in the book, especially Emma Thompson.
I much preferred Kate Beckinsale's Emma over Gweneth Paltrow's. I've never liked GP, though, and so that probably has something to do with it.
I do agree with your pick for the top version of Persuasion.
My very favourite Jane Austen adaptation of all is your number one pick. I have watched that movie at least once or twice every year, and I love it more every time I watch it.
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I have to say that I disagree with your #2 and #3. I didn't like the fact that Emma Thompson's Eleanor and Kate Winslet's MaryAnn were older than they were in the books, and, while this version of Sense And Sensibility was very well done, I just couldn't get past the fact that the two main characters were portrayed by actresses older than their characters were in the book, especially Emma Thompson.
I much preferred Kate Beckinsale's Emma over Gweneth Paltrow's. I've never liked GP, though, and so that probably has something to do with it.
I do agree with your pick for the top version of Persuasion.
My very favourite Jane Austen adaptation of all is your number one pick. I have watched that movie at least once or twice every year, and I love it more every time I watch it.
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fanjoy
Dear Reader,
For me any 90s Austen adaptations are quite superior to anything deemed modern.
The fourth wall being broken in 2022 is most egregious and not in the best of taste. It doesn't lend itself to the viewer being immersed into the time period.
The British sense of style, educated writing and Cool Britannia of the 90s had an air of filmmaking invincibility that did not, after all these years tarnish its reputation or seem outdated in 2023.
The newer adaptations aren't quite the thing, albeit acceptable as adaptations go and I dare say will do on occasion.
The 90s adaptations go down very well on a chilly Sunday, fortified with tea, biscuits or even a roast.
Sincerely,
An Austen fan.
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Dear Reader,
For me any 90s Austen adaptations are quite superior to anything deemed modern.
The fourth wall being broken in 2022 is most egregious and not in the best of taste. It doesn't lend itself to the viewer being immersed into the time period.
The British sense of style, educated writing and Cool Britannia of the 90s had an air of filmmaking invincibility that did not, after all these years tarnish its reputation or seem outdated in 2023.
The newer adaptations aren't quite the thing, albeit acceptable as adaptations go and I dare say will do on occasion.
The 90s adaptations go down very well on a chilly Sunday, fortified with tea, biscuits or even a roast.
Sincerely,
An Austen fan.
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Claudia
For me, it will always be Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility adaptation (because: Alan Rickman) as well as the Keira Kneightley Pride and Prejudice version (because: Matthew MacFadyen. I have to admit that I didn't like the Colin Firth version so much, but could be because I only watched it that one time, and I was still a teenager then.
Emma, I have never liked, have to admit though, again, to only have seen the Gwyneth Paltrow version (which I would be inclined to watch again because of Ewan McGregor, horrible hair or no. I always found Emma to be a quite unsympathetic character.
I've never seen Persuasion in any adaptation or any of the other Austen adaptations. One day, I'm sure I will.
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For me, it will always be Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility adaptation (because: Alan Rickman) as well as the Keira Kneightley Pride and Prejudice version (because: Matthew MacFadyen. I have to admit that I didn't like the Colin Firth version so much, but could be because I only watched it that one time, and I was still a teenager then.
Emma, I have never liked, have to admit though, again, to only have seen the Gwyneth Paltrow version (which I would be inclined to watch again because of Ewan McGregor, horrible hair or no. I always found Emma to be a quite unsympathetic character.
I've never seen Persuasion in any adaptation or any of the other Austen adaptations. One day, I'm sure I will.
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Mssukie777
I adore pride and prejudice and have seen many versions. The 2005 keira knightly version is my least favourite. I did not enjoy seeing pigs run about in the house and the sisters looking really untidy throughout most of the film, well apart from when they were attending a ball. Also Mr and Mrs bennet were way to friendly even laughing together, and even though Mr Bennet was a clever man he had flaws when it came to his wife and daughters, i think Donald surherland played him to nice even when mary was singing and playing the piano, he comforted her where else in other versions he embarressed her. My favourite was the 1995 series have seen it so many times and never get bored of it.
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I adore pride and prejudice and have seen many versions. The 2005 keira knightly version is my least favourite. I did not enjoy seeing pigs run about in the house and the sisters looking really untidy throughout most of the film, well apart from when they were attending a ball. Also Mr and Mrs bennet were way to friendly even laughing together, and even though Mr Bennet was a clever man he had flaws when it came to his wife and daughters, i think Donald surherland played him to nice even when mary was singing and playing the piano, he comforted her where else in other versions he embarressed her. My favourite was the 1995 series have seen it so many times and never get bored of it.
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Liliana
My favourites romances of Jane Austen for me is with no doubt
Pride and prejudice movie with keira knightley. The best Elizabeth and Darcy
Persuasion of 2007 with Sally Hawkins. The best Anne Elliott in my opinion and Captain Wentworth
Emma of 2009 with Romola Garai. The best Emma and Mr knightley. The others novels dont captivated me that much to be sincere. I think sense and sensibility is great too but not on the same level of the others
Other novel i recommend is North and South from BBC from Elizabeth Gaskell.
But Jane Austen always will always be my favourite writer. with the best novels
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My favourites romances of Jane Austen for me is with no doubt
Pride and prejudice movie with keira knightley. The best Elizabeth and Darcy
Persuasion of 2007 with Sally Hawkins. The best Anne Elliott in my opinion and Captain Wentworth
Emma of 2009 with Romola Garai. The best Emma and Mr knightley. The others novels dont captivated me that much to be sincere. I think sense and sensibility is great too but not on the same level of the others
Other novel i recommend is North and South from BBC from Elizabeth Gaskell.
But Jane Austen always will always be my favourite writer. with the best novels
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Gene
I generally agree with your quite excellent ranking but what's the justification for omitting the 1940 Greer Garson/Lawrence Olivier version of Pride And Prejudice? I get that the movie was an adaptation of a play version and departs somewhat from the original plot, but for me it's the benchmark for romantic leads' chemistry and the cast in general is just the best ever, from Melville Cooper's Mr Collins to Edna May Oliver's Aunt Catherine (despite the distortion of her role at the end. IMO nothing has surpassed that version.
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I generally agree with your quite excellent ranking but what's the justification for omitting the 1940 Greer Garson/Lawrence Olivier version of Pride And Prejudice? I get that the movie was an adaptation of a play version and departs somewhat from the original plot, but for me it's the benchmark for romantic leads' chemistry and the cast in general is just the best ever, from Melville Cooper's Mr Collins to Edna May Oliver's Aunt Catherine (despite the distortion of her role at the end. IMO nothing has surpassed that version.
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msmojo
I am sorry but I disagree. I found Pesuasion 2007 adaptation very good. I love Sally Hawkins and I think she is adorable in this role. Emma 2009 adaptation is great indeed. Mansfield Park 1999 is excellent! Love the dialogues and O'Conor with Miller are simply lovely together. Northanger Abbey 2007 is very fresh. Emma 1996: Gwyneth Paltrow is adorable as always. Pride and Prejudice 2005: Macfayden is excellent. Sense and Sensibility 1995: by all means brilliant! Pride and Prejudice 1995: by all means brilliant also.
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I am sorry but I disagree. I found Pesuasion 2007 adaptation very good. I love Sally Hawkins and I think she is adorable in this role. Emma 2009 adaptation is great indeed. Mansfield Park 1999 is excellent! Love the dialogues and O'Conor with Miller are simply lovely together. Northanger Abbey 2007 is very fresh. Emma 1996: Gwyneth Paltrow is adorable as always. Pride and Prejudice 2005: Macfayden is excellent. Sense and Sensibility 1995: by all means brilliant! Pride and Prejudice 1995: by all means brilliant also.
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Nat
For me, Emma 2009 Persuasion 1995 or Sense en Sensibility 1995 and 2008 and finally Pride and Prejudice 2005 are perfect! Sorry to get into this, but I hate the characters' ethnic changes. Stop it! It was a society of white people and there was slavery. It seems that in addition to disrespecting the work, they want to rewrite history. And yes, I hate BBC's 1995 P&P 'cause it looks ridiculous, and I'm sorry, Colin Firth gave the other future actors a strangely stiff impression of Mr. Darcy that we don't see in the books.
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For me, Emma 2009 Persuasion 1995 or Sense en Sensibility 1995 and 2008 and finally Pride and Prejudice 2005 are perfect! Sorry to get into this, but I hate the characters' ethnic changes. Stop it! It was a society of white people and there was slavery. It seems that in addition to disrespecting the work, they want to rewrite history. And yes, I hate BBC's 1995 P&P 'cause it looks ridiculous, and I'm sorry, Colin Firth gave the other future actors a strangely stiff impression of Mr. Darcy that we don't see in the books.
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Libuse
I loved all of them, of course my not so favourites were 2007 Persuasion where Sally Hawkins who I'd an absolutely brilliant actress did not fare well in Persuasion it was quite painful to watch her. And the recent 2022 Persuasion is so awful that we couldn't watch it past the first 20 minutes. Just plain awful. My top 5 are Pride & Prejudice (Firth & Ehle MacFayden & Knightley, Romola Garai as Emma, Hattie Morahan is superb in Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion 1995 (Hinds & Root) and Northanger Abbey (Feild & Jones)
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I loved all of them, of course my not so favourites were 2007 Persuasion where Sally Hawkins who I'd an absolutely brilliant actress did not fare well in Persuasion it was quite painful to watch her. And the recent 2022 Persuasion is so awful that we couldn't watch it past the first 20 minutes. Just plain awful. My top 5 are Pride & Prejudice (Firth & Ehle MacFayden & Knightley, Romola Garai as Emma, Hattie Morahan is superb in Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion 1995 (Hinds & Root) and Northanger Abbey (Feild & Jones)
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Hazel
For me: 1. 1995 P&P is perfection. 2. 1995 Persuasion. 3. 2007 Northanger Abbey.
The P&P movie is cliffs notes. Pigs at home means a farm. Not the home of landed gentry. Sure they can have a farm or plantation to generate income from estates, just farther and not as residence. McFadden is not what Darcy is all about, Bingley is an airhead, Donald Sutherlands Bennet is ok, Keira Knightly. acceptable but still lacks finesse. This was written in Jane Austens era, and the costumes are lacking, they were modernized.
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For me: 1. 1995 P&P is perfection. 2. 1995 Persuasion. 3. 2007 Northanger Abbey.
The P&P movie is cliffs notes. Pigs at home means a farm. Not the home of landed gentry. Sure they can have a farm or plantation to generate income from estates, just farther and not as residence. McFadden is not what Darcy is all about, Bingley is an airhead, Donald Sutherlands Bennet is ok, Keira Knightly. acceptable but still lacks finesse. This was written in Jane Austens era, and the costumes are lacking, they were modernized.
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Janet
I have dvd's of both of the most recent versions of Pride and Prejudice but the BBC version with Firth and Earle is my favorite. I watch it several times a year. I like Keira Knightly but Matthew Fadely just isn't Darcy to me. I love Thompson's Sense and Sensibility. I also love Amanda Root in Persuasion. I have both of those dvd's as well. Emma is not my favorite Austen work but I definitely am not a Paltrow fan and prefer the television version which came out the same year with Kate Beckinsale.
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I have dvd's of both of the most recent versions of Pride and Prejudice but the BBC version with Firth and Earle is my favorite. I watch it several times a year. I like Keira Knightly but Matthew Fadely just isn't Darcy to me. I love Thompson's Sense and Sensibility. I also love Amanda Root in Persuasion. I have both of those dvd's as well. Emma is not my favorite Austen work but I definitely am not a Paltrow fan and prefer the television version which came out the same year with Kate Beckinsale.
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HotaruHikai
Mansfield Park 1999's inclusion of the slave trade while woke and realistic, honestly destroyed the movie. it was completely out of character for a Jane Austen book and destroyed my opinion of half the characters, along with a movie that was otherwise going fairly well up until that point. instantly worst Jane Austen adaption imo. also Love & Friendship was so boring I turned it off after 30 minutes of its insipid vain characters
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Mansfield Park 1999's inclusion of the slave trade while woke and realistic, honestly destroyed the movie. it was completely out of character for a Jane Austen book and destroyed my opinion of half the characters, along with a movie that was otherwise going fairly well up until that point. instantly worst Jane Austen adaption imo. also Love & Friendship was so boring I turned it off after 30 minutes of its insipid vain characters
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Shannon
Blind casting is always a recipe for disaster.
The 1995 Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is and will always be the gold standard. I have never been able to understand the love for the Keira Knightley version. I think it's awful.
Jeremy Northam's Mr. Knightley is perfection.
Finally, Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, and the 1995 version is amazing. Good picks!
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Blind casting is always a recipe for disaster.
The 1995 Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is and will always be the gold standard. I have never been able to understand the love for the Keira Knightley version. I think it's awful.
Jeremy Northam's Mr. Knightley is perfection.
Finally, Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, and the 1995 version is amazing. Good picks!
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Lee
The 2005 Pride and Prejudice has some ridiculous dialogue at the end, and Elizabeth's character is more 21st than 19th century. In addition, the character of Mr. Bennet was not true to how Austin portrayed him in her novel. The 2009 Emma was superior to the 1996 version. Also, this is not every Jane Austin adaptation; some earlier BBC versions, and American theatrical versions, were obviously left out.
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The 2005 Pride and Prejudice has some ridiculous dialogue at the end, and Elizabeth's character is more 21st than 19th century. In addition, the character of Mr. Bennet was not true to how Austin portrayed him in her novel. The 2009 Emma was superior to the 1996 version. Also, this is not every Jane Austin adaptation; some earlier BBC versions, and American theatrical versions, were obviously left out.
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Sweetpea
I am involved with Jane Austen enthusiasts in Devon, England and no one I know considers that the Keira Knightly P+P version is 'the best'. Not at all - the 1995 BBC version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is much better. Keira may have some talent, but is not at all like any heroine in Jane Austen- she's rather a bean-pole model, and that version of P+P is also far, far from the book.
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I am involved with Jane Austen enthusiasts in Devon, England and no one I know considers that the Keira Knightly P+P version is 'the best'. Not at all - the 1995 BBC version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is much better. Keira may have some talent, but is not at all like any heroine in Jane Austen- she's rather a bean-pole model, and that version of P+P is also far, far from the book.
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casasouthard
Persuasion 2022 was terrible. Just terrible. The screenwriter had so badly misjudged true Austen brilliance. The Kira Knightly rendition of P&P WAS A CLOSE SECOND TO THE WORST. There was no respect reflected in this script for the manners and traditions of the era. It was in the worst of the heaving bosom genre and Id be ashamed to say I was in it
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Persuasion 2022 was terrible. Just terrible. The screenwriter had so badly misjudged true Austen brilliance. The Kira Knightly rendition of P&P WAS A CLOSE SECOND TO THE WORST. There was no respect reflected in this script for the manners and traditions of the era. It was in the worst of the heaving bosom genre and Id be ashamed to say I was in it
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casasouthard
Pursuasion 2007 WAS NEW AND BRILLIANT! If an audience was expecting an overwrought romance, they didnt get it. They got a film that focused on the interior thoughts and feelings of Anna.
Sanditon was just dreadful.
2020 Emma was beautiful, just georgeous-except for the nosebleed. The music and costumes were the best to date. It was art.
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Pursuasion 2007 WAS NEW AND BRILLIANT! If an audience was expecting an overwrought romance, they didnt get it. They got a film that focused on the interior thoughts and feelings of Anna.
Sanditon was just dreadful.
2020 Emma was beautiful, just georgeous-except for the nosebleed. The music and costumes were the best to date. It was art.
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Your
Perfect #1 and #2. Excellent depiction of Austen's characters and time period in both. The 2005 adaptation showed Lizzie as far too modern a woman and Darcy as far too weak for a man of his status. Austen was likely turning in her grave with that one lol
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Perfect #1 and #2. Excellent depiction of Austen's characters and time period in both. The 2005 adaptation showed Lizzie as far too modern a woman and Darcy as far too weak for a man of his status. Austen was likely turning in her grave with that one lol
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Мария
It breaks my heart just how low is appreciated the 2007 version of Persuasion. It's so precious! The actors, the music, the tension. If you didn't like it please just give a time and try to rewatch it, you'll definitely love it eventually.
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It breaks my heart just how low is appreciated the 2007 version of Persuasion. It's so precious! The actors, the music, the tension. If you didn't like it please just give a time and try to rewatch it, you'll definitely love it eventually.
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Linda
I agree with almost all but Sense & Sensibility, I like the mini series 2008 with Dan Stevens as Edward the best. I found it much more romantic. And the ending with Dan Stevens chasing a chicken was so cute. I loved the series.
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I agree with almost all but Sense & Sensibility, I like the mini series 2008 with Dan Stevens as Edward the best. I found it much more romantic. And the ending with Dan Stevens chasing a chicken was so cute. I loved the series.
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Meeem
Persuasion was an instant fail with its multi, culti, pandering. It was like seeing a remake of The Color Purple with Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic actors.
The whole movie was such a mess, I never finished watching it.
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Persuasion was an instant fail with its multi, culti, pandering. It was like seeing a remake of The Color Purple with Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic actors.
The whole movie was such a mess, I never finished watching it.
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Maria
I do actually like the 2007 Persuasion. But I'm a huge fan of most of the BBC adaptations. Not to say I have anything against the movies either. I do however hate the most recent Persuasion and I'm not a fan of 2020 Emma.
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I do actually like the 2007 Persuasion. But I'm a huge fan of most of the BBC adaptations. Not to say I have anything against the movies either. I do however hate the most recent Persuasion and I'm not a fan of 2020 Emma.
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MarieCarro
If the stylization of 2020 Emma is the reason it dropped so low on the list, you need to read up on the crazy trends and fashion of that era. The costume department and the hair and makeup departments nailed it!
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If the stylization of 2020 Emma is the reason it dropped so low on the list, you need to read up on the crazy trends and fashion of that era. The costume department and the hair and makeup departments nailed it!
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Joanna
All these movies were hard for me to get into because I am not a romantic. It is sometimes charming, but it is tough for me to focus. Mainly because many are very long movies. Don't blame people for liking them.
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All these movies were hard for me to get into because I am not a romantic. It is sometimes charming, but it is tough for me to focus. Mainly because many are very long movies. Don't blame people for liking them.
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TrippelHenke
Mojo is usually hopeless, with lots of faults and amateurish views on everything but at least the 2 places in the top were well deserved. I fail to see why the 1995 TV series Emma was placed so low.
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Mojo is usually hopeless, with lots of faults and amateurish views on everything but at least the 2 places in the top were well deserved. I fail to see why the 1995 TV series Emma was placed so low.
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Christine
I didn't think Keira Knightly played a good Elizabeth Bennett, her constant smiling and grinning was over the top and made the character unconvincing. The cast of P & P 1995, however, were brilliant.
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I didn't think Keira Knightly played a good Elizabeth Bennett, her constant smiling and grinning was over the top and made the character unconvincing. The cast of P & P 1995, however, were brilliant.
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Julie
I agree with 1 through 3 however I absolutely love Persuasion with Rupert Penry Jones and Emma with Mark Strong! I find them almost as great as the top three. Sally Hawkins was incredible in every way.
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I agree with 1 through 3 however I absolutely love Persuasion with Rupert Penry Jones and Emma with Mark Strong! I find them almost as great as the top three. Sally Hawkins was incredible in every way.
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Fluffy
Pride and prejudice 2005 got so much wrong historically it cant be the best. Closer to the worst. Sense and sensibility is the best film adaptation. Pride and prejudice 1995 the best TV adaptation.
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Pride and prejudice 2005 got so much wrong historically it cant be the best. Closer to the worst. Sense and sensibility is the best film adaptation. Pride and prejudice 1995 the best TV adaptation.
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