If you are a Jane Austen’s fan, you simply cannot miss BBC’s new version of Sense & Sensibility ! This new series with 3 episodes was adapted by Andrew Davies (Pride & Prejudice) and directed by John Alexander. The first episode was aired the 1st January in BBC One and is already gaining some very favorable critics. It’s even said it will be better than the previous adaptation of 1995 by Emma Thompson and Ang Lee. We can’t wait to see it!
The DVD will be released in February in the UK and while we are waiting for it to arrive in our TV screens we leave you with the trailers.
Polemic start of the 1st episode:
Official site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/senseandsensibility/
Interesting Article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/01/02/nausten102.xml
Image: BBC
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Goodness, you women are really making me dust off my bookshelves! Somehow I get the feeling that my next re-read (after I’ve finished both Jane Eyre, and Pride and Prejudice for the upcoming discussions) will be Sense and Sensibility. I also hope to fit a re-watch of the Emma Thomson version in there somewhere too!
This recent adaptation looks great though.
Hmmmmmmm. Girls, you wanna make me spend more money? I already have to cope with three films I could watch nonstop. Then there’s the list Alex sent me ACK and now this one. Have to confess, I am not the biggest fan of the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet version. Love the actresses, and, in a way also the film, but I have seen it three times now and it ’s not as dear to me as other films.
Dee, I’ll be rereading Sense & Sensibility maybe this month, if I have the time. It’s not my favorite by Austen but I think I need to refresh my memory before watching this version. :)
Wouah, well done! You seem ready to start our upcoming Monthly Discussions. ;-)
Kat, now you know where to spend some money in February. I’ll be buying this one and Cranford who will be released at the same time, if I’m not wrong. Just watched the first 2 episodes and I simply loved it!! Judi Dench is magnificent and simply irresistible. :D
I’m planning a reread of Sense & Sensibility soon too but first I have to reread P&P for next week’s discussion. I watched Emma Thompson’s S&S recently and now I’m curious about this new version.
Just saw the 3 episodes and while I find this version rather good it seriously lacks the typical Austen humor which was so present in Emma Thompson’s movie. Now, something very positive, Andrew Davies included some very interesting scenes from the book, like Whilloughby’s confession during Marianne’s illness. Also we see more of Marianne and Brandon. The Colonel is beautifully played by David Morrisey but Alan Rickman is too present in my mind and his performance is perfect. In the end, I still prefer the older version! :)
I’m sure you’ll like it, in any case more than the older movie. I seem to recall that something that bothered you were the age of the characters, so in this version everyone fitted perfectly. :) I didn’t find this new Willoughby as dashing and attractive as Greg Wise and somehow I miss Mr. Palmer sharp humor or even Sir John and Mrs Jennings excessive meddling.
I just watched the three episodes too (on youtube!). I had wanted to wait to re-read the book because I barely recall it, but I couldn’t wait. I only saw the Emma Thomson version when it was released so that, too, is a distant memory!
I enjoyed this series. I prefer this Edward to Hugh Grant (don’t like Hugh’s acting), although there are certainly similarities between them. I though Elinor and Marianne were acted well. …And I LURV Colonel Brandon – I thought he was just lovely.
I thought it was rather interesting that Davies started off the series with a seduction. But upon conclusion, it all made sense and I thought “how clever”!
I also prefered this Edward, he is less awkward and more alive. Both sisters are very well but Hattie Morahan is just perfect!
Oh Dee, didn’t you love when Col. Brandon says to Marianne: “I’ll leave you to explore. Come and find me when you are ready…” *sigh* :D
Oh and yes, about Davies conclusion! At first I found a bit odd that seduction right away in the beginning and thought that maybe it was only the usual sex strategy to caught people’s attention. It seems he also had another idea in his mind! It was very well done but I didn’t expect less of him. This man really knows Jane! ;-)
…possible spoilers to those that haven’t seen the series…
Yes! I thought that Davies did that bit well – I loved that it was all done to the accompaniment of Marianne playing the piano. I also thought that having Col. Brandon doing the falcon thing – letting it go and watching it soaring off, going on faith that it would come back to him – was great.
But it was the very end of episode 2 that got me. Verily, I nearly swooned myself!!!
I really liked the fact that we can see more of Marianne/Col. Brandon. It seemes more “normal” to see their feelings grow (especially Marianne’s) and how their relationship builts until their marriage.
SPOILERS
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The falcon scene is brilliant! I liked the way Brandon gave Marianne enough freedom to make her decision. In the movie, I felt like she married him of duty and because he was a good man. Here we really feel that she learn from her mistakes and can really see Brandon for what he is, a very honest, romantic and deep caring man who adores her and would do anything to make her happy.
You mean when she confronts Willoughby at the ball? The poor girl, you could really feel she was distressed! That scene always gets me mad and I just feel like kicking that guy…
Did you liked the scene when Willoughby returns to explain himself while Marianne is ill? Oh and about the duel?! This last one seemed so irrelevant to the story…
Yes, I did. Not so much for the scene itself – I didn’t find Willoughby at all compelling and I could have happily not seen him again – but if I recall, it was quite noted at the end of the book that he lived with regret pretty much for the rest of his life, am I recalling correctly? This scene with Willougby lets the viewer know that, although I feel that he could have acted it a bit less defiantly. I would have preferred a bit more resigned regret.
But all up, it also helped the viewer to understand how Marianne was then able to get over him and come to love Col. Brandon (oops! Dee picking herself up from her swoon to the floor at the thought of Col. Brandon!!!!!!).
LOL *swoons at Dee’s side to make her some company*
Same here! I found Greg Wise much more “Willoughby”! This young man didn’t had the charisma of a real scoundrel… For me, when he talked to Elinor, he came up almost agressive and not acting like he regretted anything. Yes, in the book it’s says that he regrets his actions and his marriage the rest of his life. Cannot say I’m sorry for him! :P
Also, I find Dominic’s performance rather green compared to the other actors…
When Brandon finds out Marianne laying in the grass after her walk in the rain and picks her up easily in his arms bringing her home, I let out a big, big sigh!
I did a quick search on David Morrissey the other day, I was wondering if he had done any other period parts. I couldn’t see that he had; do you know of any? He acts as if he were made for them. I’m going to try and see more of his work to see if this was a fluke, or if he really is a good actor.
It’s like Richard Armitage, when you watch him, you don’t see Richard Armitage, you see his character. In some instances, I haven’t even recognised him until some way in to the film (e.g. the one that he acted with Julie Graham (I think that’s her name) and he was some kind of therapist.), whereas with Firth, it’s like he pretty much acts the same, no matter the part – in my opinion!
I saw a serie some days ago with him, State of Play: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362192/
He really seems to be a good actor but I never saw him in any other period drama, which is a real shame!
About Armitage, do you mean Between the Sheets? I still didn’t see this one… It’s waiting in my TBW pile. ;-)
Well, it seems you need to see Where the Truth Lies with Colin Firth. I think you’ll be surprised! :)
Yes, that was the Richard Armitage one. I don’t recall it in detail, but I do recall that I didn’t click it was him for a while – although I hadn’t watched him in North & South 50 billion times at that stage!
I’ve added Where the Truth Lies to my ‘wanted’ queue at the movie place.
You’re are really making me want to go and watch it on You Tube too. You’re making me really curious about Colonel Brandon and let me say that I’m an Alan Rickman fan and have serious doubts someone will top him as my favorite in that part.
Interesting you mention how some actors change with every role and others don’t. I have the exact same opinion on Richard Armitage but I wouldn’t say Firth always acts the same. haven’t watched the movie Alex mentions though. We really do need to watch more movies don’t we? ;-P
What I didn’t like about the old version – and please bear in mind I haven’t seen it for quite some time – was, that in the end I got the impression Marianne married out of duty and not love. Furthermore, Emma Thompson was too old for her role. She is a great actress and I don’t want to compare her with Heather Locklear which would, indeed, be incongruous. But Heather Locklear, too, was too old for her character in Angels Falls. Heaven, she was way over 40, and despite all the creams and Botox injections (I am assuming here), it shows in the expression of her eyes. And finally, there’s the matter of Hugh Grant. I could never warm up to him, and while some of his films are entertaining, I would rather avoid a film in which he plays than intentionally watch it. For me, Alan Rickman has more charisma and vibrancy in his little finger than Hugh Grant will ever possess.
So now, considering these points, I assume Alex, that the new S&S version will be more to my tastes? Pretty please????? A pity the typical Jane Austen humour is missing. Some of my favorite parts from P& P are those horrible Bingley sisters and their absolutely atrocious skirts and feather-decorated coiffures LOL. Not to forget Alison Steadman who can make my toe nails roll-up with her voice scale.
You know, à propos humour. Remember when I wrote you that I didn’t really like the ITV Persuasion version with Rupert Penry-Jones? Of course, I have to confess, I didn’t read the book yet, but besides my irrevocable impression of other worldliness and spooky scenes, the humorous details, too, were missing. I am seriously trying to get the Amanda Root version from the 90s.
Alex, I think that I didn’t read some of your posts well enough and so missed some questions. Apologies, I was running a bit late for work…again!
warning: possible spoilers……
The scene (all 3 or 4 seconds of it!) that nearly made me swoon along with Marianne was the bit just after Marianne’s talk with Willougby at the ball. I don’t want to say too much, but needless to say, Col. Brandon was the hero!
About the duel – was that in the book? But anyway, it does serve to show the viewer that Col. Brandon surpasses Willougby in EVERY way! And when Col. Brandon brought her home from in the rain – I’m afraid I was a little distracted ‘cos I thought “Did he walk all that way back when he had ridden out on his horse? Why didn’t he bring her back on his horse, it would be quicker and it is raining very hard, and where is his hat?” !! However, I did think it was lovely when he was busy instructing everyone about her care when they got back to the house.
…spoilers over….!!
Ana, we definitely DO need to watch more movies! I’ve never been a great movie watcher, but from hanging out with you women here I’m beginning to find out what I’ve been missing.
I’ve just got out The Age of Innocence from the library. I’ve seen it before, but it was many years ago, so I thought I’d look at it again. It has Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pffiefer in it. Have you seen that one?
Katie, Is the Amanda Root version of Persuasion the version with Cairen Hinds? If so, I recall that I liked Amanda better than the heroine in the Rupert Penry-Jones version, but had difficulty seeing Cairen as a hero. It’s EXCEEDINGLY shallow of me, but I feel that he lacks a suitably square jaw!
Frankly, I would never compare Emma Thompson and Heather Locklear in any situation, Kat. They are both as different as the sun and the moon. ;-) I do agree that Thompson was too old to play Elinor but she is a tremendous actress and she really played her character perfectly.
Well, let me tell you that the young fellow who plays Edward on Davies version looks very much like Hugh Grant.LOL Of course, I do prefer him and I think he has more liveliness who suits better the Edward I imagine everytime I read the book.
Kat, I cannot promise you that you’ll like it but there are many chances that you do. ;-) The ages are correct, the characters are very pleasing, the story follows the original pretty close, Col. Brandon is attractive and sexy, only Willoughby is an exception, at least for me.
The usual wit and humor are indeed lacking but S&S is more about repressing feeling and longing and that was portrayted very well.
You really need to read Persuasion, you know because I still don’t understand where you got those impressions… The Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds version is very different and more into the old BBC style.
Dee,
Yes, that bit at the end let us all waiting for a better end for Marianne and Brandon. He is such a gentleman!
Attention SPOILERS!!!!!!!
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I don’t know about that duel scene… When I saw it, I didn’t feel like it was really needed, it was clear that Brandon, after his military career, his personality and physical strenght would crash young and insipid Willoughby without much trouble.
LOL Very practical and logical questions! Once again that scene has the same purpose of the duel and it’s the “saving Marianne” act II but this time with Brandon.
When Willoughby did the same in the beginning of the serie, we could see in his face he was having troubles carrying the young lady all down the hill and I had a good laugh when Marianne told her mother that he carried her like she was a feather. ;-)
Oh and weren’t you surprised when the Col. started to take off Marianne’s clothes?! I could only think “What is he doing?!!!”
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End SPOILERS!!
Yes, I saw The Age of Innocence and I read the book too. It’s a good movie but it’s not among my favorites.
Normally, most Austen die-hard fans agree to say that Amanda Root is THE perfect Jane Austen heroine and she played a most irresistible Anne Elliot. :)
Well Alex, as I said, I don’t want to compare Thompson and Locklear, that WOULD be an insult. It was just the first example that popped to my mind when I was thinking of too old actresses and their younger film parts. I will read the book, I will. Promise promise promise. Ya know, I doubt I will change my views concerning the 2007 BBC Persuasion version. I have seen it three times now and I still can’t warm to Sally Hawkins, and I still have that impression of Gothic flair and other worldliness. I guess that can mostly be attributed to a) the music and b) to a most vexing camera work (which can ruin a lot). And I am looking forward to the older version, because I DO LOVE the older BBC style as P&P proves *g*.
A friend’s advice, just forget you ever saw Angel’s Fall and at the same time that Heather Locklear exists. ;-) I think I rarely saw anything as bad as that adaptation… Still couldn’t figure out how Nora Roberts was happy with it. Beurk!
About Persuasion, my favorite is the BBC movie with Root and Hinds. For me everything is perfect even if, like Dee says, Wentworth could have been a bit more handsome. ITV’s Persuasion is a tad more superficial, imo but I still like it and enjoy it and mainly because of Sally Hawkins. From the three Jane Austen ITV’s adaptations, my favorite was Northanger Abbey and please, avoid Mansfield Park. They completely butchered the story…
Oh yes, if you can, avoid the film … I am sorry I ever mentioned it (it was a case of my fingers tipping faster then my brain procesesing difficult matters *G*). The book is splendid, so read it and make up your own version, it will most certainly be better than the real one.
I have looked up pictures of the up to know unknown jaw lacking actor who plays Wentworth, and I have to agree, he is indeed lacking in this part. However, as beautiful as the new Colonel is, it won’t change my opinion of the film.
Alex, maybe you could explain this to me. ITV is a production company that adapts sometimes movie for the BBC? Has it become too expensive for the BBC to do its own version? And when they make a new adaption of Persuion, because the old one *gasp* is over ten years old, does that bode well for P&P? And what about Emma? Because so far I have thought that the old Persusasion movie is “the real deal”, as the Firth/Ehle version of P&P will always be the one every other adaption shall be compared to?
I also have Northanger Abbey on my buying list, and I will keep my fingers away from Mansfield Park, promise!
Totally confused now.
No, no, Kat! ITV is a british TV channel and a rival of BBC.:) They have adapted some classics and among them those three Jane Austen novels: Persuasion, Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park. Right now, they are even preparing series, like Dicken’s Old Curiosity Shop, for instance: http://www.itv.com/Drama/perioddrama/default.html
Also it seems they have a new drama inspired by Pride % Prejudice…
How so, Kat? Some people I know find P&P too outdated and enjoyed the new movie much more but that didn’t stop the BBC version to get even more fans. It all depends on what you are looking for in a period drama and what suits you better. New versions are always a good thing, like the new S&S. I’m sure, many of us will watch Emma Thompson’s movie again to compare it with the serie and maybe even liked it more than we did the first time. :) Better than having just one version we like, is to have two. Don’t you think? :)
Ahhh ok, but what I don’t understand is why it says “Persuasion : Complete BBC Adaptation [2007] “, here’s the link
ITV is a rivaling company of the BBC and nevertheless BBC is mentioned on their DVD case???
Well, yes, on the one hand it is great to have more versions to compare, and genre lover will probably always rejoice in this matter, however one also can exploit the market. Look what has become of vampire and paranormal romances. As the adage says “Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
And there are really some who consider THE P&P to be outdated? This then results in “slightly” moderner adaptions like Persuasion? Oh joy.
I don’t have the slightest idea, Kat. As you can see in the next link, the serie is done by the ITV channel: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4425398.stm
Hmmm, I don’t think we can compare the number of paranormal books who were released these past 5-6 years and the number of Jane Austen adaptations. ;-) I really don’t think a new S&S or P&P every 10-15 years would be too much. :)
Yep, believe me they are! Many producers “modernize” the story to appeal younger audiences, like it was the case of Mansfield Park (it’s the more obvious for me!).