I have to admit that I was a little skeptical at first about this movie. I was a big Jane Austen fan and Sense and Sensibility was one of my favorite books of all time. However, after watching this movie and reading the book, you get a better understanding of all the characters and the genius of Jane Austen. The performances were extraordinary, with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant. The costumes were beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking. Thompson, who wrote the screenplay herself, did an amazing job. Although she took some liberties to change some of the materials in the book, she deserved the Oscar for best screenplay. The scene in which Col.Brandon carries Marrianne back to the house is so hauntingly beautiful and a startling echo of the earlier scene where Willoughby does the same to the injured Marrianne. Alan Rickman, I believe, gives his best performance as the moody Col.Brandon who is completely taken by Marrianne. You wonder how he can be her second choice when he is such a gentlemen and so full of charm. This film renewed my faith in good film making completely. Ang Lee is one the most talented and brilliant directors ever. It might have surprised a lot of people to see a Taiwanese director directing such an English film, but I say the choice was well made. Bottom line is: S&S demonstrates what great film making is and what great writing is like, as well as what great performances are. A must see. 10/10
Review of Sense and Sensibility
