Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Rich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her three daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. The two eldest daughters are the titular opposites.

Director:

Ang Lee

Writers:

Jane Austen (novel), Emma Thompson (screenplay)

Stars:

Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, James Fleet

Won 1 Oscar. Another 32 wins & 47 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Fleet	...	John Dashwood
Tom Wilkinson	...	Mr. Dashwood
Harriet Walter	...	Fanny Dashwood
Kate Winslet	...	Marianne Dashwood
Emma Thompson	...	Elinor Dashwood
Gemma Jones	...	Mrs. Dashwood
Hugh Grant	...	Edward Ferrars
Emilie François	...	Margaret Dashwood
Elizabeth Spriggs	...	Mrs. Jennings
Robert Hardy	...	Sir John Middleton
Ian Brimble	...	Thomas
Isabelle Amyes	...	Betsy
Alan Rickman	...	Colonel Brandon
Greg Wise	...	John Willoughby
Alexander John	...	Curate

Storyline

When Mr. Dashwood dies, he must leave the bulk of his estate to the son by his first marriage, which leaves his second wife and their three daughters (Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret) in straitened circumstances. They are taken in by a kindly cousin, but their lack of fortune affects the marriageability of both practical Elinor and romantic Marianne. When Elinor forms an attachment for the wealthy Edward Ferrars, his family disapproves and separates them. And though Mrs. Jennings tries to match the worthy (and rich) Colonel Brandon to her, Marianne finds the dashing and fiery John Willoughby more to her taste. Both relationships are sorely tried.

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Plot Keywords:

england | 19th century | based on novel | black hair | visit | 

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Taglines:

Lose your heart and come to your senses.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild thematic elements

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English French

Release Date:

26 January 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Sense and Sensibility

Filming Locations:

Wonwell Beach, Erme Mouth, Devon, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$16,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$721,341, 17 December 1995

Gross USA:

$43,182,776

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$134,582,776

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures, Mirage Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

136 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR SDDS (8 channels) Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The black patterned muslin gown Gemma Jones (Mrs. Dashwood) wears when Edward comes to Barton Cottage is the same costume Billie Piper (Fanny Price) wears to Maria's wedding in Mansfield Park (2007), and Janet Dale (Miss Briggs) wears at Park Lane in Vanity Fair (1998). The same costume is also worn by Pauline Moran (Mrs. Curtain) when Byron arrives for the wedding in Byron (2003), and by an extra at the Meryton Assembly Ball in Pride & Prejudice (2005).

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Goofs

When Marianne and Margaret stand on top of the hill in the rain, Marianne's dress is wet. When she runs down the hill, it is suddenly mostly dry. Then when she trips and falls down, her dress changes to totally sodden through and dirty between shots.

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Quotes

[Edward and Elinor are baiting Margaret, who is playfully hiding]
Edward Ferrars: I, eh, wish to check the position of the Nile. My sister tells me it is in South America.
Elinor Dashwood: Oh. No. No, um, she's quite wrong, um, for I believe it is in Belgium.
Edward Ferrars: Belgium. Surely not, I think you must be thinking of the Volga.
Margaret: [under the table] The Volga?
Elinor Dashwood: Of course, the Volga, which, as you know, starts in...
Edward Ferrars: Vladivostock, and ends in...
Elinor Dashwood: Wimbledon.
Edward Ferrars: Precisely. Where the coffee beans come from.
Margaret: [coming out] Ugh! The source of the Nile ...

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Connections

Referenced in Everybody Loves Raymond: Your Place or Mine? (1996)

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Soundtracks

The Dreame
Music by Patrick Doyle
text by Ben Jonson
End title performance by Jane Eaglen
Courtesy of SONY CLASSICAL

User Reviews

one word: wow.

This is a truly great movie. It is one that I can watch over and over, yet can never seem to get enough of! Kate Winslet is gorgeous, Emma Thomson is inspiring, and Hugh Grant shines in this unforgettable film. I have always loved a good movie; one i can sink into and fall in love with the characters. I feel that Sense and Sensibility presents all these things to the audience. There is love, heartbreak, humour and great music. (my applause to Kate Winslet for her unforgettable versions of "Weep You No More Sad Fountains" and "The Dream" ...so beautiful.) If you have not seen this movie, please go RIGHT now to rent it...or even ADD it to your video library! I must say it is well worth it! And if you have seen it. ....you know what i mean.

Brava! Brava! Bravo!

Here are some other movies of this sort that i think this type of audience may enjoy:

Pride and Prejudice. starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

Emma. starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam.

Ever After. starring Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott.