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:

Sensatez y sentimientos

Filming Locations:

Berry Pomeroy Church, Berry Pomeroy, Devon, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$16,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£5,043,343 (United Kingdom), 15 March 1996

Gross USA:

$43,182,776

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$135,000,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation,Mirage Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

136 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR SDDS (8 channels) Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Emma Thompson has recounted that, during the scene where Colonel Brandon approaches Elinor and Marianne on horseback, many takes were ruined by the horse's flatulence. Eventually, they were forced to shoot the scene with the farting horse, and the rather loud reports later were edited out of the soundtrack.

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Goofs

The film is set around 1810 (the original novel was published in 1811). There are a pack of dogs, one of them a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, near a gate. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers were developed in the early 19th century to lure waterfowl. The purebreds originated in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was not introduced to the UK until the 1980s, and was not fully developed as a breed anywhere in 1810. This dog is not a golden retriever, as can be evidenced by the smaller stature, the orange/red fur and the white markings on the chest and nose.

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Quotes

Lucy: It is a very great secret. I've told nobody in the world for fear of discovery.
Fanny: [greedily] I am the soul of discretion.
Lucy: If I dared tell...
Fanny: I can assure you, I'm as silent as the grave.
[Lucy whispers in Fanny's ear; Fanny's kindly disposition changes abruptly]
Fanny: [turning against Lucy, enraged and horrified] Viper in my bosom!

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Connections

Referenced in The Vicar of Dibley: The Handsome Stranger (2006)

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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

I saw it four times in two days

After seeing Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth I wouldn't expect myself to like another JA adaptation so much, but I confess I did. P&P stays my favourite but S&S is very close.

I can't agree with some of the comments that Hugh Grant wasn't proper for Edward Ferrars. Yes, maybe his age didn't match Emma Thompson's exactly but I think he acted wonderfully. His speech especially and stiff walk. I loved the scenes at the beginning where he made friends with Margaret Dashwood and played with her. It was so sweet.

My favourite, however, was definitely Colonel Brandon! I think Alan Rickman was just perfect for that role. I've seen him only as professor Snape in the first Harry Potter film, so I can't compare very much but I would say he is a great actor. I love his voice (especially when he says "What can I do? Give me some occupation, Miss Dashwood, or I shall run mad.), love his intonation and how he cares for Marianne so tenderly and patiently even though she turns her back on him. You can see the suffering in his eyes!

I first read the book and didn't like it much but after seeing the film I'll reread it. I highly recommend JAusten's books to anyone who hasn't read them yet and likes JA's adaptations.