Emma (1996)

While matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.

Director:

Douglas McGrath

Writers:

Jane Austen (novel), Douglas McGrath (screenplay)

Stars:

Gwyneth Paltrow, James Cosmo, Greta Scacchi

Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gwyneth Paltrow	...	Emma Woodhouse
James Cosmo	...	Mr Weston
Greta Scacchi	...	Mrs Weston
Alan Cumming	...	Mr Elton
Denys Hawthorne	...	Mr Woodhouse
Sophie Thompson	...	Miss Bates
Jeremy Northam	...	Mr Knightley
Toni Collette	...	Harriet Smith
Kathleen Byron	...	Mrs Goddard
Phyllida Law	...	Mrs Bates
Edward Woodall	...	Mr. Martin
Brett Miley	...	Little Boy
Brian Capron	...	John Knightley
Karen Westwood	...	Isabella
Paul Williamson	...	Footman

Storyline

Emma Woodhouse is a congenial young lady who delights in meddling in other people's affairs. She is perpetually trying to unite men and women who are utterly wrong for each other. Despite her interest in romance, Emma is clueless about her own feelings, and her relationship with gentle Mr. Knightly.

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Plot Keywords:

matchmaker | jane austen | female lead | blonde | title same as book | 

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Taglines:

Cupid is armed and dangerous!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for brief mild language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 August 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ema

Filming Locations:

Breakspear House, Harefield, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$240,649, 4 August 1996

Gross USA:

$22,231,658

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$22,231,658

Company Credits

Production Co:

Miramax, Matchmaker Films, Haft Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The tan striped gown with teal scallop trim at the hem Greta Scacchi (Mrs. Weston) wears in the final scene is the same costume worn by a guest at the Easter Ball in Wives and Daughters (1999), and by Emma Pierson (Fanny Dorrit) to visit Mrs. Merdles in Little Dorrit (2008).

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Goofs

Harriet runs her fingers along a harp and the sound that is heard is a perfect chord going up a scale, fitting in perfectly with the music that is being played. In reality, it would be virtually impossible to pluck a perfect chord when you run your fingers casually along the strings, and secondly any sound made would be going *down* scale, since she was dragging her fingers that way down the strings.

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Quotes

Mr. Knightley: [Whilst standing in front of the enormous Donwell Abbey] I just want to stay here where it's cozy.

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Crazy Credits

Thanks to ... the people of Evershot.

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Connections

Version of Emma (1948)

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Soundtracks

Jacob Hall's Jig
From John Playford's 'The English Dancing Master' Vol. 3 (1728)
Traditional
Arranged by John Gale

User Reviews

Great flick!

This is one of the best films I have seen in years! I am not a Gwyneth Paltrow fan, but she is excellent as Emma Woodhouse. Alan Cumming is superb as Reverand Elton, and Emma Thompson's sister, Sophie, is hysterical as Miss Bates. And check out the gorgeous Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightley; what a gentleman! Whoever said you need sex and violence in a movie to make it good has never seen Emma. I think that is what separates it from so many others--it's classy.

If you're looking for a film that you can watch with the whole family, or looking for a romance for yourself, look no further. Emma is that movie. With a beautiful setting, wonderful costumes, and an outstanding cast (have I mentioned the gorgeous Jeremy Northam?), Emma is a perfect ten!