Persuasion (2007)

Royal Navy captain Wentworth was haughtily turned down eight years ago as suitor of pompous baronet Sir Walter Elliot's daughter Anne, despite true love. Now he visits their former seaside ... See full summary »

Director:

Adrian Shergold

Writers:

Jane Austen (novel), Simon Burke (screenplay)

Stars:

Sally Hawkins, Alice Krige, Anthony Head

3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sally Hawkins	...	Anne Elliot
Alice Krige	...	Lady Russell
Anthony Head	...	Sir Walter Elliot
Julia Davis	...	Elizabeth Elliot
Michael Fenton Stevens	...	Mr Shepherd (as Michael Fenton-Stevens)
Mary Stockley	...	Mrs Clay
Peter Wight	...	Admiral Croft
Marion Bailey	...	Mrs. Croft
Amanda Hale	...	Mary Musgrove
Jennifer Higham	...	Louisa Musgrove
Rosamund Stephen	...	Henrietta Musgrove
Stella Gonet	...	Mrs Musgrove
Sam Hazeldine	...	Charles Musgrove
Louis Shergold	...	Little Charles
Nicholas Farrell	...	Mr Musgrove

Storyline

Royal Navy captain Wentworth was haughtily turned down eight years ago as suitor of pompous baronet Sir Walter Elliot's daughter Anne, despite true love. Now he visits their former seaside country estate, rented by his brother-in-law, admiral Croft, so the financially stressed baronet can afford a fashionable, cheaper residence in trendy Bath. First the former lovers meet again on the estate, where they feel vibes again, but neither dares admit them until it seems too late. Yet the truth becomes clear, both have moved, but meet again in Bath.

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Plot Keywords:

female protagonist | cousin cousin relationship | cousin marriage | cousins incest | cousin cousin incest | 

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Taglines:

A new adaptation of Jane Austen's classic

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The white gown with black polka dots worn by Rosamund Stephen (Henrietta Musgrove) is the same costume worn by Susannah Harker (Jane Bennet) in Pride and Prejudice (1995), Olivia Williams (Jane Fairfax) in Emma (1996), and Tanya Samuel in The Regency House Party (2004).

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Goofs

On the walk to Winthrop, as the camera focuses on Ann overhearing Frederick and Louisa's conversation, a crew member with a red jacket is seen in the background (at around 38 mins) behind her.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[Anne has been upset and flustered as she hurries through Kellynch Hall, marking an inventory of items throughout the mansion. She spies Lady Russell's carriage approaching and goes outside to meet her. They talk while returning inside]
Anne Elliot: My dear Russell!
Lady Russell: My dear Anne. You look quite done for. I came back as soon as I received your letter. I had no idea the position was so worse.
Anne Elliot: Unfortunately, a person who has contracted debts must pay them, even if he is a gentleman.
Lady Russell: Was there no ...
[...]

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Connections

Version of Persuasion (1960)

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Soundtracks

German Dance in D Major
By Franz Schubert
[Anne plays pianoforte for dance]

User Reviews

Incandescently Charming Adaptation Will Set Your Heart Aglow

I was swept up by this brilliant adaptation from second one, when a young woman looked straight at me with melancholic eyes in an extreme close up. I was engaged, I was on her side and watched, utterly spellbound, as her story unravelled.

A clever script manages, with all the cuts and changes which are invariably part of all adaptations, to distill the spirit of Jane Austen's novel unerringly. Wonderful leads (Rupert Penry-Jones is a warm-hearted, dashing Wentworth and Sally Hawkins is a delightfully sweet tempered Anne Elliot) and an outstanding supporting cast breathe life and immediacy into the plot. Creative film making ideas give the production a fresh face and make for memorable, visually gorgeous film moments. The pacing is swift but never hurried. And last but not least, I loved the musical score!

Watching this sent me walking on cloud 9 for days. I have watched it several times since and am still discovering new marvels because there are many levels to explore in this gem. Don't miss it!

Details

Official Sites:

PBS [United States]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 January 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Persuasion

Filming Locations:

Bath Street, Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Clerkenwell Films, WGBH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1