- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
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5 out of 5
The decision to hire Taiwan's Ang Lee to direct this adaptation of Jane Austen's first novel was truly inspired. Avoiding the chocolate-box visuals that cheapen so many British costume dramas, Lee brings a refreshing period realism to the tale of two sisters that allows Emma Thompson's respectful Oscar-winning script to flourish. Kate Winslet's spirited Marianne is the stand-out performance in a solid display of ensemble acting, but the mystery remains why Lee, who is the first director to win Berlin's Golden Bear twice, was not among the film's seven Oscar nominations.
Plot Summary
An impoverished family is taken in by a relative - and while sensible elder daughter Elinor's love for the sensitive Edward Ferrars meets with disapproval from his family, her more passionate younger sister Marianne engages in a disastrous romance with an infamous womaniser. Period drama based on Jane Austen's novel, directed by Ang Lee and starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Elinor Dashwood
- Emma Thompson
- Marianne Dashwood
- Kate Winslet
- Colonel Brandon
- Alan Rickman
- Edward Ferrars
- Hugh Grant
- John Willoughby
- Greg Wise
- Mrs Dashwood
- Gemma Jones
- Lucy Steele
- Imogen Stubbs
- Mrs Jennings
- Elizabeth Spriggs
- Mr Dashwood
- Tom Wilkinson
- Fanny Dashwood
- Harriet Walter
- John Dashwood
- James Fleet
- Margaret Dashwood
- Emilie François
- Sir John Middleton
- Robert Hardy
- Charlotte Palmer
- Imelda Staunton
- Mr Palmer
- Hugh Laurie
- Robert Ferrars
- Richard Lumsden
Crew
- Director
- Ang Lee
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