Sense And Sensibility (2008)

Ok, I was first drawn into the world of Jane Austen as a teenager, taking my girlfried to the cinema see Ang Lee's fabulous 1995 film adaptation of S&S. Since then, I have learnt that Ms Austen has a very exacting and passionate band of die-hard followers, and therefore, any future adaptation of S&S simply 'had' to come up to scratch.

So here I am now, a thirty something, fairly blokish bloke, writing a review of this latest mini series from the BBC... and I'm happy to say that I absolutely loved it. Hattie Morahan & Charity Wakefield were beautifully cast as the 'sensible' Elinor & the 'passionate' Marianne. David Morrissey put in a simply fabulous & emotional performance as Colonel Brandon. Noble, reserved and honourable. Very British. Dan Stevens did a wonderful job of protraying the bumbling, gentle and frustrated Edward Ferrars and Dominic Cooper brought a new, almost derranged, darkness to the deceitful Willoughby. The entire cast in fact, add new personal dimentions to their characters that was really very refreshing.

A note on the screenplay & derection. The inclusion of charaters omitted from other adaptations was unexpected and a lovely surprise. Scenes not in, but referred to in the book, and given the full directorial treatment add a dramatic edge to an already simmering plot. Additionally, through a combination of great acting and brilliant direction, you really get a feel for the entirely hopeless situation of the central characters in the opening episode. This makes for an ever more uplifting voyage through this timeless story.

I am cautious not to draw too many comparisons between the book and past adaptations, as I am always delighted to experience the diversity of interpretaion artistic licence caters for. However, to keep the die-hards happy, the script remains faithful, the settings appropriately dramatic, and the costume choices inspired. This is television that the BBC does well, and on this occasion, very well indeed. I will re-visit this adaptation for years to come, and my only gripe is that the BBC has not (yet) given it the Blu-Ray treatment. recommended and commended in every respect.

Been watching this on bbc one at the moment, watched two of the three, can't wait for the next one! this is a must buy, it's a exciting new take on jane austen's sense and sensibilty, with an amazing cast. much better than any other version I have seen! In one word it's FANTASTIC!

I was pleased to see that the BBC was doing sense and sensibility i watched it New Year and I'm looking forward to watching this DVD over and over again. It was BBC drama back to its best, holding its own with such BBC classics such as Pride and prejudice. The women were whimsical and the men in it smouldering, definately one for the girls. What a girl wouldn't do to be swept off her feet by such dashing men, costumes great not a fault in sight.

The reason Jane Austens books have remained classics for nigh on 200 years is because they are great works of literature and no TV or film adaption can ever replace that. As adaptions go though I have to admit this is thoroughly enjoyable with a great cast and excellent direction and of all the filmed versions this is the best I have seen.

This adaptation by the BBC is brilliant. The characters are engaging and the story moves at a good pace. It is filmed in beautiful locations and directed perfectly. Completely enjoyable and is a production that you will never tire of watching!