- Jane Austen?s romantic masterpiece comes to DVD in a thrilling new production from the BBC and Masterpiece Theatre. Anne Elliot fell deeply in love with the handsome young naval officer Frederick Wentworth at the age of nineteen. But with neither fortune nor rank to recommend him, Anne was persuaded to break off her engagement. Eight years later, Anne has lived to regret her decision. She never st
Jane Austen’s romantic masterpiece comes to DVD in a thrilling new production from the BBC and Masterpiece Theatre. Anne Elliot fell deeply in love with the handsome young naval officer Frederick Wentworth at the age of nineteen. But with neither fortune nor rank to recommend him, Anne was persuaded to break off her engagement. Eight years later, Anne has lived to regret her decision. She never stopped loving Wentworth, and when he returns from sea with a fortune and rank, she can only watch as every eligible young woman in the district falls at his feet. Jane Austen fans will delight in the sumptuous production design and first-rate acting in the 2007 Masterpiece Theatre version of Persuasion. Sally Hawkins is controlled and moving as Anne Elliot, the quietly heartbroken but sensible heroine who was “persuaded” (read: forced) to turn away her true love but still carries an unseen torch for him. Hawkins’s performance is genteel yet steely, and the quiet strength of the entire production. Hawkins looks alternately quietly lovely and sadly pinched–as one might expect the long frustrated Anne to look.
Other highlights include a post-Buffy Anthony Head, as Anne’s clueless, blustery father, Sir Walter. Head gets to turn on his deft comic talent here in ways most American audiences have not yet seen him; he’s clearly enjoying himself immensely, blustering about “my shrubberies” and other trivial affairs. The cinematography is lush (several breathtaking tracking shots are used, especially early on), as are the period costumes. The production was filmed exclusively on location, and the reality of the sets enforces the story.
Some fans may prefer the 1995 Amanda Root version, for the casting of Ciaran Hinds as Capt. Wentworth, but this later effort is a worthy entry in the Austen film oeuvre–and Rupert Penry-Jones is a dreamboat in his own right. As the wistful Anne says, on behalf of all women, “We do not forget you, so soon as you forget us.” –A.T. Hurley
Buy “Persuasion” For Only $11.98
February 10, 2006
#1
Where to start? First, the case arrived cracked (damaged in shipping) so I opened the plastic to survey the damage and found a big crack down the inside of it. Well, I decided to give it one more shot and go with a three strikes your out basis and it struck out! This movie sucked! I could barely stay awake through the boring and uneventful dialouge, the way it dragged through each scene like a snail and whoever complained about her running through the streets at the end being the only bad part was crazy. This whole movie was slow, poorly casted and all-in-all a complete flop. Have you not seen Pride and Prejudice? Becoming Jane? The Inheritance? Anything but this…!
February 10, 2006
#2
This movie is NOT for those who have pretensions; unfortunately when ever it comes to literary classics everyone who has read the book or seen the first adaptation feels as if they are a expert and are snobs when comes to further versions. Beware of these reviews!
I had the pleasure of catching this movie 2 weeks ago on PBS I missed the first half but caught the second and what grab me was the wonderful acting the way the feels of the characters we so beautifully played.
In fact one of my favorite scenes is of Anne running thru the streets to finally catch up to the man who she so obviously is in love with. It’s a funny moment and conveys a reality to the situation.
This movie is for those who like to see Jane Austen infused with emotion the feelings are what make this film shine above all others. Anne’s poignant looks into the camera are priceless! Pride and Prejudice was my favorite until now.
BTW the music is a major player in this movie rent the DVD and listens as the music during the DVD menu starts of soft and quiet and than builds to a loud crescendo! And you will understand what the film maker is trying to convey!
February 10, 2006
#3
This version of Jane Austen’s classic, is so far from a well produced drama that it doesn’t merit being called drama. Not because of the acting but because the script, directing and sequencing in an attempt to modernize and shorten results in a movie that is difficult to follow, whose characters seem shallow and within a short time, you think to yourself, why am I watching this bollix of a film in the first place. Watch the Amanda Root version, much better, true to the story and a classic that warrants your time!
February 10, 2006
#4
I adored this new adaptation of the book of Jane Austen.
The history is pretty and we have wonderful interpretations.
I saw this film innumerable times and each moment I feel the magic of this romance.
February 10, 2006
#5
I have never before recommended that a fan of Jane Austin and fans of the BBC productions not buy a dvd, but this one is really horrible. I am impressed with the previous review by Merkeet who lists the good and bad points. Much more diplomatic than I am right now. I bought the dvd based on positive reviews that I read at this site, and I’m not sorry that I’ve seen it – Jane Austin is always good, I just can’t understand how this one was allowed to have been produced. The direction is dubious at best, which I can only assume is what caused all the over- acting. There are some wonderful actors who are aren’t given a chance in this version. I recommend spending your money on the Amanda Root version which is absolutely beautiful, and while you’re at it, look into Elizabeth Gaskill’s North and South, which just came out in dvd, and is as close to perfection as a BBC production can be, and that’s saying a lot! I love Jane Austin, but unfortunately this production of her Persuasion is surprisingly, and just simply, very badly done.